How to Turn Off Windows Automatic Updates in Windows 10

Posted by on
Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs updates to ensure your system is secure and up-to-date. While this feature is generally beneficial, it can sometimes lead to interruptions during critical tasks or cause issues with system performance. If you prefer to manage updates manually or need to temporarily disable automatic updates, there are several methods to do so. This guide outlines how to turn off automatic updates in Windows 10, providing you with more control over your update schedule.

Turn Off Windows Automatic Updat

1. Use the Settings App to Pause Updates

Pausing updates temporarily can help you manage when updates are installed without permanently disabling them.

  • Open Settings:

    • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

  • Go to Update & Security:

    • Select “Update & Security.”

  • Pause Updates:

    • Under “Windows Update,” click on “Pause updates for 7 days.” You can repeat this process to pause updates for up to 35 days.

2. Use Group Policy Editor (Pro and Enterprise Editions)

The Group Policy Editor allows you to configure update settings in more detail, including disabling automatic updates.

  • Open Group Policy Editor:

    • Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

  • Navigate to Windows Update Settings:

    • Go to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Update.”

  • Configure Automatic Updates:

    • Double-click “Configure Automatic Updates.” Select “Disabled” to turn off automatic updates. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

3. Use the Registry Editor (All Editions)

For users comfortable with editing the Windows Registry, this method allows you to disable automatic updates.

  • Open Registry Editor:

    • Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter. Confirm any prompts that appear.

  • Navigate to Windows Update Key:

    • Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU.

  • Create or Modify Registry Values:

    • If the “WindowsUpdate” and “AU” keys do not exist, right-click on “Windows,” select “New” > “Key,” and name it “WindowsUpdate.” Then, right-click on “WindowsUpdate,” select “New” > “Key,” and name it “AU.”
    • Inside the “AU” key, right-click on the right pane and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name it NoAutoUpdate.
    • Double-click on NoAutoUpdate and set its value to 1 to disable automatic updates. Click “OK” to save.

  • Restart Your Computer:

    • Restart your computer to apply the changes.

4. Set a Metered Connection

Setting your network connection as metered can help limit the automatic update downloads.

  • Open Settings:

    • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

  • Go to Network & Internet:

    • Select “Network & Internet.”

  • Set as Metered Connection:

    • For Wi-Fi: Select “Wi-Fi,” then click on your connected network. Toggle on “Set as metered connection.”
    • For Ethernet: Click on “Ethernet,” select your network, and toggle on “Set as metered connection.”

5. Disable Windows Update Service

Disabling the Windows Update service prevents automatic updates but can also affect other update-related processes. Use this method cautiously.

  • Open Services:

    • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

  • Find Windows Update Service:

    • Scroll down and double-click “Windows Update.”

  • Stop and Disable the Service:

    • Click “Stop” to halt the service. Then, set the “Startup type” to “Disabled.” Click “Apply” and “OK” to save changes.

6. Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter can resolve issues related to updates and may offer options to control update settings.

  • Open Troubleshooter:

    • Go to Settings > “Update & Security” > “Troubleshoot” > “Additional troubleshooters.”

  • Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:

    • Select “Windows Update” and click “Run the troubleshooter.” Follow the prompts to detect and resolve update-related problems.

7. Configure Update Policies (Enterprise Edition)

For Enterprise users, configuring update policies through Windows Update for Business can provide more granular control.

  • Access Update for Business Settings:

    • Go to Settings > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” > “Advanced options.”

  • Configure Update Options:

    • Under “Choose when updates are installed,” select options for deferring updates and choosing update schedules according to your needs.

Conclusion

Disabling automatic updates in Windows 10 provides you with more control over when and how updates are applied. Whether you choose to pause updates temporarily, modify system settings through Group Policy or the Registry Editor, or manage your network connection, these methods offer various ways to address your update preferences. Regularly check for updates manually to ensure your system remains secure and up-to-date while maintaining control over the update process.