Windows 10 updates are important for maintaining the security and performance of your system. However, there may be instances where you prefer to prevent certain drivers from being automatically updated. This could be due to compatibility issues, driver stability concerns, or simply a personal preference to keep a specific version of a driver. In this article, we will explore different methods and tools that can help you prevent Windows 10 from updating specific drivers, giving you more control over the driver versions installed on your system.
By preventing Windows 10 from updating specific drivers, you can ensure that your system remains stable and compatible with your preferred hardware or software configurations. This can be particularly useful for gamers, professionals relying on specialized hardware, or individuals who have experienced issues with certain driver updates in the past. Whether you want to prevent automatic updates for a graphics driver, network adapter, or any other device driver, our article will provide you with the necessary steps to prevent Windows 10 from updating specific drivers, giving you the freedom to choose the driver version that works best for you.
Step 1: Open Windows Device Manager
Windows Device Manager is a built-in tool that allows you to manage all the hardware devices installed on your system. To access it, press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the list of options.
Step 2: Locate the Driver to be Blocked
In the Device Manager window, expand the category that contains the driver you wish to prevent Windows 10 from updating. Right-click the device and select “Properties” from the context menu. In the Properties window, click on the “Details” tab and select “Driver key” from the drop-down menu. Make a note of the Driver key as it will be used later.
Step 3: Install Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter
Microsoft has released a utility called “Show or Hide Updates” troubleshooter, which allows users to prevent Windows 10 from updating specific drivers.
Step 4: Run Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter
Open the “Show or Hide Updates” troubleshooter and click on the “Next” button. The tool will start scanning and display a list of updates available. Click on the “Hide Updates” option and select the driver you want to block from the list that appears. Click on the “Next” button to complete the process.
Step 5: Check if the Driver is Blocked
To confirm whether the driver has been blocked or not, return to the Device Manager and locate the device again. Right-click the device and select “Properties.” Navigate to the “Driver” tab and check the driver version. If the blocked driver version is installed, it means the blocking process was successful.
In conclusion, Windows 10 provides users with tools to prevent specific drivers from updating to avoid compatibility issues. Following the steps outlined above, you can block unwanted updates and ensure your system runs smoothly. With the use of tools like the “Show or Hide Updates” troubleshooter, managing your system’s hardware devices has never been easier.
Note: This blocking process can be reverted at any time by rerunning the “Show or Hide Updates” tool and selecting “Unhide Updates” from within the program.
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