How to Change Device Installation Settings in Windows 10

By Hally | Last Updated April 25, 2025

By default, Windows automatically downloads driver software and their detailed info for your devices. While this feature ensures that your hardware functions optimally, some users may prefer to manage driver installations manually to maintain control over their system configurations.

What Are Device Installation Settings?

Device Installation Settings in Windows 10 determine whether the operating system automatically downloads manufacturers' apps and custom icons for your devices. Adjusting these settings allows you to:

Stop Windows from installing driver software from Windows update.
Avoid automatic installation of manufacturer-specific applications and icons.
Maintain manual control over driver updates and installations.

Steps to change device installation settings in Windows 10:

Step 1: Press Windows+Pause Break to open System in Control Panel, and click Advanced system settings.

click Advanced system settings

Step 2: Select Hardware and tap Device Installation Settings to move on.

tap device installation settings

Step 3: Choose No, let me choose what to do, deselect or select Always install the best driver software from Windows Update, Never install driver software from Windows Update and Automatically get the device app and info provided by your device manufacturer, and then hit Save Changes.

change device installation settings