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How to Disable Automatic Driver Downloads on Windows 11
Learn to take control of automatic driver updates
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Microsoft Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. One of the reasons for its popularity is that it comes with automatic driver updates, which help users to get rid of old drivers and install new ones.
It also alerts you when important security patches are available. However, some users may not want to allow the Windows Update to automatically install the driver updates on their computers as it can sometimes cause them trouble.
The main reason is that a lot of users are operating old PCs or don’t have enough bandwidth to accommodate automatic updates. You caneasily update your Windows 11 driversmanually or disable them to prevent such issues.
Can Windows 11 update drivers automatically?
Yes, Windows can update drivers automatically. If you have an old computer, it’s possible that you won’t have the latest driver for your hardware and Windows will prompt you to install them.
As you might already know, your computer’s hardware and software components are controlled by drivers. Driver updates are important for more than just security reasons.
Newer drivers often include bug fixes, performance enhancements, and security improvements that weren’t present in older versions of the driver.
When you connect a new device to your computer, Windows will automatically search for the best-matching driver from its own database or from Windows Update. If it finds a match, it will install the driver and you’ll be able to use the device right away.
While automatic driver updates are a great thing, they can also cause problems. Most of the time, the built-in Windows drivers work just fine. But problems can occur when Windows gets an outdated or incorrect driver from the manufacturer’s website.
If a driver isn’t installed correctly, it could cause issues such as frequent errors and crashes or even damage to your hardware. In such cases, it is important to disable automatic updates.
How do I keep all my drivers up to date?
Driver updates are critical to keeping your PC running at its best. Other reasons include:
It can be hard to keep track of which driver updates you’ve installed, let alone newer versions that are available. Windows Update does a good job but you have to manually check and select the updates you wish to install.
This is where an automatic tool comes in. Outbyte Driver Updater is designed for users who have little or no experience in updating drivers but want to keep their computers running smoothly at all times.
This product is also ideal for those who would rather not spend hours trying to find the right driver on their own. Outbyte Driver Updater will scan your system for all missing, corrupt, and outdated drivers and automatically download the correct version of this driver from the Internet.
Outbyte Driver Updater
How do I disable automatic driver updates in Windows 11?
1. Use the Settings app
1.Hit theWindowskey and selectSettings.
2.SelectSystemon the left pane then click onAbouton the right pane.
3.Click onAdvanced system settingsunderDevice specifications.
4.In theSystem Propertieswindow that opens, navigate to theHardwaretab and click onDevice Installation Settings.
5.ClickonNoto disable automatic driver updates and then hitSave changes.
If you want to re-enable them, simply go back to this window and click onYes.
If you’re looking to disable automatic driver updates on your Windows 11 PC, the easiest way to do so is via Settings. In just 5 steps, you can say goodbye to these updates.
Whenever you change your mind, you can easily re-enable driver updates from the same menu where you disabled them from.
2. Use Control Panel
3. Use Registry Editor
4. Use Group Policy Editor
5. Use the Windows Update Service
How do you check if all drivers are updated?
There are many ways to check if your drivers are up-to-date. If a problem arises, it is important to know which driver might be causing problems.
The most common method to check is via the Settings app:
You can also check out our recommended list ofreliable driver detectorsto save you the hassle of constantly checking outdated drivers.
We also have an expert article to help you if you areunable to install driverson your Windows PC. While you are still here, you can also check our article onhow to block Windows updates.
Drop us a comment down below for any additional comments on this topic.
More about the topics:drivers,Windows 11
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
