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Windows 10 and 11 can install recommended drivers through Windows Update, but the available controls do not block every driver from every source. To exclude driver-classified updates delivered with Windows quality updates, an administrator can enable the policy Do not include drivers with Windows Updates. Optional driver updates are selected manually in the documented Windows Update flow.
What Windows’ driver controls can and cannot do
Windows can automatically download and install recommended drivers through Windows Update. Microsoft also provides optional driver updates that users can select manually; those optional updates are not installed automatically under the documented default flow. See Microsoft’s explanation of automatic and optional driver updates.
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The administrative exclusion described below covers driver-classified updates delivered with Windows quality updates. It is not a universal ban: Microsoft says the policy does not cover drivers included with the operating system in a security or critical update, or drivers that may be dynamically installed to complete a feature update. It also does not control driver installations from other sources.
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Exclude drivers from Windows quality updates with Group Policy
On an edition of Windows that provides Local Group Policy Editor, an administrator can enable the policy below. Microsoft documents it for Windows 10 version 1607 and later, and it also applies to Windows 11.
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- Open Local Group Policy Editor.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
- Open Do not include drivers with Windows Updates and set it to Enabled.
Enabling this policy excludes drivers delivered with Windows quality updates; it does not stop the other driver installations described above. See Microsoft Learn’s Windows Update client policy documentation for the policy details.
Set the exclusion on an organization-managed device
For device management through MDM, Microsoft documents the device-scoped policy ./Device/Vendor/MSFT/Policy/Config/Update/ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate. Set its value to 1 to exclude Windows Update drivers; 0 allows them. It is device scoped, not user scoped. Administrators should verify that the policy applies to their managed Windows edition and build in Microsoft’s Update Policy CSP documentation.
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Why pausing updates is not a lasting driver setting
Pausing Windows updates delays them for a selected period; it does not selectively block drivers. When the pause ends, Windows checks for, downloads, and installs available updates again. Use pause only when a temporary delay is what you need, not as a permanent driver control. Microsoft explains the behavior in its guide to pausing updates in Windows.
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If Windows Update does not find the driver you need, Microsoft recommends getting it from the hardware maker’s official support site and advises against third-party driver-download sites. Match the exact device model and confirm Windows compatibility before installing. Microsoft’s Device Manager driver guidance also points users toward the manufacturer when a driver is unavailable through Windows.
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If you cannot use the administrative policy, the documented controls do not establish a current, official consumer setting that reliably blocks all automatic driver installation across Windows 10 and 11 editions. In particular, do not assume a device-installation preference prevents every driver delivered through Windows Update.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, Microsoft no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Check whether an edition-specific or extended-support arrangement applies to your device.
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