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 System Protection

System Protection is an automatic feature of Windows. It uses restore points that can be a virtual lifesaver if an ...

Discover More

Specifying a Copy Schedule in Robocopy

There are a few ways to set up a copy schedule in Robocopy by using its options. This tip explains how.

Discover More

Overview of OneDrive

Using the cloud to store and transfer files is more common today than at any other time. With OneDrive and Windows 10 you ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Using Powercfg to List Your Existing Power Schemes

Windows allows you to define different power schemes that control how your computer uses power. This tip shows you how to ...

Discover More

Using Powercfg to Change the Name of a Power Scheme

The Powercfg utility allows you to control how power is used on your system. This tip shows you how to use the ...

Discover More

Using Powercfg to Change the Active Power Scheme

You can easily change which power scheme is active by using the SetActive switch. This tip shows you how.

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 two less than 9?

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 © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.