It’s possible that you’ve observed that Windows 10 is keen to keep your system software up to date. For your sound card, modem, graphics card, and other hardware, the operating system will automatically download and install fresh drivers.
While practical, doing so runs the danger of erasing earlier driver configurations and infecting your system with flaws caused by the upgraded driver.
How to prevent Windows from updating graphics drivers is as follows:
- Select Start from the menu.
- Double-click the Advanced settings button.
- In the System Properties window, click on the Hardware tab.
- Select Installation Settings for the Device.
- Save the settings to apply them.
How To Stop Windows From Updating Graphics Drivers
This article describes the quickest way to prevent Windows from updating your computer’s graphics drivers.
1. Click on the Start Menu
The Start menu enables quick access to frequently used applications and system configurations. You may either click the Start button on the taskbar or use the Windows key on your keyboard to access the Start menu.
Regardless of your method, the Windows Start Menu (shown above) should appear, allowing you to advance to the next step.
2. Double click on Advanced System Settings
In the Windows menu’s search bar, enter Advanced System, and then select Advanced System Settings from the options that display.
You may use a variety of Windows 10 system settings to change how the operating system and its apps behave.
3. On the System Properties Window, select the Hardware tab
Windows offers a range of system characteristics, which are traits that characterise particular system features.
These properties can be seen and modified via the System Properties window. Specifically, you will need to visit the Hardware tab by selecting it from the menu that appears.
4. Select Device Installation Settings
Users of Windows 10 can now configure their device installation settings to get updates.
Here, the system will ask if you like to automatically download the manufacturer’s programmes and device-specific icons.
Select No (your device might not work as expected).
5. Save to apply the setting
Click Save to apply the modified settings.
Using the Device Installation Settings is one of the simplest ways to prevent Windows from automatically upgrading drivers on your device.
If that does not work, there is no need for concern. You can also try a few other alternate solutions.
How to stop Windows from updating graphics drivers in alternative ways
Windows Update automatically downloads and installs periodically available software updates.
These updates include new features, correct bugs in existing applications, or enhance the performance of the operating system.
If you have an OEM computer or a pre-installed version of Windows, you may have limited control over the updates that are installed on your machine.
Occasionally, these updates can result in stability issues and blue screen crashes.
If this occurs following the installation of graphics driver updates, the following alternatives can be used to prevent Windows from updating graphics drivers in the future:
Stop Automatic Updates through the Local Group Policy Editor
Windows Local Group Policy Editor (LGPE) is a snap-in for managing local group policy objects on Windows-based operating systems.
The conventional system controller in Windows is not always sufficient for controlling user settings and other customizations.
Administrators can use the Local Group Policy Editor to accomplish the following:
- Manage the operating system and the behaviour of the user.
- Apply constraints to application usage.
- Control which software can be installed on the computer.
- Limit them access to specific applications and folders, among other things.
This section focuses on how to use the tool to prevent Windows from automatically updating graphics drivers.
- Click the Start button on your keyboard.
- Copy gpedit.msc and paste it into the search box at the bottom left corner.
- Open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Click Computer Configuration.
- Navigate to Administrative Templates> Windows Components.
- Scroll down to Windows Update.
- Navigate to Do not include drivers with Windows Update and double click.
- You should see three options: Not Configured, Enabled, and Disabled.
- Select Enabled and click on Apply.
- Click OK.
Windows will continue to get other updates, but drivers will not be installed on your PC. In this scenario, you may need to manually download and install drivers.
Stop graphics drivers update with Windows Registry
The Windows Registry is a central repository for configuration data and user preferences for Windows and its apps.
The registry contains information about user preferences, operating system settings, and programme configurations to facilitate the efficient operation of your computer.
The Windows registry is arranged into various categories called “keys.” Each key stores specialised data in the form of numeric or textual values.
Here’s how to stop automatic driver updates using the registry:
- Click the Start button on your keyboard.
- Type Regedit on the search box and open the Registry Editor app.
- Allow the application to make changes to your computer.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, go to SOFTWARE and scroll down to Policies.
- Select Microsoft and right-click Windows.
- Select New > Key.
- Rename your newly created key, preferably as Windows Updates.
- Right-click your newly created key, and go to New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Right-click the DWORD and rename it as ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate.
- Right-click the new DWORD and select Modify. Set the value data from 0 to 1 and click OK.
Using the Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter
The Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter is a lightweight, portable utility for identifying and hiding troublesome updates on your computer.
Unfortunately, if you use Windows 10, you’re bound to have problems.
You may encounter a circumstance in which an update disrupts a crucial aspect of your workflow.
Perhaps a forthcoming update has broken some functionality or software compatibility.
In this instance, use the Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter to prevent automatic driver updates:
- Download the Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter.
- Run the troubleshooter to select the drivers that will install automatically.
- Click Next and wait as the system detects problems.
- Select Hide Updates.
- Choose your graphics drivers from the list.
Temporarily prevent hidden drivers from receiving automatic updates. If this utility fails to function, you may always revert to the prior driver version.
