How to Stop Windows from Updating Graphics Drivers

Has Windows ever "updated" your graphics driver and suddenly your games started crashing, your screen flickered, or you lost custom settings? You're not alone. Windows often replaces perfectly stable graphics drivers with generic or newer versions that can break functionality, reduce performance, or cause compatibility issues.

Taking control of your driver updates ensures your system remains stable and performs exactly as you need it to. Instead of letting Windows decide when and what to install, you can choose which driver version works best for your specific hardware and gaming setup.

Here are four proven methods to stop Windows from automatically updating your graphics drivers, ensuring your system remains stable and performs exactly how you want it to.

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.

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.

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:

   • NVIDIA

   • AMD

   • Intel

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."

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.

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.