How to Stop Manufacturer Apps Installing in Windows 11

Method 1Using the Windows Settings App

The Windows Settings ⚙️ app lets you stop manufacturer apps from installing 💿 automatically on any Windows 11 computer, including the Home edition. You can turn off this feature by changing your device installation settings so bloatware does not sneak onto your system when you connect new hardware or run updates.

1. Open Settings ⚙️: Click the Start button ⊞ (the Windows icon) on your taskbar 🖥️ and then click the Settings ⚙️ cog icon. You can also press the Win+I on your keyboard.
2. Go to System Information: In the Settings ⚙️ window, click on “System” in the left sidebar. Scroll down and click on “About.”
3. Access Advanced System Settings: Under the “Device specifications” section, click on “Advanced system settings.” A new window called “System Properties” will open.
4. Go to Hardware Settings: In the “System Properties” window, click the “Hardware” tab at the top.
5. Open Device Installation Settings: Click the button that says “Device Installation Settings.”
6. Choose Not to Install Apps: You will see a question: “Do you want to allow Windows to download inbox apps and manufacturer icons for your devices?” Select the option that says “No (your device might not work as expected).”
   

   Choosing not to install apps prevents unwanted programs from installing 💿 automatically. Windows Update 🔃 will still install essential drivers in most cases.

7. Save Your Changes: Click the “Save Changes” button at the bottom.
8. Confirm the Changes: You may be asked for administrator permission. Click “Yes” if prompted. Then click “OK” to close the “System Properties” window.

After following these steps, Windows 11 should stop automatically downloading ⬇️ and installing 💿 companion apps from hardware manufacturers when you connect new devices.

Method 2Using the Local Group Policy Editor (🪟 Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, Education)

The Local Group Policy Editor (a tool for managing system settings) helps you stop manufacturer apps from installing 💿 automatically on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions. This built-in tool lets you apply a strict rule that blocks unwanted software before it has a chance to appear on your computer.

1. Open the Local Group Policy Editor: Click the Start button, type gpedit.msc, and then click on the "Run command" result, or press Enter.
   

   💡TipThis tool lets you change many system settings that affect how Windows behaves.
2. Navigate to the Correct Policy: In the Local Group Policy Editor window, follow this path by clicking through the folders:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation

3. Find the Policy Setting: In the right-hand side, find a policy named "Prevent automatic download of applications associated with device metadata." Double-click on it.
   
4. Enable the Policy: A new window will appear. To stop automatic downloads, select the "Enabled" option. Enabling this policy actually *prevents* Windows from automatically downloading apps.

   The Policy setting stops automatic app downloads. To turn on this policy, select the "Enabled" option in the new window. Enabling this policy prevents Windows from automatically downloading apps. This policy instructs Windows not to automatically get applications based on information it receives from your connected devices.

5. Apply and Confirm: Click the "Apply" button, then click "OK" to save the changes and close the window.
   

The Local Group Policy Editor will now prevent Windows 11 from automatically installing manufacturer apps for your hardware.

Method 3Using the Windows Registry Editor (All 🪟 Windows 11 Versions)

The Windows Registry (a database of low-level system settings) lets you stop manufacturer apps from installing automatically on any edition of Windows 11, including Windows 11 Home. Editing a specific registry key blocks these unwanted programs from appearing when you set up your system or connect new devices.

Before you start: It's strongly recommended to back up your Registry. Open the Registry Editor, go to File > Export, and save a copy of your entire Registry.

1. Open the Registry Editor: Click the Start button, type regedit, and then click on the "Run command" result, or press Enter.
   

   ⚠️WarningEditing the Registry incorrectly can cause serious problems with your Windows installation.

   Proceed with caution.

2. Navigate to the Correct Registry Key: In the Registry Editor, go to this location. You can copy and paste this path into the address bar at the top:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Device Metadata
   

   If the Device Metadata key does not exist, you need to create it. Right-click on the Windows key, select "New," then "Key," and name it Device Metadata.

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3. Create or Modify the DWORD Value: Once you are in the Device Metadata key, look in the right-hand pane. You need to create or change a value named PreventDeviceMetadataFromNetwork.

   • If PreventDeviceMetadataFromNetwork already exists, double-click on it.
   • If it does not exist, right-click in the empty space on the right, select "New," then "DWORD (32-bit) Value." Name this new value exactly PreventDeviceMetadataFromNetwork.
4. Set the Value Data: When the "Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value" window opens, change the "Value data" field to 1.
   

   Explanation: Setting this value to 1 tells Windows to stop automatically downloading device information and related apps from the internet. A value of 0 would allow it.

   Click "OK" to save the change.

5. Restart Your Computer: For the changes to work, you must restart your computer. Close the Registry Editor before restarting.

After your computer restarts, Windows 11 will stop trying to automatically download manufacturer apps using the registry modification method, preventing unwanted bloatware.

Reverting the Registry Changes

If you want to allow automatic app downloads again, follow the same steps as Method 3. In step 4, change the "Value data" for PreventDeviceMetadataFromNetwork back to 0, or delete the PreventDeviceMetadataFromNetwork value completely. Then, restart your computer.

Summary

To stop manufacturer apps from installing automatically in Windows 11, you have three main options. The Settings app works well for everyone. For Pro, Enterprise, and Education users, the Local Group Policy Editor offers more control. All versions can use the Registry Editor, but this requires caution.