Windows 10 will not only automatically download and install quality and security updates but also the driver updates. This is especially true for video card drivers. Generally, automatic driver installation is pretty good as this eliminates the necessity to manually find, upload the drivers by yourself. However, every so often, Windows might download wrong or incompatible graphics driver. In those situations, Windows 10 will either crash or even the video card won't work correctly.

Recently, I've gone over with you how you can pause automatic updates and the way to stop Windows 10 from automatically installing drivers for all devices. If you do not want to go to the extream and just want to stop the automatic graphics driver update then follow the below steps.

To prevent the automatic graphics driver update, we are going to use the devices hardware IDs and also the Group Policy Editor. All we must do is tell Windows not to install drivers for a device which has a specific hardware ID(s). Since hardware IDs are unique to every device on your system, this works perfectly to stop Windows from automatically installing the graphics driver update.

Note: Since we are going to make use of the Group Policy Editor, this method works only on Windows 10 Pro devices.

Warning: Before proceeding, make sure that you've manually installed the compatible graphics driver and disconnected from the internet.

Stop Automatic Graphics Driver Installation or Updating in Windows 10

1. The first thing we need to do is be aware of hardware IDs of the video card. Thankfully, the unit manager provides for us all sorts of information such as the hardware IDs. So, open the start menu, search for "Device Manager" and open it up.

2. Within the device manager, expand the "Display Adapters" section and you will find your graphics card. With my case, the graphics card is Nvidia GeForce GTX 750 Ti. Right-click onto it and choose the option "Properties".

3. Within the properties window, go to the "Details" tab. Now, select "Hardware Ids" from the dropdown menu underneath the Property section.

4. This action will show the hardware IDs of the video card. Generally, you will notice four different hardware IDs. Keep this window opened and go to the next phase. We'll come back to these IDs inside a bit.

5. We now must find the target policy where we can make use of the hardware IDs. So, press Win + R, type gpedit.msc and click on the "Ok" button. This course of action will open the Group Policy Editor.

6. Within the group policy editor, you will see different folders around the left panel. Visit the following folder. This is where we will find the relevant policy that blocks Windows 10 from installing the graphics driver.

Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System -> Device Installation -> Device Installation Restrictions

Stop graphics driver automatic installation 05

7. On the right panel, find the "Prevent installing of devices that match these device IDs" policy and double-click on it.

8. Within the policy properties window, choose the "Enabled" radio option. This action will enable a few more options underneath the Options panel. Click the "Show" button.

9. The above mentioned action will open the "Show Contents" window. Here, we have to enter the hardware IDs we've previously seen in step four. To go in the hardware IDs, right-click around the hardware ID, select copy after which paste it within the "Show Contents" window. When you paste all of the four hardware IDs, this is the way it ought to look like. Click the "Ok" button to continue.

Note: Double-click on each column within the Show Contents window so that you can paste the hardware ID.

10. In the primary policy properties window, click on the "Apply" and "Ok" buttons in order to save the changes.

11. Though we've changed the group policy, the policy settings aren't yet applied. To use the changed policy, restart Windows 10.

That is all. After restarting, you can safely connect with the internet. Windows 10 will no longer install or update the graphics driver. In fact, all types of driver installation or updating is disabled for that specific device.

When you wish to update the motive force for that specific device, you need to manually disable the policy. To disable the insurance policy, simply select the "Disabled" option in step 8, restart the machine, and you're simply all set.

That is all. As you can see, it is quite simple to stop Windows 10 from installing or updating drivers of a specific device.

Microsoft keeps tinkering with various changes in Windows 11, and also the newest preview build shipped towards the Dev channel is specifically focused on Start menu and widgets refinements.

The Redmond-based software giant states that users will start seeing badging on their own profile icons in the Start menu whenever there's action requiring them attention.

The Start menu is therefore playing a more natural part within the overall Windows experience, making it possible for users to become up-to-date using the actions that need to be taken before shutting down to rebooting their devices.

"We are trying out a small change to the Start menu where some Insiders might find badging on their own user profile notifying them that certain actions need to be taken," Microsoft says.

