Steps to Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 10

Key Notes

• You can pause updates temporarily via the Settings app.
• Group Policy Editor options are available for Pro, Enterprise, and Education versions of Windows 10.
• Registry modifications can be made in Windows 10 Home to prevent updates.

Mastering Update Control: Disabling Automatic Updates on Windows 10 and Windows 11

In this guide, we’ll explore how to disable automatic updates on Windows 10 and Windows 11, providing effective methods to manage system updates.

Step 1: Disable Automatic Updates via Settings

To temporarily disable updates on Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Access Settings from the Start menu.

2. Select Update & Security.

3. Click on Windows Update.

4. Hit the Pause updates button to halt updates for seven days.

After following these steps, updates will not be downloaded for the next week.

Step 2: Disable Automatic Updates via Group Policy

If you’re using Windows 10 Pro, Education, or Enterprise, use these instructions to permanently disable automatic updates:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for gpedit.msc and select it to launch the Group Policy Editor.

3. Navigate to:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience

4. Double-click the Configure Automatic Updates entry.

5. Select the Disabled option to turn off updates permanently.

6. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

Now, Windows will cease to download and install updates automatically, but you can still manually check for updates when needed.

Step 3: Disable Automatic Updates via Registry

For Windows 10 Home users who lack access to Group Policy Editor, here’s how you can manage updates through the Registry:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for regedit and choose it to start the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to the path:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

4. Right-click on the Windows key, select New, and choose Key.

5. Name this key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.

6. Right-click the WindowsUpdate key, select New, and then Key again.

7. Title the new key AU and hit Enter.

8. Right-click the AU key, select New, and then DWORD (32-bit) Value.

9. Name this key NoAutoUpdate and press Enter.

10. Double-click the NoAutoUpdate key and set its value to 1.

11. Click OK and restart your computer.

Your device will now stop downloading updates automatically, giving you control over the update process.

Summary

This guide shared three effective methods to disable automatic updates on Windows 10 and Windows 11, including utilizing the Settings app, Group Policy Editor, and Registry modifications to achieve a more tailored update schedule.

Conclusion

While automatic updates play a crucial role in maintaining system security, these methods empower you to manage them according to your needs. Take control of your Windows update experience today.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)