How can I stop Windows 8 from installing nVidia software?












4















Windows 8 is installing NVIDIA's bloated driver software packages on start-up.



A number of negative responses to this question have shown misunderstands about the differences between the core drivers and the other software that is bundled with them. The drivers themselves are required for the device to operate, and they have been included with Windows for at least the last two versions.



However, the software that is bundled with the drivers in the driver packages is not required for the operation of the device, and I don't want or use them. These include the system tray utility, automatic updater and Windows service. (I also don't use the 3D Vision driver.) None of these are needed for correct operation of the device, so they are bloatware to me.



Every time I uninstall them, Windows reinstalls the whole lot without my permission the next time the computer starts.



NVIDIA software in Programs and Features



I recall that previous versions of Windows didn't do this; I chose whether and when to install the nVidia software. I believe that previous versions of Windows already included compatible drivers and functioned correctly without the bloatware.



I am using Windows 8 Pro 64-bit. I have an nVidia 8800GT graphics card.



I have already disabled automatic driver installations in the Device Installation Settings dialog. This seemed to be the most logical starting point. However, it didn't seem to make any difference.



Image showing automatic driver installation is disabled



In Windows 7, the nVidia software was delivered as a recommended Windows update. However, in Windows 8, it's now delivered to me as an important update.



nVidia software showing as an important Windows update



Consequently, I changed the Windows Update settings to prevent the automatic installation of important updates to gain control of the installation of the nVidia software. From there, I also hid the update for convenience. Doing this at first appeared to solve the problem.



Windows Update configured to not automatically download or install updates



Unfortunately, after several days I discovered the bloatware was secretly reinstalled again. Preventing its automatic installation through Windows Update only appeared to reduce the frequency of the installations.



How can I prevent Windows 8 from installing this nVidia bloatware?










share|improve this question




















  • 3





    NVIDIA Graphics Driver and NVIDIA 3D Vision Driver are the plain graphics card drivers.

    – Dennis
    Feb 11 '13 at 0:53






  • 1





    @Dennis, my understanding is that the graphics card drivers are the .sys and .dll files that Windows uses to abstract the device. This is what I was referring to by "plain drivers". NVIDIA Graphics Driver also includes the control panel applet, system tray utility and other software that are not required for the operation of the device. I've updated the question to clarify this.

    – Sam
    Feb 11 '13 at 3:43













  • You don't leave nVidia Update installed and turned on, do you?

    – ta.speot.is
    Feb 20 '13 at 7:50











  • Also, just be glad you bought NVIDIA and not AMD. At least NVIDIA's driver software is useful and can be unobtrusive (just disable the context menu and system tray icon). Better than AMD Crapalyst Craptrol Manager.

    – ta.speot.is
    Feb 20 '13 at 7:51











  • @ta.speot.is, no; the problem occurs when all three of the NVIDIA software packages shown in the Programs and Features window are not present.

    – Sam
    Feb 21 '13 at 7:47
















4















Windows 8 is installing NVIDIA's bloated driver software packages on start-up.



A number of negative responses to this question have shown misunderstands about the differences between the core drivers and the other software that is bundled with them. The drivers themselves are required for the device to operate, and they have been included with Windows for at least the last two versions.



However, the software that is bundled with the drivers in the driver packages is not required for the operation of the device, and I don't want or use them. These include the system tray utility, automatic updater and Windows service. (I also don't use the 3D Vision driver.) None of these are needed for correct operation of the device, so they are bloatware to me.



Every time I uninstall them, Windows reinstalls the whole lot without my permission the next time the computer starts.



NVIDIA software in Programs and Features



I recall that previous versions of Windows didn't do this; I chose whether and when to install the nVidia software. I believe that previous versions of Windows already included compatible drivers and functioned correctly without the bloatware.



I am using Windows 8 Pro 64-bit. I have an nVidia 8800GT graphics card.



I have already disabled automatic driver installations in the Device Installation Settings dialog. This seemed to be the most logical starting point. However, it didn't seem to make any difference.



Image showing automatic driver installation is disabled



In Windows 7, the nVidia software was delivered as a recommended Windows update. However, in Windows 8, it's now delivered to me as an important update.



nVidia software showing as an important Windows update



Consequently, I changed the Windows Update settings to prevent the automatic installation of important updates to gain control of the installation of the nVidia software. From there, I also hid the update for convenience. Doing this at first appeared to solve the problem.



Windows Update configured to not automatically download or install updates



Unfortunately, after several days I discovered the bloatware was secretly reinstalled again. Preventing its automatic installation through Windows Update only appeared to reduce the frequency of the installations.



How can I prevent Windows 8 from installing this nVidia bloatware?










share|improve this question




















  • 3





    NVIDIA Graphics Driver and NVIDIA 3D Vision Driver are the plain graphics card drivers.

    – Dennis
    Feb 11 '13 at 0:53






  • 1





    @Dennis, my understanding is that the graphics card drivers are the .sys and .dll files that Windows uses to abstract the device. This is what I was referring to by "plain drivers". NVIDIA Graphics Driver also includes the control panel applet, system tray utility and other software that are not required for the operation of the device. I've updated the question to clarify this.

    – Sam
    Feb 11 '13 at 3:43













  • You don't leave nVidia Update installed and turned on, do you?

    – ta.speot.is
    Feb 20 '13 at 7:50











  • Also, just be glad you bought NVIDIA and not AMD. At least NVIDIA's driver software is useful and can be unobtrusive (just disable the context menu and system tray icon). Better than AMD Crapalyst Craptrol Manager.

