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Disable Windows Update driver search

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script prevents Windows Update from automatically finding and installing device drivers.

By default, Windows Update searches for device drivers when new hardware is connected 1. This search aims to find the best drivers, even with limited network access 1.

While automatic driver installation is convenient, it can cause system stability issues:

  • Windows may install drivers incompatible with your hardware 2
  • You lose control over the driver versions you prefer to use 2

This script blocks Windows Update from searching for drivers 1 2 3. This gives you more control over driver installations 1 2.

This script enhances privacy by blocking automatic sharing of hardware information with Microsoft. Without this script, Windows may send system information to Microsoft and other vendors, and download unplanned updates 3. This script stops your system information from being shared and blocks unwanted updates 3. The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) recommends this script for security 3.

This script may also improve system performance by stopping background driver searches.

Caution

After using this script, manual driver download and installation will be required for new hardware.

Technical Details​

The script modifies these registry settings:

  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching!SearchOrderConfig 2 4
    • Sets the value to 0 to block driver updates 2 4
  • HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching!SearchOrderConfig 1 3
    • Sets the value to 2 to stop Windows Update driver searches 1

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable Windows Update automatic driver updates category. This category prevents Windows Update from automatically downloading and installing device drivers. A device driver is essential software that enables Windows to communicate with your computer's hardware components. For example: Graphics cards need drivers to display images properly • Printers... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable Windows Update driver search.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching!SearchOrderConfig"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching' /v 'SearchOrderConfig' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching!SearchOrderConfig"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching'; $data = '2'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching' /v 'SearchOrderConfig' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Set the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching!SearchOrderConfig"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$revertData = '1'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\DriverSearching' /v 'SearchOrderConfig' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$revertData"^"" /f"
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching!SearchOrderConfig"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching' /v 'SearchOrderConfig' /f 2>$null"

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