Users can download different types of updates from Windows Update, including much-needed security patches. The service also allows you to download hardware component drivers, but in some cases it is preferable to disable this option. Unfortunately, Microsoft does not respect the user’s choice, causing various problems, especially for companies.

Microsoft ignores group policy

On the Advanced Options page of Windows Update in Windows 11 there is an item “Optional updates” (features, quality and drivers). The service checks for the availability of updates, but the download is manual (the user must select the individual updates). If you look at the list of installed updates it is likely that there are those related to drivers.

In practice, Microsoft installs WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) versions that offer greater quality and stability, but at the end of May an older version of the drivers for AMD Radeon GPUs was installed which is not compatible with the Adrenalin Edition software.

Several users have reported that Microsoft ignores the group policy, usually set by companies to not download drivers with Windows Update. The “Do not include drivers with Windows Updates” item is located in Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates provided by Windows Update. The default is “Not Configured”, then the drivers will be downloaded. Due to a bug, the drivers are downloaded even if you have chosen the “Enabled” setting.

For a private user it is a less serious problem, although very annoying. The consequences for a company with hundreds of computers could be devastating, especially if the drivers don’t deliver the promised quality.