    – ta.speot.is
    Feb 20 '13 at 7:51











  • @ta.speot.is, no; the problem occurs when all three of the NVIDIA software packages shown in the Programs and Features window are not present.

    – Sam
    Feb 21 '13 at 7:47














4












4








4


1






Windows 8 is installing NVIDIA's bloated driver software packages on start-up.



A number of negative responses to this question have shown misunderstands about the differences between the core drivers and the other software that is bundled with them. The drivers themselves are required for the device to operate, and they have been included with Windows for at least the last two versions.



However, the software that is bundled with the drivers in the driver packages is not required for the operation of the device, and I don't want or use them. These include the system tray utility, automatic updater and Windows service. (I also don't use the 3D Vision driver.) None of these are needed for correct operation of the device, so they are bloatware to me.



Every time I uninstall them, Windows reinstalls the whole lot without my permission the next time the computer starts.



NVIDIA software in Programs and Features



I recall that previous versions of Windows didn't do this; I chose whether and when to install the nVidia software. I believe that previous versions of Windows already included compatible drivers and functioned correctly without the bloatware.



I am using Windows 8 Pro 64-bit. I have an nVidia 8800GT graphics card.



I have already disabled automatic driver installations in the Device Installation Settings dialog. This seemed to be the most logical starting point. However, it didn't seem to make any difference.



Image showing automatic driver installation is disabled



In Windows 7, the nVidia software was delivered as a recommended Windows update. However, in Windows 8, it's now delivered to me as an important update.



nVidia software showing as an important Windows update



Consequently, I changed the Windows Update settings to prevent the automatic installation of important updates to gain control of the installation of the nVidia software. From there, I also hid the update for convenience. Doing this at first appeared to solve the problem.



Windows Update configured to not automatically download or install updates



Unfortunately, after several days I discovered the bloatware was secretly reinstalled again. Preventing its automatic installation through Windows Update only appeared to reduce the frequency of the installations.



How can I prevent Windows 8 from installing this nVidia bloatware?










share|improve this question
















Windows 8 is installing NVIDIA's bloated driver software packages on start-up.



A number of negative responses to this question have shown misunderstands about the differences between the core drivers and the other software that is bundled with them. The drivers themselves are required for the device to operate, and they have been included with Windows for at least the last two versions.



However, the software that is bundled with the drivers in the driver packages is not required for the operation of the device, and I don't want or use them. These include the system tray utility, automatic updater and Windows service. (I also don't use the 3D Vision driver.) None of these are needed for correct operation of the device, so they are bloatware to me.



Every time I uninstall them, Windows reinstalls the whole lot without my permission the next time the computer starts.



NVIDIA software in Programs and Features



I recall that previous versions of Windows didn't do this; I chose whether and when to install the nVidia software. I believe that previous versions of Windows already included compatible drivers and functioned correctly without the bloatware.



I am using Windows 8 Pro 64-bit. I have an nVidia 8800GT graphics card.



I have already disabled automatic driver installations in the Device Installation Settings dialog. This seemed to be the most logical starting point. However, it didn't seem to make any difference.



Image showing automatic driver installation is disabled



In Windows 7, the nVidia software was delivered as a recommended Windows update. However, in Windows 8, it's now delivered to me as an important update.



nVidia software showing as an important Windows update



Consequently, I changed the Windows Update settings to prevent the automatic installation of important updates to gain control of the installation of the nVidia software. From there, I also hid the update for convenience. Doing this at first appeared to solve the problem.



Windows Update configured to not automatically download or install updates



Unfortunately, after several days I discovered the bloatware was secretly reinstalled again. Preventing its automatic installation through Windows Update only appeared to reduce the frequency of the installations.



How can I prevent Windows 8 from installing this nVidia bloatware?







windows-8 drivers nvidia-graphics-card bloatware






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited Mar 19 '16 at 21:21









Hennes

59.1k792141




59.1k792141










asked Feb 11 '13 at 0:32









SamSam

9731931




9731931








  • 3





    NVIDIA Graphics Driver and NVIDIA 3D Vision Driver are the plain graphics card drivers.

    – Dennis
    Feb 11 '13 at 0:53






  • 1





    @Dennis, my understanding is that the graphics card drivers are the .sys and .dll files that Windows uses to abstract the device. This is what I was referring to by "plain drivers". NVIDIA Graphics Driver also includes the control panel applet, system tray utility and other software that are not required for the operation of the device. I've updated the question to clarify this.

    – Sam
    Feb 11 '13 at 3:43













  • You don't leave nVidia Update installed and turned on, do you?

    – ta.speot.is
    Feb 20 '13 at 7:50











  • Also, just be glad you bought NVIDIA and not AMD. At least NVIDIA's driver software is useful and can be unobtrusive (just disable the context menu and system tray icon). Better than AMD Crapalyst Craptrol Manager.

    – ta.speot.is
    Feb 20 '13 at 7:51











  • @ta.speot.is, no; the problem occurs when all three of the NVIDIA software packages shown in the Programs and Features window are not present.

    – Sam
    Feb 21 '13 at 7:47














  • 3





    NVIDIA Graphics Driver and NVIDIA 3D Vision Driver are the plain graphics card drivers.

    – Dennis
    Feb 11 '13 at 0:53






  • 1





    @Dennis, my understanding is that the graphics card drivers are the .sys and .dll files that Windows uses to abstract the device. This is what I was referring to by "plain drivers". NVIDIA Graphics Driver also includes the control panel applet, system tray utility and other software that are not required for the operation of the device. I've updated the question to clarify this.

