Step-by-Step Guide to Disable Windows 11 Updates

2024/09/30

Key Points to Consider

You have the ability to turn off updates for Windows 11, Microsoft software, as well as applications obtained from the Microsoft Store.
To disable updates, you can pause updates for up to a week via Windows Update settings. You can also stop the “Windows Update” service and set its ‘Startup type to Disabled’ via the Services management console. An alternative method is to use a metered connection in Wi-Fi settings, ensuring ‘Download updates over metered connections’ is disabled in Windows Update options.
Updates can also be disabled through the Registry Editor and Group Policy Editor for advanced users (please refer to the specific guide for more detailed instructions). Third-party applications, such as Win Update Stop, provide a straightforward solution for disabling updates with a single click.
To disable updates for Microsoft products, navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options, and turn off Receive updates for other Microsoft products. For Microsoft Store updates, go to your profile picture > Settings > and switch off App updates.

Windows Updates can often become disruptive due to frequent notifications and automatic restarts. Some users may prefer not to be immediately updated, prompting the desire to disable Windows Updates. Below are the steps and various options available for disabling Windows Updates effectively.

Consequences of Disabling Updates

Disabling updates on Windows 11 may result in halting updates for the following components:

Windows security updates
Windows feature updates
Windows cumulative updates
System drive updates
Hardware-specific updates
Generic driver updates for USB and other peripherals
OEM-issued updates (optional)

Although keeping your Windows Updates turned on is generally advisable, it is not strictly necessary. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to disable updates on Windows 11.

How to Disable Updates on Windows 11

Use the instructions below to disable updates in Windows 11. We’ll begin with how to disable Windows updates before moving on to Microsoft products and apps from the Microsoft Store.

1. Disable Windows Updates in Various Ways

Here are multiple methods for disabling Windows updates based on your preferences. You may choose either a temporary method, like pausing updates, or a more permanent approach, such as disabling Windows Updates via Group Policy. Each section provides essential guidance.

Method 1: Pause Updates

You can pause Windows updates through the Settings application for a limited period (up to one week). Here’s how to do it:

Press Win+I and select Windows Update from the left menu.
Click on Pause for 1 week.

Your system’s updates will now be paused for a duration of one week.

Method 2: Disable the Windows Update Service

You can prevent Windows updates by stopping the Windows Update service, avoiding time constraints in the Settings app. Follow the steps below:

Press Win+R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
Scroll down, double-click on Windows Update.
If it’s active, click Stop.
Change the Startup type drop-down to Disabled.
Click OK.

The Windows update service should now be disabled. A system reboot is recommended for the changes to take effect.

Method 3: Using Group Policy Editor (GPO)

If you are utilizing Windows 11 Pro or higher, employ the Group Policy Editor (GPO) to disable updates. This method allows for more fine-tuned control over update configurations. Follow the directions outlined below:

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Navigate in the left pane to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience.
Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
Select Disabled to completely turn off Windows updates.
Click OK.
If complete deactivation isn’t desired, choose Enabled for Configure Automatic Updates.
In the Options section, select your preferred setting from the drop-down menu.
Confirm your settings by clicking OK.
Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 4: Via the Registry Editor

Using the Registry Editor is another way to manage or disable Windows Updates. This method is particularly advantageous for Windows 11 Home users lacking access to GPO. Here’s how to do it:

Press Win+R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to the following path: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.
You can also copy the path into the Registry Editor’s address bar.
Right-click on Windows and select New > Key.
Name this key WindowsUpdate and hit Enter.
Right-click the new key and create a sub-key via New > Key.
Name this sub-key AU.
With the AU key selected, right-click in the space on the right and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name this value AUOptions.
Double-click on AUOptions and change its value according to your desired configuration.

2: Notify for download and auto-install
3: Auto download and notify for install
4: Auto download and schedule the install
5: Allow local admins to choose settings
7: Allow download, Notify to install, Notify to restart

After you adjust the value, click OK to complete your configuration. Windows updates will now be disabled via the Registry Editor.

