Hide one problem update or driver (Show or Hide Updates tool)

Hide one problem update or driver (Show or Hide Updates tool) — via Microsoft Q&A

Tricklow riskNeeds adminWindows 11Windows 10

Microsoft's old "Show or Hide Updates" troubleshooter is still downloadable and still the simplest way to stop one specific driver or optional update from reinstalling, without turning off drivers or updates entirely.

Takes effect right away

How to do it

Download wushowhide.diagcab from Microsoft: https://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f22d5fdb-59cd-4275-8c95-1be17bf70b21/wushowhide.diagcab (choose Keep if the browser warns).
Run it, select Next → Hide updates, tick the update or driver you don't want and finish.
To undo, run it again and choose Show hidden updates.

This is an old troubleshooter, not part of current Windows, but the file is still hosted on Microsoft's download server and Microsoft Q&A advisors were still recommending it in 2025.

Sources

Hide an optional update with the Show or Hide tool (accepted answer, 2025) — by Microsoft Q&A

Source reviewed: 2026-11-02
Link checked: 2026-11-02
Tested hands-on: Not by Oddbyte.Me

Oddbyte.Me hasn't tried this on every Windows build, so keep the undo handy.

hide updatewushowhideblock drivershow or hide updateskb

Set Active Hours so updates never restart you mid-work — via Microsoft Learn

Hidden settinglow risk

Windows won't automatically restart for updates during your active hours. You can set them by hand or let Windows learn them from your activity; admins can also enforce a range by policy.

Reclaim space from old updates (WinSxS cleanup) — via Microsoft Learn

Commandmedium riskAdmin

Old versions of updated components pile up in the WinSxS folder. A DISM command removes superseded versions now instead of waiting for Windows' own scheduled cleanup. Never delete WinSxS files by hand — that can break Windows.

Delay feature updates by up to a year — via Microsoft Learn

Group Policylow riskAdminPro / Enterprise / Education

Instead of pinning a version, you can ask Windows to wait a set number of days (0–365) after a feature update is released before offering it — letting others find the bugs first. Monthly security updates keep coming.

Hide one problem update or driver (Show or Hide Updates tool) — via Microsoft Q&A

How to do it

Sources

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