    – Sam
    Feb 11 '13 at 3:43













  • You don't leave nVidia Update installed and turned on, do you?

    – ta.speot.is
    Feb 20 '13 at 7:50











  • Also, just be glad you bought NVIDIA and not AMD. At least NVIDIA's driver software is useful and can be unobtrusive (just disable the context menu and system tray icon). Better than AMD Crapalyst Craptrol Manager.

    – ta.speot.is
    Feb 20 '13 at 7:51











  • @ta.speot.is, no; the problem occurs when all three of the NVIDIA software packages shown in the Programs and Features window are not present.

    – Sam
    Feb 21 '13 at 7:47








3




3





NVIDIA Graphics Driver and NVIDIA 3D Vision Driver are the plain graphics card drivers.

– Dennis
Feb 11 '13 at 0:53





NVIDIA Graphics Driver and NVIDIA 3D Vision Driver are the plain graphics card drivers.

– Dennis
Feb 11 '13 at 0:53




1




1





@Dennis, my understanding is that the graphics card drivers are the .sys and .dll files that Windows uses to abstract the device. This is what I was referring to by "plain drivers". NVIDIA Graphics Driver also includes the control panel applet, system tray utility and other software that are not required for the operation of the device. I've updated the question to clarify this.

– Sam
Feb 11 '13 at 3:43







@Dennis, my understanding is that the graphics card drivers are the .sys and .dll files that Windows uses to abstract the device. This is what I was referring to by "plain drivers". NVIDIA Graphics Driver also includes the control panel applet, system tray utility and other software that are not required for the operation of the device. I've updated the question to clarify this.

– Sam
Feb 11 '13 at 3:43















You don't leave nVidia Update installed and turned on, do you?

– ta.speot.is
Feb 20 '13 at 7:50





You don't leave nVidia Update installed and turned on, do you?

– ta.speot.is
Feb 20 '13 at 7:50













Also, just be glad you bought NVIDIA and not AMD. At least NVIDIA's driver software is useful and can be unobtrusive (just disable the context menu and system tray icon). Better than AMD Crapalyst Craptrol Manager.

– ta.speot.is
Feb 20 '13 at 7:51





Also, just be glad you bought NVIDIA and not AMD. At least NVIDIA's driver software is useful and can be unobtrusive (just disable the context menu and system tray icon). Better than AMD Crapalyst Craptrol Manager.

– ta.speot.is
Feb 20 '13 at 7:51













@ta.speot.is, no; the problem occurs when all three of the NVIDIA software packages shown in the Programs and Features window are not present.

– Sam
Feb 21 '13 at 7:47





@ta.speot.is, no; the problem occurs when all three of the NVIDIA software packages shown in the Programs and Features window are not present.

– Sam
Feb 21 '13 at 7:47










6 Answers
6






active

oldest

votes


















1














Okay, that's not windows update that you get. Thats an ITB (In the box ) driver that's getting loaded. It comes as a feature with Windows 8 onwards. Regarding disabling it, Not sure. But you could try custom installation of an updated driver version(just driver package and not additional components). ITB should not load of the installed version is an updated version






share|improve this answer































    0














    In my case, updating NVidia drivers caused a endless failed windows update loop when I was not connected to my corporate domain because of the Trend Micro software. I was losing 4 hours recovering every time it updated undoing and manually fixing it. The group policy forced updates through even though I disabled automatic update installations.



    I found these links helpful:



    https://www.tenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/31033-kb3073930-will-not-hide-nvidia-driver-update-2.html



    https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/how-do-i-stop-nvidia-driver-34965-from-auto/1e82e119-789c-4809-bcd3-56e1515bedc2



    Windows 7 Advanced System Settings:




    • Navigate to Control Panel->System

    • On the bar on the left, click Advanced System Settings


    Windows 10 Advanced System Settings:




    • Type “System Settings” in the search next to start.

    • Select View advanced system settings.


    Windows 7/10 Disable Driver Updates:




    • Click on Hardware Tab in system properties.

    • Click on Device installation settings.

    • Select No, Let Me choose what to do.

    • Select Never install driver software from Windows Update.

    • Click on Save changes.






    share|improve this answer

































      -1














      Just go to Windows Update, look for the Geforce Driver (where currently the driver is marked as important update), disable and hide it.



      The concerning update can be found easily, if you search for new updates directly after reinstalling an older driver.






      share|improve this answer
























      • works for me. love the downvoters not even giving a comment about what is wrong...

        – thewhiteambit
        Oct 1 '14 at 17:32






      • 1





        I also don't understand the down-votes; your answer seems to be the only one so far that provides any kind of help. I am guessing that disabling update of the driver to stop installing the bloatware is a bit pointless - indeed, you want to get the newest device drivers from windows update. You just don't want what comes with it.

        – j_kubik
        Nov 17 '14 at 6:21





















      -2














      I don't really think of those things as bloatware, and they may be required. If you do not want them to run at startup you can try disabling with msconfig, but be warned if they are required you may boot up to a blank screen.






      share|improve this answer
























      • I suppose it really depends on the person. From your profile picture and what you've said, it sounds like all of the software is useful to you. To me, however, I just want the graphics card to work with Windows; I have no use for the included software. I don't want any of the software except for the actual device driver files.

        – Sam
        Feb 11 '13 at 3:54











      • Also, it sounds like you're just guessing about the need for the included software. The graphics card works fine with Windows without any nVidia software installed (except for the plain device driver files).

        – Sam
        Feb 11 '13 at 3:56











      • -1, "they may be required" try not to guess what OP needs/wants, especially if he openly says he doesn't need it.

