As you may have already noticed, Windows 10 automatically installs the drivers for any network connected printer or other device. But, although this is a very useful feature, it is also very annoying, especially in business environments, where you may not want all printers to be used by all network users.
Of course, if you don’t want a network device and its manufacturer’s apps, you can remove it from your system. But, Windows 10 will automatically install it again. To avoid this, you must prevent Windows from automatically installing the network connected devices (printers, scanners, cameras, etc.), and their apps and customs icons from the manufacturer.
How to STOP Windows 10 to Automatically Install Network Devices and Apps.
1. Navigate to Control Panel. To do that:
a. Type “control panel” at the Windows search box
b. Click Control Panel from the results.
2. Set the View by to Small icons to view all the control panel items, and then click Network and Sharing Center.
3. Choose Advanced sharing settings on the left.
4. Clear the “Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices” and click Save changes.
Optional: If you want to prevent Windows 10 to automatically download and install manufacturer’s apps and custom icons, for any connected device on your PC, then:
1. Navigate to Control Panel -> System.
2. Click System Protection on the left.
3. At Hardware tab, click Device installation settings.
4. At ‘Device installation settings’, choose “No (your device might not work as expected)” and click Save Changes.
That’s all folks! Did it work for you?
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