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.

Why Does Windows Update Graphics Drivers Automatically?

Windows 10 and 11 are designed to keep your system running smoothly by automatically updating drivers when new versions become available. However, automatic updates can occasionally cause problems, especially for users who rely on specific, optimized drivers provided by the graphics card manufacturer.

When Windows installs a different driver, it can lead to compatibility issues, crashes, or reduced performance in games and software that are sensitive to driver versions.

Method 1: Disable Automatic Updates for Graphics Drivers Using Group Policy

If you’re using Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Group Policy Editor to prevent Windows from updating your graphics drivers. Here’s how:

  1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Navigate to Device Installation Settings: In the Group Policy Editor, go to:
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Device Installation > Device Installation Restrictions.
  3. Configure the Policy: Double-click on “Prevent installation of devices that match any of these device IDs”.
    Set the policy to “Enabled.”
  4. Get Your Device ID:
    • Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
    • Expand Display adapters and right-click on your graphics card.
    • Select Properties, go to the Details tab, and choose Hardware Ids from the drop-down menu.
    • Copy the first value in the list (this is your device ID).
  5. Add the Device ID to the Policy:
    • In Group Policy, click on Show, then paste the copied device ID.
    • Apply the changes and restart your PC.

By enabling this policy, Windows will no longer update the graphics driver for the specified device.

Method 2: Block Driver Updates Through System Settings

For Home users or those who prefer a simpler method, blocking automatic driver updates can be done through system settings.

  1. Open the System Settings: Press Win + X and select System.
  2. Access Advanced System Settings:
    • Click Advanced system settings on the left.
    • Under the Hardware tab, click Device Installation Settings.
  3. Disable Automatic Driver Downloads:
    • Select No when asked, “Do you want to automatically download manufacturers’ apps and custom icons available for your devices?”
    • Click Save Changes.

This method prevents Windows from updating drivers without disabling other important updates.

Method 3: Use the Windows Update Show/Hide Tool

Another effective way to prevent unwanted driver updates is by using Microsoft’s Windows Update Show/Hide tool, which allows you to hide specific updates from being installed.

  1. Download the Tool: Search for Windows Update Show/Hide Troubleshooter on Microsoft’s support website and download it.
  2. Run the Tool: After downloading, open the tool and click Next.
  3. Hide the Update: The tool will scan for pending updates. When it finds the graphics driver update, select it and click Hide update.

This solution is particularly useful if you want to block an update temporarily without making permanent changes to your system settings.

Why You May Want to Update Drivers Manually

Manually installing drivers from your graphics card manufacturer—whether NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel—can sometimes give you access to performance enhancements and bug fixes before they’re available through Windows Update. Manufacturers often release game-specific optimizations that significantly improve frame rates or fix visual glitches. Here’s how you can update your drivers manually while keeping Windows from interfering:

  1. Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your model.
  2. Install the driver using the custom installation option (this allows for a clean install).
  3. Follow the steps in the methods above to prevent Windows from overwriting your driver.

Re-enabling Updates if Needed

If you decide later that you’d like Windows to resume updating your drivers, you can easily revert the changes. Simply return to the settings or Group Policy options mentioned in Methods 1 and 2 and undo the steps.

Conclusion

Preventing Windows from updating your graphics card drivers can save you from unwanted performance issues and crashes caused by incompatible drivers. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll have more control over which drivers are installed on your system, allowing you to ensure that your graphics card runs as smoothly as possible.

Remember, for the best experience, periodically check your manufacturer’s website for driver updates that can enhance performance and resolve any bugs specific to your hardware.