        – j_kubik
        Nov 17 '14 at 6:24



















      -2














      I use Windows XP SP3 IE7:



      [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDriverSearching]
      "DontSearchWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001
      "DontPromptForWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001





      share|improve this answer





















      • 2





        ... HOW is a WinXP-based answer useful to a question that clearly specifies Win8 as part of the problem?

        – chronodekar
        Oct 21 '13 at 10:31



















      -3














      Do note that in order for your nVidia 8800GT Graphics card to actually function, the nVidia drivers NEED to be installed. Especially on a graphic heavy interface that Windows 8 provides. Otherwise there is no reason to have your 8800GT inside the system. The software that is being installed by nVidia is NOT bloatware. I think your definition of bloatware is a bit flawed, as it is NEEDED under the Windows8 Operating system. Unless your motherboard has on-board video you will need the nvidia driver.






      share|improve this answer
























      • The card works fine without some of the bloatware running. For example, I can close the system tray and automatic updaters and it still works fine. So it isn't true that all of the software is needed.

        – Sam
        Aug 5 '14 at 23:05











      • You can close the system tray, but it still runs in the background. It may not be on your tray, but it is still needed by the system to properly control the graphics card. Its what tells the graphics card what kind of paramiters its to be run under, what settings you would like your colors set to, how you want your videos rendered. (etc.) The automatic updater true isn't needed, however it doesn't effect your system in such a way that it necessarily needs to be removed. Nor takes up enough space to truly be 'bloatware' its used by the control panel to look for updates for you.

        – KillerXtreme
        Aug 5 '14 at 23:15











      • If you don't want to have these things running, then go into MSconfig and disable them.

        – KillerXtreme
        Aug 5 '14 at 23:16











      • To me, bloatware isn't just about permanent storage space consumption. It's also about OS start-up time, memory consumption and CPU utilisation.

        – Sam
        Aug 6 '14 at 0:05











      • Why do you think the system tray utility is needed in the background? Have you tested it and found that it's needed, or did you read this somewhere?

        – Sam
        Aug 6 '14 at 0:06











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      6 Answers
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      1














      Okay, that's not windows update that you get. Thats an ITB (In the box ) driver that's getting loaded. It comes as a feature with Windows 8 onwards. Regarding disabling it, Not sure. But you could try custom installation of an updated driver version(just driver package and not additional components). ITB should not load of the installed version is an updated version






      share|improve this answer




























        1














        Okay, that's not windows update that you get. Thats an ITB (In the box ) driver that's getting loaded. It comes as a feature with Windows 8 onwards. Regarding disabling it, Not sure. But you could try custom installation of an updated driver version(just driver package and not additional components). ITB should not load of the installed version is an updated version






        share|improve this answer


























          1












          1








          1







          Okay, that's not windows update that you get. Thats an ITB (In the box ) driver that's getting loaded. It comes as a feature with Windows 8 onwards. Regarding disabling it, Not sure. But you could try custom installation of an updated driver version(just driver package and not additional components). ITB should not load of the installed version is an updated version






          share|improve this answer













          Okay, that's not windows update that you get. Thats an ITB (In the box ) driver that's getting loaded. It comes as a feature with Windows 8 onwards. Regarding disabling it, Not sure. But you could try custom installation of an updated driver version(just driver package and not additional components). ITB should not load of the installed version is an updated version







          share|improve this answer












          share|improve this answer



          share|improve this answer










          answered Jan 17 '15 at 19:38









          Ronak AgrawalRonak Agrawal

          1265




          1265

























              0














              In my case, updating NVidia drivers caused a endless failed windows update loop when I was not connected to my corporate domain because of the Trend Micro software. I was losing 4 hours recovering every time it updated undoing and manually fixing it. The group policy forced updates through even though I disabled automatic update installations.



              I found these links helpful:



              https://www.tenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/31033-kb3073930-will-not-hide-nvidia-driver-update-2.html



              https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/how-do-i-stop-nvidia-driver-34965-from-auto/1e82e119-789c-4809-bcd3-56e1515bedc2



              Windows 7 Advanced System Settings:




              • Navigate to Control Panel->System

              • On the bar on the left, click Advanced System Settings


              Windows 10 Advanced System Settings:




              • Type “System Settings” in the search next to start.

              • Select View advanced system settings.


              Windows 7/10 Disable Driver Updates:




              • Click on Hardware Tab in system properties.

              • Click on Device installation settings.

              • Select No, Let Me choose what to do.

              • Select Never install driver software from Windows Update.

              • Click on Save changes.






              share|improve this answer






























                0














                In my case, updating NVidia drivers caused a endless failed windows update loop when I was not connected to my corporate domain because of the Trend Micro software. I was losing 4 hours recovering every time it updated undoing and manually fixing it. The group policy forced updates through even though I disabled automatic update installations.



                I found these links helpful:



                https://www.tenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/31033-kb3073930-will-not-hide-nvidia-driver-update-2.html



                https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/how-do-i-stop-nvidia-driver-34965-from-auto/1e82e119-789c-4809-bcd3-56e1515bedc2



                Windows 7 Advanced System Settings:




                • Navigate to Control Panel->System

                • On the bar on the left, click Advanced System Settings


                Windows 10 Advanced System Settings:




                • Type “System Settings” in the search next to start.

                • Select View advanced system settings.


                Windows 7/10 Disable Driver Updates:




                • Click on Hardware Tab in system properties.

                • Click on Device installation settings.

                • Select No, Let Me choose what to do.

