Policy
Configure driver search locations
Windows 11 25H2
Policy overview
Key metadata and intent for this policy.
Supported OS tags: WindowsServer2003, WindowsServer2008, WindowsVista, WindowsXP
This setting configures the location that Windows searches for drivers when a new piece of hardware is found. By default, Windows searches the following places for drivers: local installation, floppy drives, CD-ROM drives, Windows Update. Using this setting, you may remove the floppy and CD-ROM drives from the search algorithm. If you enable this setting, you can remove the locations by selecting the associated check box beside the location name. If you disable or do not configure this setting, Windows searches the installation location, floppy drives, and CD-ROM drives. Note: To prevent searching Windows Update for drivers also see "Turn off Windows Update device driver searching" in Administrative Templates/System/Internet Communication Management/Internet Communication settings.
Registry values
How enabled and disabled states update the registry.
No explicit registry values are set for enabled or disabled states.
Policy elements
Inputs and configuration options exposed by this policy.
| Element | Type | Registry mapping | Constraints & behavior |
|---|---|---|---|
Do not search floppy disk drives ID DriverSearchPlaces_Floppies | boolean | HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching\DontSearchFloppies Type REG_DWORD | Options: true (), false () True: None · False: None |
Do not search CD-ROM drives ID DriverSearchPlaces_CD | boolean | HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching\DontSearchCD Type REG_DWORD | Options: true (), false () True: None · False: None |
Do not search Windows Update ID DriverSearchPlaces_WindowsUpdate | boolean | HKCU\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DriverSearching\DontSearchWindowsUpdate Type REG_DWORD | Options: true (), false () True: None · False: None |
Other policies in this category
Explore related policies at the same level.
- ComputerAllow non-administrators to install drivers for these device setup classesAt least Windows Vista
- UserCode signing for driver packagesWindows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000 only
- ComputerTurn off Windows Update device driver search promptWindows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows XP SP2
- UserTurn off Windows Update device driver search promptWindows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, and Windows XP SP2