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Automatic driver updates at system startup

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Recommendation

Situational

Disable automatic updates if you install drivers manually or want to keep a verified version. In all other cases, leave it enabled.

After disabling, Windows will continue to receive regular cumulative and security updates, but drivers will have to be updated manually.

Drivers from Windows Update
Excluded
Windows updates
Continue
Driver servicing
Manually

In short

Section titled “In short”

The setting excludes updates with the Driver classification from the regular Windows Update cycle. This way you can keep a chosen version of the graphics card, audio or other device driver so that Windows Update does not replace it during the next check.

The action persists after a reboot and is not limited to a single system start. It does not remove already installed drivers, does not block manual installation and does not disable updates for Windows itself.

What changes

Section titled “What changes”
  • Windows Update stops including drivers in quality updates.
  • Cumulative and security updates for Windows continue to be installed.
  • Manual installation of a package from NVIDIA, AMD, Intel or the device manufacturer remains available.
  • Drivers now have to be checked and updated manually.

How to choose

Section titled “How to choose”
  • Disable automatic updates if you install drivers manually or want to keep a stable version.
  • Leave the setting enabled if you do not keep track of drivers yourself.
  • When diagnosing a problem after an update, disabling will prevent a repeat automatic replacement while you compare versions.

The amount of saved traffic is unknown in advance: the driver size depends on the device and the package. A reboot may also be required if the installer demands it.

How to verify the result

Section titled “How to verify the result”

After the next Windows Update check, make sure that regular Windows updates are still offered. The version of a specific driver can be viewed in the device properties in Device Manager and compared after subsequent update checks.

How to change and revert

Section titled “How to change and revert”

In BoosterX, open «Optimization» → «Basic» → «Updates and delivery» → «Automatic driver updates at system startup» and set the toggle to «Enabled»: BoosterX will exclude drivers from Windows Update. Click «Apply» at the bottom of the page. If «Instant apply» is enabled, a separate button is not required.

To revert, set the same toggle to «Disabled» and click «Apply»: BoosterX will restore the standard automatic update, and Windows Update will again be able to offer drivers along with other updates.

Sources and scope of verification

Section titled “Sources and scope of verification”

The exclusion of drivers from Windows quality updates is confirmed. The specific update frequency, traffic volume and the behavior of an individual driver installer were not measured.

Last verified: 2026-09-20.