Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Turning on Microsoft’s Do not include drivers with Windows Updates policy stops driver-classified packages from arriving through the normal quality-update cycle. What breaks, if anything, depends on the device. Many PCs keep working on the driver they already have. The real risk is that a driver fix or a newer compatible driver never reaches the machine through that route, so a device-specific problem can persist without any visible warning.
What the policy actually excludes
Microsoft documents this control starting with Windows 10 version 1607. Its Group Policy name is Do not include drivers with Windows Updates, and its Policy CSP name is ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate. The CSP reference lists it as device-scoped and available on Pro, Enterprise, Education, and IoT Enterprise editions. Check the editions list on the Update Policy CSP reference before relying on it for a specific SKU.
| Setting | Value | Effect on Windows Update driver delivery |
|---|---|---|
| Not configured (default) | No policy applied | Driver-classified updates are included in Windows Update. |
| Disabled | CSP value 0 |
Driver-classified updates are allowed. Same result as not configured. |
| Enabled | CSP value 1 |
Driver-classified updates are excluded from quality updates, subject to the exceptions below. |
Microsoft describes driver updates as relevant updates for non-Microsoft drivers, and they are on by default. Its Windows Update client policies overview covers the broader policy set. Its Group Policy guidance, in Configure Windows Update client policies via Group Policy, states:
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →“We recommend that you allow the driver policy to allow drivers to update on devices (the default), but you can turn off this setting if you prefer to manage drivers manually.”
#1 Best Overall
HP 14" HD Laptop, Windows 11, Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor Up to 2.60GHz, 4GB RAM, 64GB SSD, Webcam, Dale Pink (Renewed)
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
What the exclusion does not cover
The policy is narrower than its name suggests. The Configure Windows Update client policies page, in its “Exclude drivers from quality updates” section, says:
“This policy won’t apply to updates to drivers provided with the operating system (which will be packaged within a security or critical update) or to feature updates, where drivers might be dynamically installed to ensure the feature update process can complete.”
Two consequences follow. Drivers that ship with Windows and arrive inside a security or critical update are not blocked by this setting. And a feature update can still install a driver it needs to finish. The control does not mean “Windows will never change a driver.” It limits one delivery path for driver-classified quality updates.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
What could break
The documented effect is on delivery, not on current function. Enabling the policy does not remove a driver that is already installed. The Microsoft pages establish that matching update packages are excluded; they do not show that any particular feature stops working, and they do not give a failure rate. Whether you notice anything depends on your hardware and on the state of the driver you have.
Scenario: the device works and the driver is current
Nothing changes in daily use. The excluded packages are simply not offered through this route, and you have no pending fix to miss.
Scenario: a device has a known driver defect
If the manufacturer or Microsoft offers a corrected driver through Windows Update, that correction will not arrive through the quality-update path while the policy is enabled. The symptom stays until you install the fix another way. This is the most realistic case where excluding drivers costs something.
Rank #3
- EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 Home system, delivering reliable, low-power efficiency for daily tasks like document editing, email, online classes, and web browsing
- 15.6-INCH FULL HD DISPLAY: Enjoy immersive visuals on the 15.6" FHD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with micro-edge bezels. Delivers clear details and comfortable viewing for long study sessions, working on spreadsheets, and video playback
- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SILENT OPERATION: Slim and portable for effortless travel or commuting. Features a 1MP HD webcam for remote meetings, 38Wh battery with 45W Type-C fast charging, and a fanless silent design for peaceful work environments.
Scenario: a new device needs a newer driver
Some hardware depends on a driver version newer than the one that shipped with Windows. With the policy enabled, you should expect to obtain that driver from the manufacturer instead of relying on Windows Update to offer it.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Scenario: you upgrade Windows
Feature updates may still install drivers dynamically when the upgrade needs them. The exclusion does not stop that step, so an upgrade can change a driver even on a machine with the policy enabled.
