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Windows automatically reinstalls a driver after you remove it
Windows keeps automatically reinstalling a driver I remove from Device Manager, even after I restart the system. The driver returns within moments of uninstalling it, making it impossible to permanently keep it disabled or removed from my system.
2 Replies
In the System Properties window, go to the Hardware tab and click on Device Installation Settings.
Windows reinstalls the driver because uninstalling a device does not permanently block Plug and Play from detecting hardware and choosing an available package. First decide whether you need the device disabled, a different driver retained, or installation blocked. To stop using the hardware, choose Disable device in Device Manager instead of Uninstall device. To keep an older driver, use Properties, Driver, Roll Back Driver, or disconnect the device, uninstall it, install the preferred signed package, and reconnect it. On managed Windows Pro or Enterprise systems, copy the device’s Hardware IDs and configure Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, System, Device Installation, Device Installation Restrictions, Prevent installation of devices that match any of these device IDs. Test on one noncritical device first; an incorrect identifier can block essential hardware. Avoid disabling all driver delivery globally, and keep the approved installer available for recovery.
