Keeping your graphics card drivers up to date is essential for optimal performance in gaming, video rendering, and other graphic-intensive tasks. However, there are times when an automatic Windows update could replace your manually installed, customized driver with a generic one, leading to performance issues.

Method 1: Disable Automatic Driver Updates via Device Installation Settings

Works on all Windows 10/11 editions.

This method stops Windows from downloading drivers automatically:

Go to the Driver tab and click Roll Back Driver if a recent update caused issues.

Right-click the Start menu and select System.
Click Advanced system settings (right sidebar).
Under the Hardware tab, select Device Installation Settings.
Choose No (your device might not work as expected) and click Save Changes.
Open Device Manager (search in the Start menu).
Right-click your graphics card (under “Display adapters”) and select Properties.

Method 2: Use Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro/Enterprise)

Best for users with Windows Pro, Education, or Enterprise editions.

The Group Policy Editor offers granular control over Windows Update settings. Here’s how to use it:

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Navigate to:
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update.
Double-click “Do not include drivers with Windows Updates.”
Select Enabled > Apply > OK.
Restart your PC.

Note: This prevents all driver updates via Windows Update. To block only graphics drivers, proceed to Method 3.

Method 3: Block Specific Drivers Using Windows Update Show/Hide Tool

Ideal for blocking graphics drivers while allowing other updates.

Microsoft’s “wushowhide” tool lets you hide specific updates:

Download the tool from Microsoft’s official site.
Run wushowhide.diagcab.
Select Hide Updates > Next.
Check the box next to your graphics driver update and click Next.

This hides the update indefinitely. Repeat the process if a new driver appears later.

Method 4: Manually Install Drivers and Prevent Overwrites

For users who want to install a specific driver version.

Download your preferred driver from the manufacturer’s site (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel).
Install the driver using “Custom Installation” and check the “Clean Install” option (if available).
After installation, open Device Manager, right-click your GPU, and select Properties.
Under the Driver tab, click Update Driver > Browse my computer for drivers > Let me pick from a list….
Select your current driver and check “Never install driver software from Windows Update.”

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Security Risks: Outdated drivers can expose your system to vulnerabilities. Periodically check for updates manually.
Feature Loss: New drivers often include performance improvements. Test updates during non-critical times.
System Restore Points: Always create a restore point before making changes. If a blocked update causes issues, you can revert.

What to Do If Windows Overrides Your Settings

Occasionally, major Windows updates reset configurations. If this happens:

Reapply the Group Policy or Device Installation settings.
Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to remove the new driver and reinstall your preferred version.

Conclusion: Balancing Control and Convenience

Stopping automatic graphics driver updates isn’t about rejecting progress—it’s about prioritizing stability and performance.

Remember: Technology works best when it adapts to you, not the other way around.