How to Prevent Windows Update From Installing Drivers Automatically

Windows Update often installs drivers automatically—even replacing newer or more stable ones you’ve installed manually. This is one of the most frustrating issues for power users and professionals, especially when dealing with GPU, audio, or chipset drivers that require specific versions.

Here’s how to take control and stop Windows from overriding your drivers.

Why This Happens

By default, Windows considers driver updates part of system maintenance. If a new version is published to Microsoft’s servers, it will push it—even if it causes instability.

Example: Windows replacing your Studio-ready NVIDIA driver with a generic Game Ready version.

Method 1: Use Group Policy Editor (Pro Editions Only)

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, press Enter

2. Navigate to:

   pgsql

   복사편집

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Do not include drivers with Windows Updates


3. Set this policy to Enabled

4. Reboot your system

Method 2: Disable Driver Updates via System Properties

Works on all editions (Home, Pro, etc.):

1. Open Control Panel → System → Advanced system settings

2. Go to the Hardware tab

3. Click Device Installation Settings

4. Select No (your device might not work as expected)

5. Save and reboot

Method 3: Block Specific Driver Updates with WUShowHide Tool

Microsoft’s lesser-known utility:
wushowhide.diagcab – [Insert link to official download]

1. Run the tool and let it scan

2. Choose “Hide updates”

3. Select any driver updates you want to block

4. Confirm and close

Real Example

A user running an audio production setup experienced latency spikes every time Windows updated the Realtek audio driver. Using WUShowHide to block the update permanently fixed the issue.

By taking these steps, you ensure that your system runs the drivers you choose—not whatever Microsoft decides is “best.” For anyone using high-performance hardware, this is essential maintenance.