When it comes to widgets, Microsoft says it's trying a new approach that has the header being gone to live in other locations. New icons will also be being used included in this experiment.

"We're trying out some different positions of the header with new icons for the Widgets board to understand the proper way to optimize the Widgets board for our users. By utilizing monoline icons, our goal would be to bring consistent, clean, and accessible icons to speak action featuring with simple visuals for users," the organization explains.

And last but not least, the most recent Windows 11 preview build includes voice typing refinements making it easy to sync settings across all devices where the same Microsoft account is being accustomed to log in.

"We are rolling out a big change to sync voice typing settings, Automatic punctuation and Voice typing launcher, across all devices signed in using exactly the same Microsoft account. You are able to toggle this selection via Settings > Accounts > Windows backup > Remember my preferences > Accessibility. This currently is only for Microsoft accounts today with AAD support coming later," Microsoft explains.

Microsoft is considered to be focusing on a brand new operating system version that may ship as Windows 12, therefore landing as a successor to Windows 11.

And while the job about this new OS is currently underway, few specifics happen to be shared, with people familiar with the problem previously saying that the rollout could take devote 2023 or 2024.

For the moment, however, what fuels the thrill for Windows 12 is a teaser presented by Microsoft itself and which envisions several refinements towards the desktop, including a floating taskbar.

The thought of having a floating taskbar instead of a traditional design isn't entirely new, but however, the teaser released by Microsoft is believed to be evidence that could participate the Windows 12 feature arsenal.

Obviously, it's too soon to tell if this is a particular thing or otherwise because of the focus on Windows 12 is still within the first phases, but more information on this front should emerge sooner rather than later.

In the meantime, reddit user Busy_Public_8997 has used Microsoft's teaser to create their very own mockup envisioning the feel of Windows 12. Once again, the taskbar and also the centered icons are the type stealing the show. The machine tray and the desktop clock have also been moved to the top of the screen within an approach that makes the Windows desktop look heavily inspired through the one out of macOS.

The desktop weather now resides within the top left corner, and in a lot of ways, this seems like the more natural spot for this type of feature.

Obviously, it's difficult to know if this is precisely what Windows 12 is going to look when it goes live for production devices, but hopefully, we'll get a closer look at the upcoming operating system because the focus on it advances.

File Explorer tabs, the feature that a lot of users happen to be waiting for, are now reside in the Release Preview channel thanks to the latest update shipped by Microsoft.

Microsoft says Windows 11 build 22621.675 (KB5019509) includes several new features that were initially a part of Windows 11 version 22H2, such as the tab support in File Explorer.

"We enhance File Explorer. It now includes tabs that will help you organize your File Explorer sessions like you do in Microsoft Edge. Around the newe File Explorer homepage, you are able to pin important files for convenient and simple access. Using only Microsoft OneDrive, you can view your colleagues' actions in your shared files. We provide personalized suggestions based on your Microsoft 365 account," the organization explains.

In addition, the new build also comes with support for sharing to more devices, while also witnessing the debut of the taskbar overflow menu, additionally a feature that was contained in Windows 11 version 22H2.

And last but not least, the latest build in the Release Preview ring includes Suggest Actions. This new feature allows users to carry out a series of tasks faster with a flyout that turns up automatically when choosing certain text, for example phone numbers.

"We give a feature called Suggested Actions for items that you copy. This really is readily available for customers in the usa, Canada, and Mexico. For instance, when you copy phone numbers or future dates, we provide suggestions, such as create a call with Teams or Skype or add a celebration within the Calendar app," Microsoft says.

Meanwhile, the rollout of Windows 11 version 22H2 continues, but worth knowing is that the whole thing is taking place in stages. What this means is not all devices can download it today, if your computer is already eligible for the upgrade, just go to Windows Update and manually look for updates to download the brand new operating system update.

Android 12L is the newest update for the Surface Duo, and according to people familiar with the matter, the rollout should begin at some point in the next couple weeks.

In other words, the introduction of this long awaited update is within a rather advanced stage, therefore it shouldn't take too much time before Microsoft releases the large announcement around the availability of Android 12L for that Surface Duo.

