How to stop automatic updates on Windows 10
Yes, it’s possible to disable automatic updates on Windows 10, and in this guide, we’ll show you how.
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On Windows 10,cumulative updatesdownload and install automatically as soon as they become available. Although this approach allows laptops and desktop computers to receive security updates to patch vulnerabilities, improve performance, and bring enhancements without user interaction, it is a very controversial feature.
Typically, it’s because updates contain bugs that can negatively affect the experience in many ways. For example, they could break existing features, introduce driver and application compatibility problems, or cause theBlue Screen of Death (BSoD), and they require a system restart to complete the installation, which can disrupt your workflow.
If you experience more problems than benefits during updates, or if you have a good reason to use a device without updates, depending on your edition ofWindows 10, you can disable automatic updates using the Settings app or permanently with Group Policy and Registry.
This guide will walk you through the steps to prevent Windows Update from automatically downloading and installing updates on Windows 10.
How to disable automatic updates using Settings
You do not need to disable Windows Update permanently if you want to prevent the system from downloading a specific update immediately. Instead, you could pause updates for up to seven days.
To disable automatic updates temporarily, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, Windows Update will no longer download for the time you specified. When the system reaches the pause limit, you will need to install the latest patch available to make the option available again.
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You can always undo the changes with the instructions outlined above, but onstep 4, choose theSelect dateoption. Alternatively, you can accomplish the same effect by clicking theResume updatesbutton.
How to disable automatic updates using Group Policy
On Windows 10 Pro, the Local Group Policy Editor includes policies to permanently disable automatic updates or change the update settings to choose when patches should be installed on the device.
Disable Windows 10 updates
To disable automatic updates on Windows 10 permanently, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, Windows 10 will stop downloading updates automatically. However, the ability to check for updates manually will continue to be available onSettings>Update & Security>Windows Update, and clicking theCheck for updatesbutton to download the most recent patches as needed.
If you want to enable automatic updates on the computer again, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but instep 5, make sure to select theNot Configuredoption.
Limit Windows 10 updates
The Local Group Policy Editor also lets you choose how to disable automatic updates.
To manage Windows Update automatic downloads with Group Policy on Windows 10, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, automatic updates will be permanently disabled on Windows 10. However, when new updates become available, you can install them manually from the Windows Update settings page.
How to disable automatic updates with Registry
You can also use the Registry in two different ways to disable automatic updates on Windows 10.
Warning:This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. Before proceeding, it’s recommended to make a backup of your PC.
Disable updates
To disable Windows 10 updates permanently by changing the Registry settings, use these steps:
After you complete the steps, automatic updates will be disabled permanently on the device. However, you will still be able to download updates by clicking theCheck for updatesbutton on the Windows Update settings page.
If you want to undo the changes, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but onstep 4, right-click the WindowsUpdate key, select theDeleteoption, then reboot the computer to apply the settings.
Limit updates
Finally, you can use the Registry to configure the system settings to decide how to get updates on Windows 10.
To use the Registry to stop automatic updates (but choosing how to receive updates), use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, cumulative updates will no longer download and install automatically. However, when a new update becomes available, you will find the option to install it manually from the Windows Update settings.
You can use the same instructions outlined above to restore the original settings, but onstep 4, right-click theWindowsUpdatekey, select theDeleteoption, and reboot the computer.
Updates are essential to fix security vulnerabilities, resolve issues, and improve the overall experience, no matter the version of Windows you use. However, you may still need to disable this feature in some situations. For instance, when you want to have complete control over updates on Windows 10, when you want to avoid issues since bugs are common in most rollouts, or when you are using a critical app or equipment and you do not want to encounter any compatibility issues.
More resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:
Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.