                • Select Never install driver software from Windows Update.

                • Click on Save changes.






                share|improve this answer




























                  0












                  0








                  0







                  In my case, updating NVidia drivers caused a endless failed windows update loop when I was not connected to my corporate domain because of the Trend Micro software. I was losing 4 hours recovering every time it updated undoing and manually fixing it. The group policy forced updates through even though I disabled automatic update installations.



                  I found these links helpful:



                  https://www.tenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/31033-kb3073930-will-not-hide-nvidia-driver-update-2.html



                  https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/how-do-i-stop-nvidia-driver-34965-from-auto/1e82e119-789c-4809-bcd3-56e1515bedc2



                  Windows 7 Advanced System Settings:




                  • Navigate to Control Panel->System

                  • On the bar on the left, click Advanced System Settings


                  Windows 10 Advanced System Settings:




                  • Type “System Settings” in the search next to start.

                  • Select View advanced system settings.


                  Windows 7/10 Disable Driver Updates:




                  • Click on Hardware Tab in system properties.

                  • Click on Device installation settings.

                  • Select No, Let Me choose what to do.

                  • Select Never install driver software from Windows Update.

                  • Click on Save changes.






                  share|improve this answer















                  In my case, updating NVidia drivers caused a endless failed windows update loop when I was not connected to my corporate domain because of the Trend Micro software. I was losing 4 hours recovering every time it updated undoing and manually fixing it. The group policy forced updates through even though I disabled automatic update installations.



                  I found these links helpful:



                  https://www.tenforums.com/windows-updates-activation/31033-kb3073930-will-not-hide-nvidia-driver-update-2.html



                  https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/insider/forum/all/how-do-i-stop-nvidia-driver-34965-from-auto/1e82e119-789c-4809-bcd3-56e1515bedc2



                  Windows 7 Advanced System Settings:




                  • Navigate to Control Panel->System

                  • On the bar on the left, click Advanced System Settings


                  Windows 10 Advanced System Settings:




                  • Type “System Settings” in the search next to start.

                  • Select View advanced system settings.


                  Windows 7/10 Disable Driver Updates:




                  • Click on Hardware Tab in system properties.

                  • Click on Device installation settings.

                  • Select No, Let Me choose what to do.

                  • Select Never install driver software from Windows Update.

                  • Click on Save changes.







                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited Jan 24 at 0:31

























                  answered Jan 24 at 0:21









                  VoteCoffeeVoteCoffee

                  16115




                  16115























                      -1














                      Just go to Windows Update, look for the Geforce Driver (where currently the driver is marked as important update), disable and hide it.



                      The concerning update can be found easily, if you search for new updates directly after reinstalling an older driver.






                      share|improve this answer
























                      • works for me. love the downvoters not even giving a comment about what is wrong...

                        – thewhiteambit
                        Oct 1 '14 at 17:32






                      • 1





                        I also don't understand the down-votes; your answer seems to be the only one so far that provides any kind of help. I am guessing that disabling update of the driver to stop installing the bloatware is a bit pointless - indeed, you want to get the newest device drivers from windows update. You just don't want what comes with it.

                        – j_kubik
                        Nov 17 '14 at 6:21


















                      -1














                      Just go to Windows Update, look for the Geforce Driver (where currently the driver is marked as important update), disable and hide it.



                      The concerning update can be found easily, if you search for new updates directly after reinstalling an older driver.






                      share|improve this answer
























                      • works for me. love the downvoters not even giving a comment about what is wrong...

                        – thewhiteambit
                        Oct 1 '14 at 17:32






                      • 1





                        I also don't understand the down-votes; your answer seems to be the only one so far that provides any kind of help. I am guessing that disabling update of the driver to stop installing the bloatware is a bit pointless - indeed, you want to get the newest device drivers from windows update. You just don't want what comes with it.

                        – j_kubik
                        Nov 17 '14 at 6:21
















                      -1












                      -1








                      -1







                      Just go to Windows Update, look for the Geforce Driver (where currently the driver is marked as important update), disable and hide it.



                      The concerning update can be found easily, if you search for new updates directly after reinstalling an older driver.






                      share|improve this answer













                      Just go to Windows Update, look for the Geforce Driver (where currently the driver is marked as important update), disable and hide it.



                      The concerning update can be found easily, if you search for new updates directly after reinstalling an older driver.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Sep 13 '14 at 16:10









                      thewhiteambitthewhiteambit

                      1151




                      1151













                      • works for me. love the downvoters not even giving a comment about what is wrong...

                        – thewhiteambit
                        Oct 1 '14 at 17:32






                      • 1





                        I also don't understand the down-votes; your answer seems to be the only one so far that provides any kind of help. I am guessing that disabling update of the driver to stop installing the bloatware is a bit pointless - indeed, you want to get the newest device drivers from windows update. You just don't want what comes with it.

                        – j_kubik
                        Nov 17 '14 at 6:21





















                      • works for me. love the downvoters not even giving a comment about what is wrong...

                        – thewhiteambit
                        Oct 1 '14 at 17:32






                      • 1





                        I also don't understand the down-votes; your answer seems to be the only one so far that provides any kind of help. I am guessing that disabling update of the driver to stop installing the bloatware is a bit pointless - indeed, you want to get the newest device drivers from windows update. You just don't want what comes with it.

                        – j_kubik
                        Nov 17 '14 at 6:21



















                      works for me. love the downvoters not even giving a comment about what is wrong...

                      – thewhiteambit
                      Oct 1 '14 at 17:32





                      works for me. love the downvoters not even giving a comment about what is wrong...