And according to a study from WindowsCentral, the development of this Surface Duo update continues to be heavily inspired by Windows 11, as Microsoft is applying several ideas that debuted around the desktop for that Android update.

In other words, Android 12L is anticipated in the future with Fluent design, the word what which has completely transformed the Windows experience on the desktop. This really is big news for the Surface Duo, as the current Android design is dependant on Google's own Material.

Furthermore, the report suggests that Microsoft will use burred effects, new animations, toggles, buttons, and notification boxes whose design is heavily inspired by Windows 11.

Needless to say, this makes perfect sense for Microsoft, especially as the company wants to provide a consistent experience across its devices.

"Fluent is beginning to change to be greater than a group of outcomes and can define the procedure through which we collectively design and build products. It represents the growth and influence of design thinking within Microsoft. It's a full time income thing that is constantly on the evolve. And like any living thing, it's basic must grow and flourish," Microsoft said not a years ago.

"Fluent becomes the very best version of itself when there is clarity around what it is, what it could be, and why that's important. Today, we aspire to make Fluent a collective, open design system that connects us, inspiring and influencing everything we create."

One of the biggest new features in Windows 11 may be the support for widgets, something which Microsoft is now focusing on expanding each and every single update.

However, it looks like the widgets were designed to debut in Windows a lot earlier, as new concepts shared online by former Microsoftie Steven Sinofsky (via XDA) show this feature isn't exactly new.

Actually, the video, with a look at early versions of Windows 8 plus some from the features Microsoft planned for this controversial operating-system, reveals the software giant wanted the widgets to become part of the desktop experience back in 2012.

The feature didn't make the cut, but instead, Microsoft went all-in on the live tiles and also the new Start screen. The video offers us having a take a look at an earlier version of the beginning screen, and among the screenshots indicating that Microsoft actually wanted to integrate the Microsoft Store right into this new experience.

In Windows 11, Microsoft is betting big on widgets as a new method to reach the content that matters for you, including news and information.

"Even when we're at our most focused and creative we still breaks - a minute to check on in with the outside or give ourselves a mental reset. Today, we often pick up our phones to check the news, weather or notifications," Microsoft said when it announced the first version of Windows 11.

"Now, you can open a similarly curated view from your desktop. Whenever you open your personalized feed it slides across your screen like a sheet of glass therefore it doesn't disrupt what you're doing. For creators and publishers, Widgets also opens new property within Windows to provide personalized content. Our aspiration would be to create a vibrant pipeline for global brands and local creators alike, in a way that both consumers and creators may benefit."

Microsoft has released a new group of preview builds to Windows 11 Beta insiders, once again utilizing the same approach, with new features only rollout to part of the testers.

The brand new builds available these days for download the following:

Build 22622.601 = Additional features rolling out.
Build 22621.601 = New features off automatically.

Microsoft says it has only included bug fixes for both builds which are now available for download, which means this time, the company hasn't included any new features that wouldn't be offered with a insiders.

Fundamental essentials changes which are included in both builds now rolling out in the Beta channel:

We fixed the issue where clicking the network icon around the Lock screen would not work and would crash the Lock screen.
We updated the beginning date for daylight saving time in Chile. It'll begin September 11, 2022 rather than on September 4, 2022.
We reduced the ability that the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol uses on some devices when they're in Sleep mode.
We fixed an issue that affects Dual SIM calling. If you select no SIM in your phone and initiate a call on your device, Dual SIM functionality doesn't work.

There's just one known issue during these builds, as Microsoft says that in some instances, the audio might cease working in the Beta channel. The company says it's currently investigating the reports, but for the time being, there's no ETA regarding if this could go love users.

Meanwhile, all eyes these days take presctiption Windows 11 2022 Update, the new version that Microsoft announced earlier this week and which is now rolling out to the very first wave of devices. Capabilities, some of which happen to be tested within the Beta channel, would go live for production devices starting in October.

Microsoft's recently released Windows 11 2022 Update comes with a whole lot improvements, and also to the features that you can easily see in the operating system, the update also comes with more subtle refinements under the hood.

One of these simple changes concerns Windows Update, as Microsoft is using this important OS component to reduce the carbon emissions of the device.

