Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs updates to keep your system secure and running smoothly. These updates include important security patches, driver updates, and performance improvements. However, for specific reasons (e.g., preventing unexpected reboots, managing bandwidth on limited connections, or avoiding a known conflicting update), you may need to disable automatic updates in Windows 10. Here are several methods to disable Windows updates either temporarily or permanently.
Depending on your windows edition, you can temporarily pause updates using the Settings app or disable them permanently through Group Policy or the Registry.
Contents
Pause Updates from Windows Settings
This is the easiest and safest way to stop updates for a short period of time. This method doesn’t disable updates completely but temporarily halts downloads and installations.
- Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Navigate to Update & Security → Windows Update.
- Click on Pause updates for 7 days.
- You can click the Advanced option to extend the pause period for up to 35 days.
After the pause period ends, updates will resume automatically. Also, you can extend or resume updates manually at any time.
Disable Windows Update Service
You can disable the Windows Update service to completely stop automatic updates. However, note that this will also prevent manual updates until you re-enable it.
- Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
- In the Services window, scroll down and locate Windows Update.
- Double-click on it to open Properties.
- Under the Startup type dropdown menu, select Disabled.
- Click Stop under Service Status (if running).
- Click Apply and then OK.
Once this service is disabled, Windows will not check for or install any updates automatically. You can re-enable the service later by changing the startup type back to Automatic (Delayed Start) or Manual.
Disable Automatic Updates via Group Policy Editor
If you have Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition, you can disable Windows 10 automatic updates following the steps below. If you’re using Windows 10 Home, skip to the next method (Registry Editor).
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Configure Automatic Updates
- Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates on the right pane.
- Select Disabled, then click Apply and OK.
- Restart your PC to apply changes.
By disabling this policy, you completely prevent Windows from automatically checking or installing updates. However, you can manually check for updates anytime through the Windows Update settings.
Use Registry Editor (For Windows 10 Home Users)
If your version of Windows doesn’t have Group Policy Editor, you can tweak the Windows Registry Editor to disable automatic updates in Windows 10. However, Editing the registry can affect system stability if done incorrectly. Follow these steps carefully and consider backing up your registry first.
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
- Right-click on Windows, select New → Key, and name it WindowsUpdate.
- Right-click on WindowsUpdate, select New → Key, and name it AU.
- Inside AU, right-click on the right pane, select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it NoAutoUpdate.
- Double-click on NoAutoUpdate, set its value to 1, and click OK.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Setting the NoAutoUpdate value to 1 tells Windows not to check or install updates automatically. You can manually update your PC anytime by visiting Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
Also, you can use third-party tools that give you more control over Windows updates, such as:
- Windows Update Blocker
- WuMgr (Windows Update Manager)
- StopUpdates10
These tools offer one-click control to enable or disable updates without manually changing services or registry entries. However, always download such tools from trusted sources only.
Note: Always remember to check for updates manually at least once in a while to ensure your system remains protected from the latest security threats.
FAQs: Disable automatic updates in Windows 10
1. Is it safe to disable Windows 10 automatic updates?
Yes, but it’s not recommended permanently. You should occasionally install updates manually to keep your PC secure.
2. Can I stop only feature updates and keep security updates?
Yes. In Group Policy, you can configure “Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received” to delay or block feature updates.
3. How do I know if Windows Update is disabled?
Go to Services → Windows Update. If the startup type is set to Disabled, automatic updates are off.
4. Will disabling updates improve performance?
Not directly, but it can prevent unwanted reboots, background downloads, and update-related slowdowns.
5. How can I manually check for updates later?
Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update, then click Check for updates.