                      – thewhiteambit
                      Oct 1 '14 at 17:32




                      1




                      1





                      I also don't understand the down-votes; your answer seems to be the only one so far that provides any kind of help. I am guessing that disabling update of the driver to stop installing the bloatware is a bit pointless - indeed, you want to get the newest device drivers from windows update. You just don't want what comes with it.

                      – j_kubik
                      Nov 17 '14 at 6:21







                      I also don't understand the down-votes; your answer seems to be the only one so far that provides any kind of help. I am guessing that disabling update of the driver to stop installing the bloatware is a bit pointless - indeed, you want to get the newest device drivers from windows update. You just don't want what comes with it.

                      – j_kubik
                      Nov 17 '14 at 6:21













                      -2














                      I don't really think of those things as bloatware, and they may be required. If you do not want them to run at startup you can try disabling with msconfig, but be warned if they are required you may boot up to a blank screen.






                      share|improve this answer
























                      • I suppose it really depends on the person. From your profile picture and what you've said, it sounds like all of the software is useful to you. To me, however, I just want the graphics card to work with Windows; I have no use for the included software. I don't want any of the software except for the actual device driver files.

                        – Sam
                        Feb 11 '13 at 3:54











                      • Also, it sounds like you're just guessing about the need for the included software. The graphics card works fine with Windows without any nVidia software installed (except for the plain device driver files).

                        – Sam
                        Feb 11 '13 at 3:56











                      • -1, "they may be required" try not to guess what OP needs/wants, especially if he openly says he doesn't need it.

                        – j_kubik
                        Nov 17 '14 at 6:24
















                      -2














                      I don't really think of those things as bloatware, and they may be required. If you do not want them to run at startup you can try disabling with msconfig, but be warned if they are required you may boot up to a blank screen.






                      share|improve this answer
























                      • I suppose it really depends on the person. From your profile picture and what you've said, it sounds like all of the software is useful to you. To me, however, I just want the graphics card to work with Windows; I have no use for the included software. I don't want any of the software except for the actual device driver files.

                        – Sam
                        Feb 11 '13 at 3:54











                      • Also, it sounds like you're just guessing about the need for the included software. The graphics card works fine with Windows without any nVidia software installed (except for the plain device driver files).

                        – Sam
                        Feb 11 '13 at 3:56











                      • -1, "they may be required" try not to guess what OP needs/wants, especially if he openly says he doesn't need it.

                        – j_kubik
                        Nov 17 '14 at 6:24














                      -2












                      -2








                      -2







                      I don't really think of those things as bloatware, and they may be required. If you do not want them to run at startup you can try disabling with msconfig, but be warned if they are required you may boot up to a blank screen.






                      share|improve this answer













                      I don't really think of those things as bloatware, and they may be required. If you do not want them to run at startup you can try disabling with msconfig, but be warned if they are required you may boot up to a blank screen.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Feb 11 '13 at 0:43









                      danielcgdanielcg

                      532311




                      532311













                      • I suppose it really depends on the person. From your profile picture and what you've said, it sounds like all of the software is useful to you. To me, however, I just want the graphics card to work with Windows; I have no use for the included software. I don't want any of the software except for the actual device driver files.

                        – Sam
                        Feb 11 '13 at 3:54











                      • Also, it sounds like you're just guessing about the need for the included software. The graphics card works fine with Windows without any nVidia software installed (except for the plain device driver files).

                        – Sam
                        Feb 11 '13 at 3:56











                      • -1, "they may be required" try not to guess what OP needs/wants, especially if he openly says he doesn't need it.

                        – j_kubik
                        Nov 17 '14 at 6:24



















                      • I suppose it really depends on the person. From your profile picture and what you've said, it sounds like all of the software is useful to you. To me, however, I just want the graphics card to work with Windows; I have no use for the included software. I don't want any of the software except for the actual device driver files.

                        – Sam
                        Feb 11 '13 at 3:54











                      • Also, it sounds like you're just guessing about the need for the included software. The graphics card works fine with Windows without any nVidia software installed (except for the plain device driver files).

                        – Sam
                        Feb 11 '13 at 3:56











                      • -1, "they may be required" try not to guess what OP needs/wants, especially if he openly says he doesn't need it.

                        – j_kubik
                        Nov 17 '14 at 6:24

















                      I suppose it really depends on the person. From your profile picture and what you've said, it sounds like all of the software is useful to you. To me, however, I just want the graphics card to work with Windows; I have no use for the included software. I don't want any of the software except for the actual device driver files.

                      – Sam
                      Feb 11 '13 at 3:54





                      I suppose it really depends on the person. From your profile picture and what you've said, it sounds like all of the software is useful to you. To me, however, I just want the graphics card to work with Windows; I have no use for the included software. I don't want any of the software except for the actual device driver files.

                      – Sam
                      Feb 11 '13 at 3:54













                      Also, it sounds like you're just guessing about the need for the included software. The graphics card works fine with Windows without any nVidia software installed (except for the plain device driver files).

                      – Sam
                      Feb 11 '13 at 3:56





                      Also, it sounds like you're just guessing about the need for the included software. The graphics card works fine with Windows without any nVidia software installed (except for the plain device driver files).

                      – Sam
                      Feb 11 '13 at 3:56













                      -1, "they may be required" try not to guess what OP needs/wants, especially if he openly says he doesn't need it.

                      – j_kubik
                      Nov 17 '14 at 6:24





                      -1, "they may be required" try not to guess what OP needs/wants, especially if he openly says he doesn't need it.

