If you use Windows 11 on your computer, it usually updates your drivers automatically when it updates Windows itself. Drivers are small programs that help your computer’s hardware work properly.

Sometimes, you might want to stop Windows from updating drivers automatically. This guide will show you simple ways to turn this feature on or off.

What Are Driver Updates?

Drivers help your computer talk to devices like printers, graphics cards, or keyboards. Windows Update settings often includes updated drivers to keep your devices working smoothly.

Learn more about driver updates from Microsoft Support

Before You Start

• You need to be signed in as an administrator on your PC to make these changes.
• Even if you turn off driver updates, some backing up device drivers might still update automatically.

Option 1: Use Local Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise/Education)

This tool is not available on Windows 11 Home edition.

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run box.
2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. In the left panel, go to:
   
   
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from latest Windows Updates
   
4. On the right, find and double-click Do not include drivers with Windows Updates.
5. 
   To enable driver updates (default): Select Not Configured or Disabled, then click OK.
   
6. 
   To disable driver updates: Select Enabled, then click OK.
   
7. Close the Local Group Policy Editor.

Option 2: Use Registry Editor (Works on All Windows 11 Editions)

This method is a bit more detailed but works on Windows 11 Home too.

Important: Editing the registry can be risky. Please back up your registry before making changes. Learn how to back up your registry.

To Turn ON Driver Updates (Default)

reg delete "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /v ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate /f

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching" /v SearchOrderConfig /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UpdatePolicy\PolicyState" /v ExcludeWUDrivers /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

To Turn OFF Driver Updates

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate" /v ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate /d REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching" /v SearchOrderConfig /t REG_DWORD /d 3 /f

reg add "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UpdatePolicy\PolicyState" /v ExcludeWUDrivers /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

How to Edit the Registry

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the keys shown in the code above using the left sidebar.
3. Change or create the values as shown. To create a new value, right-click in the right pane, choose New, then DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Double-click the value to change its data.
5. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Summary

• By default, Windows 11 updates drivers with Windows Updates to keep your devices working well.
• You can turn off automatic driver updates using Group Policy Editor or Registry Editor.
• Group Policy Editor is easier but only on certain Windows editions.
• Registry Editor works on all editions but needs careful handling.
• Administrator permission is required to make these changes.
• Turning off driver updates doesn’t always stop all driver updates entirely.

Use these steps if you want more control over driver updates on your Windows 11 PC.