How To Stop Windows From Updating Graphics Card Drivers

By Marlo Strydom

Windows sometimes replaces your graphics card driver with a generic version during updates, which can cause issues like lower performance or lost features. If you want to keep using your current driver, here are a few ways to stop Windows from automatically changing it.

1. Use the Microsoft Show or Hide Tool

This is the safest method for most users. It hides a specific driver update so Windows won’t try to install it again.

Steps:

  1. Download the tool from Microsoft’s site:
    Download wushowhide.diagcab

  2. Run the downloaded file and click Next .

  3. Select Hide updates when prompted.

  4. Choose your graphics driver from the list and click Next .

Once hidden, Windows Update will no longer try to install that driver. If a new version appears later, you can repeat the process to hide the new one too.

💡 This doesn’t block other updates — only the one you choose to hide.

2. Use Device Installation Settings to Stop Driver Updates

This method blocks Windows from automatically downloading any driver updates , including for your graphics card. It works on all versions of Windows 10 and 11.

Steps:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select System .

  2. Scroll down and click Advanced system settings on the right.

  3. In the Hardware tab, click Device Installation Settings .

  4. When asked if you want Windows to download driver software, choose No .

  5. Click Save Changes and restart your PC.

⚠️ This will stop all device drivers from being updated automatically, not just your graphics driver.

3. Reinstall and Lock Your Preferred Graphics Driver

If you’ve already installed the driver version you want, this method helps stop Windows from replacing it.

Steps:

  1. Download your preferred driver directly from the GPU maker’s website:

  2. Start the installation and choose Custom Installation (if available).

  3. Select Clean Install to remove older files and ensure a fresh setup.

  4. Once installed, open Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu).

  5. Expand Display adapters , right-click your graphics card, and choose Properties .

  6. Go to the Driver tab and click Update Driver .

  7. Choose Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list .

  8. Select the version you just installed and check the box (if it appears):
    “Never install driver software from Windows Update.”

💡 This option may not show up on all systems, but it can help Windows keep your selected version.

4. Block All Driver Updates Using Group Policy

(Windows Pro, Education, or Enterprise only)

This method stops Windows from downloading any driver updates through Windows Update. It doesn’t apply to Home editions.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R , type gpedit.msc , and hit Enter.

  2. In the left panel, go to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates >
    Windows Components > Windows Update >
    Manage updates offered from Windows Update

  3. On the right, double-click Do not include drivers with Windows Updates .

  4. Select Enabled , then click Apply and OK .

  5. Restart your PC.

⚠️ This prevents all driver updates from being delivered through Windows Update — not just for graphics drivers.

What to Do If Windows Reinstalls the Driver Anyway

Sometimes, a major Windows update may reset your settings or install a newer graphics driver automatically — even if you blocked it before.

If that happens:

  • Repeat the method you used earlier (e.g., run the Show/Hide Tool again or reapply the Group Policy setting).

  • Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely remove the unwanted driver:

    • Download DDU

    • Run it in Safe Mode , remove the current driver, and reinstall your preferred one.