                      – j_kubik
                      Nov 17 '14 at 6:24











                      -2














                      I use Windows XP SP3 IE7:



                      [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDriverSearching]
                      "DontSearchWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001
                      "DontPromptForWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001





                      share|improve this answer





















                      • 2





                        ... HOW is a WinXP-based answer useful to a question that clearly specifies Win8 as part of the problem?

                        – chronodekar
                        Oct 21 '13 at 10:31
















                      -2














                      I use Windows XP SP3 IE7:



                      [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDriverSearching]
                      "DontSearchWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001
                      "DontPromptForWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001





                      share|improve this answer





















                      • 2





                        ... HOW is a WinXP-based answer useful to a question that clearly specifies Win8 as part of the problem?

                        – chronodekar
                        Oct 21 '13 at 10:31














                      -2












                      -2








                      -2







                      I use Windows XP SP3 IE7:



                      [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDriverSearching]
                      "DontSearchWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001
                      "DontPromptForWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001





                      share|improve this answer















                      I use Windows XP SP3 IE7:



                      [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDriverSearching]
                      "DontSearchWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001
                      "DontPromptForWindowsUpdate"=dword:00000001






                      share|improve this answer














                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer








                      edited Apr 14 '13 at 5:24









                      slm

                      6,34563846




                      6,34563846










                      answered Apr 14 '13 at 4:39









                      XUXOXUXO

                      51




                      51








                      • 2





                        ... HOW is a WinXP-based answer useful to a question that clearly specifies Win8 as part of the problem?

                        – chronodekar
                        Oct 21 '13 at 10:31














                      • 2





                        ... HOW is a WinXP-based answer useful to a question that clearly specifies Win8 as part of the problem?

                        – chronodekar
                        Oct 21 '13 at 10:31








                      2




                      2





                      ... HOW is a WinXP-based answer useful to a question that clearly specifies Win8 as part of the problem?

                      – chronodekar
                      Oct 21 '13 at 10:31





                      ... HOW is a WinXP-based answer useful to a question that clearly specifies Win8 as part of the problem?

                      – chronodekar
                      Oct 21 '13 at 10:31











                      -3














                      Do note that in order for your nVidia 8800GT Graphics card to actually function, the nVidia drivers NEED to be installed. Especially on a graphic heavy interface that Windows 8 provides. Otherwise there is no reason to have your 8800GT inside the system. The software that is being installed by nVidia is NOT bloatware. I think your definition of bloatware is a bit flawed, as it is NEEDED under the Windows8 Operating system. Unless your motherboard has on-board video you will need the nvidia driver.






                      share|improve this answer
























                      • The card works fine without some of the bloatware running. For example, I can close the system tray and automatic updaters and it still works fine. So it isn't true that all of the software is needed.

                        – Sam
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:05











                      • You can close the system tray, but it still runs in the background. It may not be on your tray, but it is still needed by the system to properly control the graphics card. Its what tells the graphics card what kind of paramiters its to be run under, what settings you would like your colors set to, how you want your videos rendered. (etc.) The automatic updater true isn't needed, however it doesn't effect your system in such a way that it necessarily needs to be removed. Nor takes up enough space to truly be 'bloatware' its used by the control panel to look for updates for you.

                        – KillerXtreme
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:15











                      • If you don't want to have these things running, then go into MSconfig and disable them.

                        – KillerXtreme
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:16











                      • To me, bloatware isn't just about permanent storage space consumption. It's also about OS start-up time, memory consumption and CPU utilisation.

                        – Sam
                        Aug 6 '14 at 0:05











                      • Why do you think the system tray utility is needed in the background? Have you tested it and found that it's needed, or did you read this somewhere?

                        – Sam
                        Aug 6 '14 at 0:06
















                      -3














                      Do note that in order for your nVidia 8800GT Graphics card to actually function, the nVidia drivers NEED to be installed. Especially on a graphic heavy interface that Windows 8 provides. Otherwise there is no reason to have your 8800GT inside the system. The software that is being installed by nVidia is NOT bloatware. I think your definition of bloatware is a bit flawed, as it is NEEDED under the Windows8 Operating system. Unless your motherboard has on-board video you will need the nvidia driver.






                      share|improve this answer
























                      • The card works fine without some of the bloatware running. For example, I can close the system tray and automatic updaters and it still works fine. So it isn't true that all of the software is needed.

                        – Sam
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:05











                      • You can close the system tray, but it still runs in the background. It may not be on your tray, but it is still needed by the system to properly control the graphics card. Its what tells the graphics card what kind of paramiters its to be run under, what settings you would like your colors set to, how you want your videos rendered. (etc.) The automatic updater true isn't needed, however it doesn't effect your system in such a way that it necessarily needs to be removed. Nor takes up enough space to truly be 'bloatware' its used by the control panel to look for updates for you.

                        – KillerXtreme
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:15











                      • If you don't want to have these things running, then go into MSconfig and disable them.

                        – KillerXtreme
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:16











                      • To me, bloatware isn't just about permanent storage space consumption. It's also about OS start-up time, memory consumption and CPU utilisation.

                        – Sam
                        Aug 6 '14 at 0:05











                      • Why do you think the system tray utility is needed in the background? Have you tested it and found that it's needed, or did you read this somewhere?

