How do I delete software downlaods that won't load

Question

How do I delete software downlaods that won't load

MChang 0

I had trouble getting my HP printer to work on my new Windows 11 computer. Got it working, no problems now. I have two (same one twice) software updates I want to remove from windows update screen. Any idea how to do this in an easy way> thanks brian

hp failed updates

4 answers

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Answer 1

David-M 96,105 Independent Advisor

Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

These are driver updates. Windows is probably trying to install an older driver version than the one currently installed.

The best option is to hide these updates using Microsoft's "Show or Hide updates" tool. Download from the link below.

https://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f22d5fdb-59cd-4275-8c95-1be17bf70b21/wushowhide.diagcab

Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions to hide the updates.

You might need to restart your computer or wait a few minutes for the updates to be removed from the Windows Update list.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

MChang 0 Reputation points

2025-10-22T15:15:59.72+00:00

I ran this twice, told it to hide the checked boxes restarted the computer, but it did not hide these two updates. thanks brian

Answer 2

MChang 0

I did this twice. ran software checked boxes restarted computer. It did not hide these listings. thanks brian

Answer 3

David-M 96,105 Independent Advisor

Sorry for the delay in reply. I've been offline.

That's weird. This tool has always worked for me.

Just to confirm: You only selected to hide the updates, right? You didn't select to show them again?

Sometimes it can take a while for updates to be removed from the list.

Try clicking "Retry" a few times to see if it eventually stops suggesting the update. You may need to restart your PC.

And when I say restart, I mean clicking "Power > Restart," not turning the PC off and on.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

MChang 0 Reputation points

2025-10-22T20:09:16.9633333+00:00

Yes, ran it twice by clicking on hide updates and then checking the boxes of the ones I wanted to hide. thanks brian
David-M 96,105 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-10-22T20:11:28.9533333+00:00

Thanks for the clarification.

Just to confirm:

Did you try what I suggested at the end of the answer?

I await your reply.
MChang 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T13:01:58.56+00:00

My concern is if I keep clicking on retry it might screw up the set up I have now for the HP printer that works? thanks brian
David-M 96,105 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-10-23T13:17:34.7366667+00:00

I don't see any real risk here. Windows likely won't install the driver because it's probably older than the one currently in use. In some cases, only clicking "Retry" makes the update disappear after hiding using the tool.

If you prefer, you can leave it as is. Eventually, the system will attempt to install it again, even if you don't take any action, and it should remove these updates.

Feel free to ask back any questions.
MChang 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T16:06:12.5233333+00:00

I tried "retry" multiple times and I did use the restart cycle. Still there.
David-M 96,105 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-10-23T17:23:01.0166667+00:00

That's weird.

Is your Windows 11 Home or Pro?

I await your reply.
MChang 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T17:59:29.17+00:00

Home version. thanks brian

Answer 4

David-M 96,105 Independent Advisor

Thanks for the clarification.

Do the following to disable automatic driver installation:

Press "Windows + R", type sysdm.cpl and press Enter;
Select the "Hardware" tab;
Select "Device Installation Settings";
Select "No (your device may not work as expected);
Click "Save Changes" and then "Ok".
Restart (not shut down) your PC.

In some cases, the above procedure is not enough. If it keeps showing up, you should be able to disable it using REGEDIT.

Before proceeding, create a restore point, just in case.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/system-protection-e9126e6e-fa64-4f5f-874d-9db90e57645a

Here are the steps:

Press "Windows + R", type regedit and press Enter;
Navigate to this key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Right-click the "Windows" key and select "New > Key". Name it "WindowsUpdate" (NO QUOTES);
Select the newly created "Windows Update" key, in the right area, click the right mouse button, and select "New > DWORD (32-bit) Value". Name it "ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate" (NO QUOTES);
On the created value, double-click and change its value to "1" (NO QUOTES);
Restart (not shut down) your PC.

Let me know the result.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

MChang 0 Reputation points

2025-10-23T19:01:40.4966667+00:00

I did the first part no change. I'm not comfortable doing the 2nd part. Afraid of screwing something up. thanks for trying. Brian
David-M 96,105 Reputation points Independent Advisor

2025-10-23T19:12:56.8833333+00:00

I understand your hesitation regarding this procedure. However, it is completely safe when performed correctly. It doesn't alter critical system files or affect the overall functionality of Windows. In fact, it's a more effective solution when the visual method (via "Device Installation Settings") doesn't resolve the issue.

This tweak directly affects Windows Update's update policy, preventing drivers from being included in quality updates. It's especially useful in cases like yours, where the system insists on suggesting outdated or unwanted drivers, even when newer versions are already installed.

Feel free to ask back any questions.

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How do I delete software downlaods that won't load

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