Device Installation Settings

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  1. Posts : 33
    Win7 Pro x64
       #10

    Hey Brink,

    I just read your tutorial, "How to Change Device Driver and Information Installation Settings in Windows 7 and Windows 8," and I have a question for you:

    Which Driver Installation setting do you recommend right after a fresh, reinstallation of Windows?

    I just did a clean reinstall of Windows 7 Pro and I'm getting ready to install Windows Updates, and then my system drivers. I changed the Windows Update setting to "Check for updates but let me choose to downlad and install them," but I'm not sure what the best setting is for drivers.

    I'd like to see what Windows recommends for driver updates, but I want to choose which ones to install.

    I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 72,014
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #11

    Hello Toby,

    I personally prefer "Check for updates, but let me choose to download and install them" as well.

    You will still get any driver updates listed as available to install with this setting. :)
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 33
    Win7 Pro x64
       #12

    On page 1 of this tutorial, you show the Device Installation Settings window (copy below).

    Are these your recommended settings for it?





    What does "Yes, do this automatically (recommended)" do?

    Does this override my master Windows Update setting of "Check for updates, but let me choose to download and install them?"

    I'm confused by Microsoft's wording in the Device Installation Settings window.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 72,014
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #13

    Toby,

    I like No, and "never install..." to be able to select and install the ones I want from Windows Update.

    "Yes, do this automatically (recommended)" will have Windows automatically download and install any driver available in Windows Update. This setting will override your Windows Update settings.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 33
    Win7 Pro x64
       #14

    Thanks Brink. I understand now.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 72,014
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #15

    You're most welcome. :)
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 33
    Win7 Pro x64
       #16

    Hey Brink,

    I'm probably over-thinking the "Device Installation Settings" feature, because I'm confused again.

    Do the "Device Installation Settings" apply to built-in devices (wireless card, bluetooth, video card, memory card reader, etc.), or to just plug-in devices (monitor, keyboard, mouse, external portable hard drive, etc.), or to both (as in all devices)?

    If I select "No, let me choose what to do and Never install driver software from Windows Update" (in Device Installation Settings) and my master Windows Update choice is "Check for updates, but let me choose to download and install them"..... what should happen when I plug in a Western Digital MyPassport external hard drive (for example)? Should Windows install a generic driver to run it, or tell me to install a driver? And, will a Western Digital MyPassport driver (if a special one is available) be listed in Windows Updates?

    Would it make sense to use one setting right after installing Windows 7, for the Windows Updates process, and then change the setting to "No, Never" before I install drivers from the OEM (Dell) website?

    Bottom line... When I run Windows Updates for the first time after reinstalling Windows 7, I want to choose which updates to install, but I want Windows to recommend drivers for me to install if they're not already on my system (for my wireless card, bluetooth, card reader, etc.)

    I guess I want Windows to always recommend drivers in Windows Updates, but I want to choose which ones to install.
    Does this make sense?

    Sorry for being dense, but this is confusing.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 72,014
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #17

    It's no bother at all. :)

    This is for all devices that require a drive. However, there's no guarantee that there will be a driver update available for a device in Windows Update though. In that case, you would need to get the latest driver from the device manufacturer as usual.

    To always select what you want to install, select the "Never install drivers software from Windows Update" in Device Installation Settings, and "Check for updates, but let me choose to download and install them" in your Windows Update settings.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 33
    Win7 Pro x64
       #18

    Thanks again. I appreciate your advice. Have a great weekend.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 72,014
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Thread Starter
       #19

    You're most welcome. Have a great weekend as well. :)
      My Computer


 
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