General Discussions

[kingfish]

Lots of people don't like the idea of 'stopping/delaying' Windows updates. I won't get in to that. Here is a way to prevent Windows Update installing any drivers. This does not effect the security, quality,  patch, or any other type update...they are presented as normal.

In short...you don't have to worry about WU installing (changing) AMD graphics drivers.

This is done through group policy:

Type gpedit in the search bar...follow > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update

On the right side scroll to Do not include drivers with Windows Update policy and double click it. Select the ENABLED option.

Click 'Apply' then OK.

Reboot your computer.

[Anonymous]

Only available in Pro and Enterprise, not in Windows 10 Home.

[kingfish · Accepted solution]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Only available in Pro and Enterprise, not in Windows 10 Home.

Add Group Policy Editor to Win10 Home:

https://www.majorgeeks.com/content/page/enable_group_policy_editor_in_windows_10_home_edition.html

Or > https://m.majorgeeks.com/files/details/policy_plus.html

(with video and pictures) > https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/enable_or_disable_windows_10_driver_downloads.html

 

As you can see rules are not limited to any version:

---

---

[ddochter]

I have done this workaround and hope it works !!!   This is really ANNOYING though ... Microsoft and AMD should get together on this issue and SORT IT OUT once and for all .

Why do we as consumers have to perform all these work arounds just to use a specific product. I love the AMD card and the software that comes with it; however, I am not sure is itis worth all the pain. Microsoft and AMD should coordinate an effort to RESOLVE this issue (LOG TERM). 

I suppose I will have to continue to move toward my Apple M2 and get off this antiquated and ailing solution that Microsoft and their partners continue to profit from. 

I know a fantastic Customer Quality Assurance expert that both AMD and Microsoft could really benefit from his expertise. Let me know and I will forward his contact info to you .....

[progdev]

All of which ignores the real problem. A casual user of Windows Home software like me should NEVER be forced to edit the registry or install group policy. We should not be expected to learn to be sys admins and spend hours reading stuff we just barely understand to solve issues like this. Microsoft and AMD should acknowledge the issue and do something about it instead of ignoring us. I have been using Windows since it ran on top of DOS and I look forward to the day they stop treating their customers like dirt but I don't really expect to see it. AMD should have some pull with they them that I don't. Let one of their very highly paid guys call Microsoft and tell them to fix it. That is what mangers should for, its a shame they just don't want to know so they don't have to do anything.

[g13homi]

agreed, i have no business in the registry, this seems like a common issue here. I hate having to disable Windows Updates, but thats what i am going to have to do in order to get the performance

[kingfish]

@g13homi

You have a real treat in store:

https://community.amd.com/t5/general-discussions/article-gt-i-will-never-use-a-microsoft-account-to-...

[kingfish]

Yes we all have experience. And as long as you do not install a 'optional' (meaning non-WHQL) driver you have no worries. It's the rabid gamers..not the casual user...who just have to have the latest greatest driver who have to prevent the installation of unwanted (WHQL) updates.

[ThunderBeaver]

Thank you Kingfish for showing AMD users how to protect their AMD drivers from windows.

People if you have problems with windows overwriting your AMD drivers through windows update this is the only effective way to stop Microsoft from doing this.

I run Windows 10 Pro 64 Version 21H2 and I've used this exact GPE and a handful of others to block what amounts to a lot of windows 10 spyware. What I speak of are the hidden telemetry services Cortana Cloud One Drive Maps Weather News Feed article pop ups even when no browser is open. Even a few GPE's that block bloatware from getting installed in windows updates.

I literally can't stress how much some of these "services" place your personal security at risk and you have to take measures to protect your personal security and online freedom.  

[cpurpe91]

@kingfish I didn't know you posted a guide to use gpedit to stop Windows driver updates. My bad I posted one like two weeks ago.