In such a circumstance, you may be required to uninstall the driver, reinstall the previous version, and download the driver from the manufacturer’s website.
Troubleshooting graphics drivers on Windows
We don’t generally think of graphics cards as separate equipment, but if you’re a serious gamer or a skilled video editor, you realise how crucial they are.
Graphics drivers are applications that instruct your computer on how to use its graphical user interface (GUI).
If you recently updated your graphics drivers and are having problems with your Windows 10 machine, you should revert to the prior version of the graphics driver.
Updating graphics drivers may differ depending on the manufacturer and type of graphics card in your system.
If you’re having problems with your graphics driver, check the following:
- Low Performance computer: One of the most common graphics driver difficulties is a slow computer. While many PCs slow down with time, inadequate graphics drivers can exacerbate the problem. With malfunctioning graphics drivers, playing games, producing films, or performing other chores demanding high graphics settings is nearly impossible.
- Display problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including a defective computer or a faulty graphics driver. A defective computer is significantly less likely, but a faulty graphics driver is far more common. Check for distorted visuals, washed-out colours, or black and white screen issues if your graphics drivers aren’t working properly.
- Problems with video cards: A video card is in charge of turning your computer’s instructions into graphics that appear on your monitor. If your video card is incorrectly installed or damaged, it might result in distorted images, poor colour quality, or even a blank or black screen.
- Failed driver updates and instals: One of the most common graphics driver issues is a failed driver update. Fortunately, this is a simple problem with a simple solution. Reinstall your graphics driver after downloading it.
A graphics driver problem can lead to a variety of other issues, including as poor performance, display troubles, and video card problems.
To troubleshoot these issues, first ensure that your computer’s display is properly configured. Then, if your machine is having display problems, examine your graphics settings.
Check for Windows Updates
When investigating for potential problems with your Windows 10 machine, be sure that no Windows updates are conflicting with your graphics drivers.
When you install a Windows update, it may alter the driver file for your graphics card, causing your computer to malfunction.
To check for pending Windows updates, follow these steps:
- Open the Windows 10 Start Menu.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates.
Windows users are constantly at risk of being infected with a virus, trojan horse, or other malicious software. All of these problems can be solved with Windows updates.
It is your responsibility to keep your computer secure. Check for updates on a regular basis and apply them as soon as possible to avoid problems that can cause your computer to slow down or crash.
Reinstall the current version of the graphics driver
If you recently installed new graphics drivers and are experiencing problems, you should uninstall them and reinstall the previous version.
To remove the current graphics driver:
- Open the Start Menu and search for Device Manager. You can also open the Control Panel and search for Device Manager.
- Once there, select Display adapters and right-click the installed graphics driver.
- Select Properties.
- Navigate to the Driver tab.
- Select Uninstall Device and reboot your computer.
After uninstalling the driver, return to the manufacturer’s website and download it. Next, watch this video to learn how to manually install the driver:
Roll back to an earlier version of the graphics driver
If you’ve tried installing a different graphics driver and the problems persist, you can restore the driver to an earlier version.
- Open the Device Manager and scroll down to Graphics adapters.
- Right-click your installed graphics driver (under Display Adapters) and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Driver tab.
- Select Roll Back Driver and follow the on-screen instructions to return to an earlier version of the graphics driver.
If none of the previous alternatives work, you may want to delete your current graphics driver, restart your computer, and then manually reinstall the most recent version of the driver.
Check your Device Manager
If your computer is running slowly and you suspect the graphics driver is to fault, one place to look is in the Device Manager.
A list of all the hardware installed on your computer may be found in the Device Manager.
If you see a yellow! or a red X next to a device, it implies the computer is having trouble with it.
If you see an exclamation mark next to your graphics card, it signifies there is an issue with the device driver, which can cause your computer to slow down.
Check for hardware compatibility issue(s) and update(s)
If you recently installed a new driver along with a new device and are having problems using it, you may have a hardware compatibility problem.
To check for compatibility issues, look through the list of compatible devices for the software or device you’re using.
You should update the device driver to confirm that it is compatible with your computer and operating system.
If you’re using a brand-new device, your computer may not yet have a working third-party graphics driver loaded. Check the manufacturer’s website to check if there is a compatible version available.
Ensure your computer is using the latest software
Last but not least, make sure your PC is up to date. If your computer is slow or has problems, it could be due to outdated software.
While some updates are critical and address critical computer security risks, others may cause more issues than they fix.
When new updates become available, Windows will automatically prompt you to install them. However, in some cases, you may need to check for updates yourself.
Installing the most recent updates for your operating system, browser, and other apps protects your computer from cyber thieves who attempt to exploit obsolete software.
Regular software updates also help to minimise crashes, reduce blue screen problems, and improve system performance.
Final thoughts
If you’re tired of Windows automatically updating your graphics drivers, there are a few simple fixes available.
By going over the previous sections, you’ll be able to have a lot more control over your device.