                        – Sam
                        Aug 6 '14 at 0:06














                      -3












                      -3








                      -3







                      Do note that in order for your nVidia 8800GT Graphics card to actually function, the nVidia drivers NEED to be installed. Especially on a graphic heavy interface that Windows 8 provides. Otherwise there is no reason to have your 8800GT inside the system. The software that is being installed by nVidia is NOT bloatware. I think your definition of bloatware is a bit flawed, as it is NEEDED under the Windows8 Operating system. Unless your motherboard has on-board video you will need the nvidia driver.






                      share|improve this answer













                      Do note that in order for your nVidia 8800GT Graphics card to actually function, the nVidia drivers NEED to be installed. Especially on a graphic heavy interface that Windows 8 provides. Otherwise there is no reason to have your 8800GT inside the system. The software that is being installed by nVidia is NOT bloatware. I think your definition of bloatware is a bit flawed, as it is NEEDED under the Windows8 Operating system. Unless your motherboard has on-board video you will need the nvidia driver.







                      share|improve this answer












                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer










                      answered Aug 5 '14 at 23:03









                      KillerXtremeKillerXtreme

                      834




                      834













                      • The card works fine without some of the bloatware running. For example, I can close the system tray and automatic updaters and it still works fine. So it isn't true that all of the software is needed.

                        – Sam
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:05











                      • You can close the system tray, but it still runs in the background. It may not be on your tray, but it is still needed by the system to properly control the graphics card. Its what tells the graphics card what kind of paramiters its to be run under, what settings you would like your colors set to, how you want your videos rendered. (etc.) The automatic updater true isn't needed, however it doesn't effect your system in such a way that it necessarily needs to be removed. Nor takes up enough space to truly be 'bloatware' its used by the control panel to look for updates for you.

                        – KillerXtreme
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:15











                      • If you don't want to have these things running, then go into MSconfig and disable them.

                        – KillerXtreme
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:16











                      • To me, bloatware isn't just about permanent storage space consumption. It's also about OS start-up time, memory consumption and CPU utilisation.

                        – Sam
                        Aug 6 '14 at 0:05











                      • Why do you think the system tray utility is needed in the background? Have you tested it and found that it's needed, or did you read this somewhere?

                        – Sam
                        Aug 6 '14 at 0:06



















                      • The card works fine without some of the bloatware running. For example, I can close the system tray and automatic updaters and it still works fine. So it isn't true that all of the software is needed.

                        – Sam
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:05











                      • You can close the system tray, but it still runs in the background. It may not be on your tray, but it is still needed by the system to properly control the graphics card. Its what tells the graphics card what kind of paramiters its to be run under, what settings you would like your colors set to, how you want your videos rendered. (etc.) The automatic updater true isn't needed, however it doesn't effect your system in such a way that it necessarily needs to be removed. Nor takes up enough space to truly be 'bloatware' its used by the control panel to look for updates for you.

                        – KillerXtreme
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:15











                      • If you don't want to have these things running, then go into MSconfig and disable them.

                        – KillerXtreme
                        Aug 5 '14 at 23:16











                      • To me, bloatware isn't just about permanent storage space consumption. It's also about OS start-up time, memory consumption and CPU utilisation.

                        – Sam
                        Aug 6 '14 at 0:05











                      • Why do you think the system tray utility is needed in the background? Have you tested it and found that it's needed, or did you read this somewhere?

                        – Sam
                        Aug 6 '14 at 0:06

















                      The card works fine without some of the bloatware running. For example, I can close the system tray and automatic updaters and it still works fine. So it isn't true that all of the software is needed.

                      – Sam
                      Aug 5 '14 at 23:05





                      The card works fine without some of the bloatware running. For example, I can close the system tray and automatic updaters and it still works fine. So it isn't true that all of the software is needed.

                      – Sam
                      Aug 5 '14 at 23:05













                      You can close the system tray, but it still runs in the background. It may not be on your tray, but it is still needed by the system to properly control the graphics card. Its what tells the graphics card what kind of paramiters its to be run under, what settings you would like your colors set to, how you want your videos rendered. (etc.) The automatic updater true isn't needed, however it doesn't effect your system in such a way that it necessarily needs to be removed. Nor takes up enough space to truly be 'bloatware' its used by the control panel to look for updates for you.

                      – KillerXtreme
                      Aug 5 '14 at 23:15





                      You can close the system tray, but it still runs in the background. It may not be on your tray, but it is still needed by the system to properly control the graphics card. Its what tells the graphics card what kind of paramiters its to be run under, what settings you would like your colors set to, how you want your videos rendered. (etc.) The automatic updater true isn't needed, however it doesn't effect your system in such a way that it necessarily needs to be removed. Nor takes up enough space to truly be 'bloatware' its used by the control panel to look for updates for you.

                      – KillerXtreme
                      Aug 5 '14 at 23:15













                      If you don't want to have these things running, then go into MSconfig and disable them.

                      – KillerXtreme
                      Aug 5 '14 at 23:16





                      If you don't want to have these things running, then go into MSconfig and disable them.

                      – KillerXtreme
                      Aug 5 '14 at 23:16













                      To me, bloatware isn't just about permanent storage space consumption. It's also about OS start-up time, memory consumption and CPU utilisation.

                      – Sam
                      Aug 6 '14 at 0:05





                      To me, bloatware isn't just about permanent storage space consumption. It's also about OS start-up time, memory consumption and CPU utilisation.

                      – Sam
                      Aug 6 '14 at 0:05













                      Why do you think the system tray utility is needed in the background? Have you tested it and found that it's needed, or did you read this somewhere?

                      – Sam
                      Aug 6 '14 at 0:06





                      Why do you think the system tray utility is needed in the background? Have you tested it and found that it's needed, or did you read this somewhere?

                      – Sam
                      Aug 6 '14 at 0:06


















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