Quite simply, Windows Update is now carbon aware, and according to the software giant, the installation of updates must only start at any given time when lowering the emissions can be done.

Reducing the carbon emissions

Further polishing has additionally been making for idling PCs, once more in an attempt to lessen the emissions - in the end, many of us do leave computer with the screen off or perhaps in idle mode without actually shutting it down.

"With this update we're also making plans to improve the Windows Update experience. Windows Update is now carbon aware, making it easier for your devices to lessen carbon emissions," Microsoft explains.

"When products are plugged in, switched on, connected to the Internet and regional carbon intensity data is available, Windows Update will schedule installations at particular times during the day when you are performing so may lead to lower carbon emissions because a higher proportion of electricity is originating from lower-carbon sources on the electric grid. We've also made some changes towards the default power setting for Sleep and Screen off to help reduce carbon emissions when PCs are idle."

Windows 11 2022 Update is rolling out in phases to devices available, but eligible devices can already look for updates in Windows Update to get it. However, the rollout takes place in stages, so every device will get the update when it's ready (Microsoft hasn't provided an ETA regarding once the broad availability is projected to be reached).

Microsoft has started the rollout of Windows 11 2022 Update, and obviously, this is just the best opportunity for the software giant to praise the capabilities of its operating-system.

The security features which are bundled with Windows 11 are getting a revamp within this update, as new additions are now going love all users.

After the day, all these efforts make Windows 11 probably the most secure form of Windows ever released, as it's in a position to protect users and their data in a way that has never been possible before.

New security features rolling out today

"Online safety, data security and privacy are top concerns for people and their families. Windows 11 is easily the most secure form of Windows yet. Microsoft uses over 43 trillion security signals daily to inform our comprehensive security solutions," Panos Panay, EVP, Chief Product Officer, Windows + Devices, explains.

"Now we're introducing Smart App control so that you can confidently download any app you'll need without worry. We also realize that security threats don't stop whenever you shut your laptop, which is why we've built the Defender app for Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscribers. Microsoft Defender for people extends Windows' built-in security and expands device protection to your Android and iOS phones and Macs. Microsoft 365 customers within the U.S. will quickly receive identity theft monitoring to help keep themselves, and their family's private information, safer online in their Microsoft 365 Personal or Family subscription."

Windows 11 2022 Update has created in stages to devices out there, so not everyone will get it on the first day. However, in case your computer is already entitled to the update, you can just look for updates manually in Windows Update, and the device should then be offered the new bits.

Microsoft has released the September 2022 update for that Windows Subsystem for Android, as the company continues the work on making Google's mobile operating system feel at home on Windows 11.

Available for insiders, WSA remains offered simply to insiders in the United States and Japan - worthwhile to learn, however, is the fact that all users within the Windows Insider program can provide it a try, regardless of the channel they're enrolled in.

"Today we are shipping an update for Windows Subsystem for Android? on Windows 11 to all Windows Insider channels (U.S. and Japan only). This update (version 2208.40000.4.0) will improve security, input issues, general reliability, and gratifaction," Microsoft says.

Needless to say, the WSA update comes with plenty of improvements, including the switch to Chromium WebView 104 and also the latest Linux kernel security updates.

Simultaneously, Microsoft says it's improved the performance of uninstalling apps, while also fixing video playback issues for apps.

The next more improvements are available in the latest WSA update:

Reliability fixes for App Not Responding (ANR) errors
Improvements to input compatibility shims
Improvements to scrolling (smoothness) in apps
Usability Improvements to the Windows Subsystem for Android Settings app
Startup performance improvements
Fixed crashes when copying and pasting extremely large content
UX improvements for that game controls dialog
Improvements to networking

At this time, there's still no ETA regarding when each one of these improvements might make their method to production devices, as WSA continues to be a piece in progress at this time. However, Microsoft recommends everyone to send feedback to the company, simply to have the ability to further refine WSA prior to the production rollout starts.

"If you're having troubles with Windows Subsystem for Android - please file feedback via Feedback Hub under Apps > Windows Subsystem for Android," the software giant explains in today's announcement.