Other controls that can block driver installation
If a driver will not install, the Windows Update exclusion may not be the cause. Device installation restrictions are a separate policy family. They can target hardware IDs, device instance IDs, or device setup classes, and matching restrictions can prevent users from installing or updating those drivers. Microsoft’s Manage Device Installation with Group Policy documentation covers these controls. Check them before assuming a driver is missing because of Windows Update.
Rank #4
- WINDOWS 11 | STABLE PERFORMANCE: Powered by Intel Celeron N4020 processor and Windows 11 system, this laptop delivers stable performance for everyday computing tasks. It supports web browsing, online learning, document editing, email communication, and basic office work with optimized power efficiency, providing a practical and reliable experience for essential daily use for daily use.
- 15.6” FHD IPS DISPLAY: Features a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display with narrow bezels, offering wider viewing angles and clearer image details compared to standard panels. The improved screen-to-body ratio enhances visual experience for study, reading, document work, and video playback, making it suitable for both productivity and entertainment use.
- 4GB DDR4 + 128GB eMMC STORAGE: Equipped with 4GB DDR4 memory and 128GB eMMC storage for everyday basics such as browsing, documents, email, and online learning platforms. The built-in TF card slot supports storage expansion up to 1TB, giving you more flexibility for files, photos, videos, and daily documents. TF card not included.
- CONNECTIVITY & PORTS: Includes 1× TF card slot, 2× USB 3.2 Gen1 ports, and 2× full-featured Type-C ports (USB 3.2 Gen1). The Type-C ports support data transfer, charging, and video output, enabling flexible connection with external devices such as monitors, storage, and peripherals for daily work and study use.
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN | ONLINE COMMUNICATION: Designed with a slim, portable profile, this laptop is easy to carry for school, commuting, and travel. A built-in 1MP front camera supports online classes, video meetings, remote communication, and everyday conferencing. The 3300mAh battery works with the low-power system design to support practical daily use, while thermal optimization helps maintain quieter operation during extended tasks.
How to check and recover a device
- Identify the exact device and Windows version. Note the hardware model and the Windows build. Driver availability is specific to both.
- Confirm the policy state. On a Group Policy-managed PC, open Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update and read the setting Do not include drivers with Windows Updates. If the PC is managed by an MDM service, check the ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate value in that service.
- Check Device Manager. Right-click the device and choose Update driver, then Search automatically for drivers. Microsoft documents this as a route to search Windows Update when no local driver is found. Whether it returns a package depends on the policy and on what Microsoft has offered for that device.
- Look at the Optional updates page. Driver packages can also appear in the Optional updates section of Windows Update settings, as described in Microsoft’s driver distribution rules.
- Get the package from the manufacturer. If Windows does not offer the fix, download the supported driver from the PC or device maker and install it manually.
- Check device installation restrictions. If the manual install fails, review the hardware ID, device instance ID, and setup class rules described above.
- Restore automatic delivery if needed. Set the policy to Disabled or Not configured. Windows then includes driver-classified updates again in its normal scan.
Trade-offs of excluding drivers
| Factor | Driver delivery enabled (default) | Driver delivery excluded (policy enabled) |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt of driver-classified quality updates | Automatic through Windows Update | Not delivered through the quality-update route; exceptions apply |
| Administrator control over timing and selection | Limited | Higher |
| Responsibility for finding and installing packages | Mostly Windows Update | Administrator, from the manufacturer or Windows Update Optional updates |
| OS-provided drivers in security or critical updates | Delivered | Still delivered (not covered by the exclusion) |
| Driver installs during feature updates | Permitted when needed | Still permitted when needed |
Microsoft recommends leaving driver delivery enabled. Excluding drivers suits managed fleets where timing, testing, and vendor selection matter more than automatic receipt. For a single home PC that is working, the default is usually the simpler choice.
Do not confuse this policy with disabling Windows updates altogether. Blocking all quality updates has different consequences, and this article addresses only the driver-classified exclusion.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