Method 5: Use a Metered Connection

Setting your connection to metered can restrict Windows Update activities in the background and can effectively block updates indefinitely. Follow the steps below to set this up on your PC:

Press Win+I, and select Network & Internet.
Click on Wi-Fi.
Choose your Wi-Fi connection.
Activate the toggle for Metered connection.
Next, go to Windows Update, then select Advanced options.
Make sure the toggle for Download updates over metered connections is turned off.

With these settings, Windows will adhere to your network configurations, effectively disabling automatic updates on metered connections. Remember, updates will still occur over non-metered networks on your PC.

Method 6: Hide Updates

Microsoft provides a utility called the Windows Update Troubleshooter, which enables users to hide or reveal specific updates. This tool is particularly useful for avoiding mandatory driver updates issued by OEMs. Use this utility to regularly block unwanted updates from installing. Here’s how:

Download | wushowhide.diagcab

Download and run the tool linked above. When it opens, click Next.
The tool will scan for both available and hidden updates. Click on Hide updates.
Select the available update you wish to hide. This update will no longer appear unless unhid. Click Next.
After hiding the selected updates, click Close.

The chosen updates will now be concealed from your system.

Method 7: Utilize a Third-Party App

Numerous applications can assist you in disabling Windows Updates on Windows 11. One highly recommended option is Win Update Stop.

Win Update Stop | Download Link

Download and install the application, then run it. Click Disable.
That’s it! Updates will now be disabled via Win Update Stop.

2. Disabling Updates for Microsoft Products on Windows 11

Applications such as Office and OneDrive receive updates through Windows Update. To prevent this behavior, follow these steps:

Press Win+I, select Windows Update, and then click Advanced options.
Disable the toggle for Receive updates for other Microsoft products.

Updates for Microsoft products will now be turned off on your system.

3. Disabling Updates for Microsoft Store on Windows 11

The Microsoft Store can automatically update installed applications, consuming additional resources and data. To disable this feature:

Open Microsoft Store on your computer, then click your profile picture in the upper right corner.
Select Settings.
Turn off the toggle for App updates.

Store apps will now cease to update automatically in the background.

Reasons to Disable Updates on Windows 11

While it’s generally not advised to disable Windows updates, sometimes it becomes essential.

There are instances where user-reported updates may introduce new security vulnerabilities and bugs. Users may want to avoid automatic hardware driver updates that disrupt functionality, preferring to maintain older versions.

Some individuals prefer a manual approach to updates, allowing them to review and selectively install updates, rather than allowing Windows to do it automatically.

Uninstalling Installed Updates on Windows 11

To uninstall Windows updates on your system, follow these simple steps:

Press Win+I, navigate to Windows Update, then select Update history.
Click on Uninstall updates.
Choose the update you want to remove and select Uninstall next to it.
Click Uninstall again to confirm.
The update will be successfully uninstalled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common queries regarding disabling Windows updates on Windows 11.

Should I disable updates on Windows 11?

Disabling Windows updates should only be considered if truly necessary. If your drivers are operating effectively and you’re not encountering problematic patches, it is advisable to keep Windows updates enabled. They are essential for obtaining vital security patches and cumulative updates that you will need eventually.

Can I permanently disable updates on Windows 11?

Yes, you can permanently disable updates using the methods outlined in this guide. Although Microsoft often encourages users to keep their systems updated, the steps provided will allow you to prevent uninvited updates.

Will I need to disable updates again?

If you perform a Windows reset, reinstall updates, or apply a feature update, you might need to redo your configurations to keep updates disabled. However, Windows should respect your settings for manually updating Microsoft Store apps and other products.

Can I re-enable updates?

Absolutely! Simply revert the modifications made and restart your computer. You can then check for updates via the Settings application and install the available updates.

We hope this guide has effectively assisted you in disabling Windows updates on your system. If you encounter any challenges or have additional queries, feel free to reach out in the comments section.

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