Manage Windows Driver Updates in Windows 11

This article describes the steps to exclude or include drivers with Windows updates in Windows 11.

By default, Windows Update helps get the latest fixes and security improvements, keeping your device running smoothly and staying protected. In some cases, Windows will install device drivers along with other updates.

Additionally, users can also install and update device drivers that are included with Windows optional updates. When you do, drivers for specific devices will be installed or updated.

Windows also has a policy setting to exclude drivers with Windows updates. The policy is known as “Do not include drivers with Windows updates” and allows an administrator not to include drivers with Windows quality updates.

Below is how to enable or disable that policy.

Enable or Disable do not include drivers with Windows updates with the Local Group Policy editor

As described above, Windows has policy settings that exclude or include drivers with Windows updates. Below is how to turn on or off “Do not include drivers with Windows updates” via the Local Group Policy editor.

First, open the Local Group Policy Editor.

Click on the Start menu button and search for “Edit group policy. “ Under Best match, select Edit group policy result.

In the left pane of Local Group Policy Editor, expand the tree: 

Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update -> Manage updates offered from Windows Update

In the Manage updates offered from the Windows Update details pane on the right, locate and double-click the setting “Do not include drivers with Windows Updates. “

On the Do not include drivers with Windows Updates window, set the option to Not Configure, Enabled, or Disabled.

• Not Configured (default)
• Enabled  – Do not include drivers with Windows quality updates.
• Disabled – Windows Update will include updates that have a Driver classification.

Save your changes, exit, and reboot.

Exclude or include drivers with Windows updates via the Windows Registry Editor

If you can’t open the Local Group Policy Editor, use the Windows Registry editor instead.

Open the Windows Registry and navigate to the folder key path listed below.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

If you don’t see the WindowsUpdate folder key, right-click on the Windows key, then create the subkey (WindowsUpdate) folders.

On the right pane of the WindowsUpdate folder key, right-click and select New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value. Next, type a new key named ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate.

Double-click the new value name (ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate) and enter the Value data of 1 to exclude drivers with Windows updates.

A Value data of 0 or simply deleting the value name will include drivers with Windows updates.

That should do it!

Reference:

Microsoft.com

Conclusion:

• In conclusion, this post provided a comprehensive guide on enabling or disabling “Do not include drivers with Windows Updates” in Windows 11 through the Local Group Policy Editor and the Windows Registry Editor.
• Users were instructed to navigate through the Local Group Policy Editor to locate and modify the “Do not include drivers with Windows Updates” setting, with clear explanations of the available options: Not Configured, Enabled, or Disabled.
• Additionally, the guide included detailed steps on utilizing the Windows Registry Editor to achieve the same effect, offering alternative methods for users who encounter issues accessing the Local Group Policy Editor.
• By following these steps, users can manage the inclusion or exclusion of drivers with Windows updates based on their specific system requirements, ensuring a tailored update experience.