How to Pin a Specific Driver Version on Windows 11

Quick fix: Install the desired driver version. Then run in Command Prompt (Admin): wushowhide.diagcab (download from Microsoft) → pick the driver update from the list to hide it. Windows Update won’t offer that driver again. Alternative: Group Policy → Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Do not include drivers with Windows Updates → Enabled. Blocks all driver updates — useful for fully manual driver management.

Windows Update sometimes pushes a new driver version that introduces bugs (graphics flicker, audio crackling, Wi-Fi disconnects). You want to roll back and stay on the working version. Without intervention, Windows Update re-pushes the new driver on next sync. The solution: hide the offending update or block driver updates globally.

What causes this

Windows Update aggressively updates drivers via WU channel. For most users this is fine (security, bug fixes). For specific situations (e.g., NVIDIA Studio driver workflow, specific audio interface), you want manual control. Two approaches: hide the specific problematic update via wushowhide; or block all driver updates via Group Policy.

Method 1: Hide a specific driver update via wushowhide

The standard route.

1. First, install the driver version you want to keep. Download from manufacturer site (Nvidia, AMD, Intel, etc.). Install.
2. Download wushowhide.diagcab from Microsoft support site (support.microsoft.com, search “wushowhide”).
3. Run the .diagcab file.
4. Pick Hide updates.
5. Wait for scan. List shows available updates Windows Update wants to apply, including driver versions.
6. Tick the driver update you want to block.
7. Click Next. Tool hides the update. Windows Update won’t offer it.
8. If a new driver version comes later, you’ll need to re-run wushowhide for that version.
9. To unhide: run wushowhide → Show hidden updates → pick to unblock.

This is the targeted fix.

Method 2: Block all driver updates via Group Policy

For full manual driver control.

1. Open Group Policy Editor: gpedit.msc (Pro/Enterprise).
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Manage updates offered from Windows Update.
3. Find Do not include drivers with Windows Updates. Set to Enabled.
4. Click Apply.
5. Run Command Prompt → gpupdate /force.
6. Windows Update will no longer push drivers via the OS update channel.
7. You manage all drivers manually from manufacturer sites.
8. For Home edition (no gpedit): registry:

   HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
   DWORD: ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate = 1

   Restart.

This is the global block.

Method 3: Roll back to working version + disable specific device update

For targeted device control.

1. If the bad driver is already installed: Device Manager → find device → Properties → Driver tab → Roll Back Driver.
2. Reboot if prompted.
3. Now you’re back on the previous working version.
4. To prevent Windows Update from re-pushing: open Device Manager → right-click device → Properties → Details tab.
5. From the Property dropdown: pick Hardware Ids. Copy the top ID (long string).
6. Open Group Policy: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Device Installation → Device Installation Restrictions.
7. Open Prevent installation of devices that match any of these device IDs. Enable. Click Show. Paste the Hardware ID.
8. Click OK. Now Windows can’t install a different driver for this specific device via WU.
9. For corporate environments: use Intune Configuration Profiles with driver-control rules.

This is the device-specific block.

How to verify the fix worked

• Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Driver update not offered.
• Device Manager → device → Driver tab. Version shows the one you wanted.
• After Windows Update sync: hidden updates stay hidden.

If none of these work

If Windows Update keeps trying: Specific driver category not blocked: ensure right Group Policy setting (some only block firmware, not all drivers). For Optional updates: drivers in “Optional updates” section. Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates → just don’t install. For manufacturer’s auto-updater: Nvidia GeForce Experience, Intel DSA, AMD Adrenaline. Disable auto-update in their settings if you want full manual control. For BIOS / firmware updates: separate from drivers. Manage via vendor utility. For Enterprise PCs: WSUS or Intune may push drivers. IT admin controls. Last resort: completely disable Windows Update: Services.msc → Windows Update → disable. Manual update only. Risk: security patches don’t install.

Bottom line: Install desired driver version. Use wushowhide.diagcab to hide unwanted driver update. For full block: Group Policy Do not include drivers with Windows Updates = Enabled. For device-specific: block by Hardware ID.