Disabling Automatic Driver Installation

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated July 6, 2020)

Windows often tries to be helpful whenever it can. This is particularly true whenever you plug a new peripheral into your computer. Windows automatically attempts to find and install the appropriate driver for the device. If for some reason you don't like this behavior, you can disable automatic driver installation. This procedure only needs to be done once—before you connect a device to your computer.

In the Search box type "Advanced System Settings" (without the quotes) and press Enter. Windows displays the System Properties dialog box. Click the Hardware tab. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. System Properties window.

Click the button labeled Device Installation Settings and you'll see the choices you have for driver installation. (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Turning off automatic driver installations.

Now click the "No" radio button and Save Changes. From now on (unless you change it back), Windows will no longer automatically try to install the drivers for new devices.

 This tip (13483) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Understanding the Task Manager

The Windows Task Manager is a great utility for a variety of reasons. Understanding it will prove beneficial towards an ...

Discover More

Understanding Jump Lists

Jump lists are great productivity enhancers to Windows 7. By using jump lists, you can easily access frequently used ...

Discover More

Adding Apps using Microsoft Store

Finding apps to help you with your work or relaxation has never been easier thanks to the Microsoft Store. Quickly look ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Checking for Faulty RAM

Although it's rare for RAM to go bad, it does happen. This tip tells you how to check for faulty RAM by using the Windows ...

Discover More

Deleting a Power Management Plan

Windows allows you to create custom power management plans. When you no longer need a plan you previously defined, you ...

Discover More

Formatting a USB Drive with Disk Manager

Windows 10 provides multiple ways to format a USB drive. Discover how to use Disk Manager to easily format a USB drive.

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is nine more than 4?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.