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

Adding Items to the "New" Context Menu

You can add your own items to the "New" context menu, but it does take a bit of effort. This tip explains how to do it.

Discover More

Differences between Hibernate and Sleep

If you want to conserve energy or preserve your laptop's battery life, you should know about hibernate and sleep. There ...

Discover More

Adjusting Hearing Settings in the Ease of Access Center

If you have hearing difficulties that affect your ability to use your computer, Windows 10's Ease of Access Center can ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Adjusting Mouse Click Sensitivity

Mouse not working as you expect? Here are a few things that may get things back to the way they should be.

Discover More

Adjusting the Cursor Blink Rate

In Windows, the cursor indicates where you are about to type information using the keyboard. You can adjust how quickly ...

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
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 5?

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.