How to reduce the time it takes Windows Update to recognize a device

Windows 10 version 1909 (OS Build 18363.1556)
Hello -

According to this link: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/win...gs-in-a-device, it takes up to 24 hours for Windows Update to recognize/match a device and download and install a driver after the user plugs the device in.

Is there a way to configure Windows Update to react within a much shorter time - ideally, as soon as possible after the device is plugged in?

Thanks for any guidance.

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Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Check for Updates. This will trigger the check for updates immediately.

Thanks to those who have replied.

My request was an attempt to find out how to get Windows Update to respond more quickly after device plugin, without the user having to manually hit the "Check for updates" button.

rccohn said:

My request was an attempt to find out how to get Windows Update to respond more quickly after device plugin, without the user having to manually hit the "Check for updates" button.

unfortunately it is not possible to accomplish this without using the "check for updates" button

Hi -

From my understanding, if Windows Update cannot find an in-box driver for a device, then Windows Update doesn't wait for the 24-hour cycle and it will download the matched driver. I was hoping there was a way to submit the driver that gets around the 24-hour delay even if an in-box driver is found.

From what I'm seeing, that does not appear to be the case.

Anyway, thanks very much for your reply.

Best regards.

Why you using version 1909? It's end of support. Update to Latest Version of Windows 10 using Update Assistant

@rccohn,

Here is another idea to consider:

Once you setup Windows on the machine in question and have all the drivers installed, open an elevated command prompt and run this command:

Code:

pnputil /export-driver * C:\Drivers

That will export all the drivers in use on your system to the folder C:\Drivers. Save a copy of that folder to a HD, network share, flash drive, etc.

Now, if you ever reinstall Windows again, once installed, simply run this command from an elevated command prompt:

Code:

pnputil /add-driver C:\Drivers\*.inf /subdirs /install

This will reinstall ALL the divers for the system with a single command. Naturally, you may need to alter the "C:\Drivers" to point to the location where you saved the drivers, but by doing this you won't need to both with going to Windows update o anywhee else fo that matter in order to reinstall all drivers for your system.