A graphics driver pushed by Windows Update breaks more setups than it fixes. You can slow driver delivery without pausing security patches.
Raise the **driver** deferral period in the update settings or policy, leave **quality updates** alone, and install drivers from the vendor. A paused update also stops the security patches.
Quality updates carry security fixes; driver updates come through the same channel but are optional in nature. The settings treat them differently, which is exactly the lever you want.
Settings > Windows Update > Advanced optionsThe pause stops everything for a few weeks. A deferral keeps security patches flowing and only delays feature and driver content.
The device installation settings page has a switch for automatic driver downloads. Turning it off leaves Windows Update working for Windows itself.
Search: Change device installation settingsDownload the driver from the vendor, install it, and note the version. A manual install also lets you roll back with the previous package at hand.
Firmware and some security-relevant drivers still arrive through Update. The deferral reduces surprises, it does not give you full control.
The history lists what arrived and when. If a driver slipped through, the list names it and the rollback option is in Device Manager.
Home edition or a managed device. Use the device installation settings instead.
Firmware or a security-class driver. Update history names it.
Remove the Windows-supplied package first, then reboot before installing.
A paused state from an earlier attempt. Resume and rely on the deferral.
It costs you automatic bug fixes and gains stability. Install vendor drivers on your own schedule.
Firmware comes through Update or the vendor tool and is not covered by the deferral.
Set the deferral back to zero and re-enable automatic driver downloads in device installation settings. Windows Update then manages drivers again.
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