How To Disable Windows Updates

There are few things that inconvenience the states more than software updates. Windows users often brand jokes about the updates they receive because they take so long to complete (aye, y'all should initiate your update overnight). As with whatsoever practiced software, updates are a vital part of our calculator's wellness and security. But sometimes it simply isn't practical to perform right now, and other times information technology can cause problems for other software you're running.

How to Disable the Windows 10 Update from Downloading Permanently

Like most technology these days, Windows updates are automatic. The basis for this is that developers really love the software they design, and they don't exactly have faith that end-users volition perform the updates themselves. So, automatic updates were implemented to make your life easier while keeping your organisation operating smoothly.

An improperly timed automatic update tin really cause a headache. Whether the update causes issues and glitches with your PC, or it is initiated while you're working, this commodity will walk you through everything y'all need to know about stopping an update and reversing it if need be.

How to Disable Windows 10 Updates

Although disabling Windows 10 Updates isn't permanent, unless you lot're disconnected from the internet, there are a few ways that yous can temporarily disable the Windows updates. Nosotros're not here to discuss Windows ten aggressive approach to updates, after all, it'south the most used Os in the world, which also makes it the most targeted for malicious hackers.

Even with Windows 10 having a knack for assuasive updates to occur even after changing the settings, follow along for the best electric current solutions for preventing them. Note, you might desire to create a script or batch file to automate one of these temporary solutions.

Disable Windows 10 Update using Services.msc

You can disable Windows x updates by post-obit these steps:

Using the Win + R keyboard shortcut type "services.msc" to access your PC's service settings.
Side by side, coil down and double click on Windows Update to admission the Full general settings.
At present, select Disabled from the Startup type dropdown menu.
One time washed, click Ok and then restart your PC.

Performing this action will permanently disable Windows automatic updates. If you'd like to enable it again, follow the same steps equally above and toggle the pick to Automatic.

Disable Windows Updates Via the Settings Menu

Some other, more familiar option would be to change the Windows Update settings through your PC's actual Windows Settings. This selection may exist simpler for some depending on how tech-savvy you are, but it is not a permanent solution.

To disable your updates through the settings, do this:

Go to your Windows Start bill of fare and click on the Settings cog.
Now, within the Settings page click on Update & Security.
Next, click on the Advanced options tab.
So, yous can choose a date from the dropdown that yous'd similar to suspension automated updates to. Notation: As of this edit, Windows only allows you to intermission updates for 35 days or 5 weeks.

As stated in a higher place, this is not a permanent solution merely it's great to know if yous just demand to pause your updates for a while. Pausing your updates means there is no worry that your PC will go severely out of date every bit the automatic updates will eventually turn back on by themselves.

How to End Windows 10 from Downloading Via the Registry

The initial instructions largely depend on which version of Windows y'all're using, merely the method is essentially the same. To stop automatic updates using the Registry, follow these steps:

Open the Start menu, type "regedit", and and then click on Registry Editor. (Top TIP: Alternatively, you can simply hold Windows key + R to bring upwardly the Run window) and then blazon "regedit".
Now that the Registry Editor is open up, you lot can cheque the key that records whether your arrangement is prepare to download Windows 10. Using the options on the left side, double click as follows: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > WindowsUpdate > OSUpgrade
Once yous've navigated to the right key, you lot'll need to add a value that tells the arrangement you don't desire to download Windows 10. To do this, correct-click on the key proper noun, select the New submenu and then select DWORD (32-fleck) Value.
You'll see that a new value is created called New Value #1, rename it AllowOSUpgrade, and and so double-click on it and set the Value data to 0.
To complete the procedure, shut the Registry Editor and restart your calculator.

One (albeit strange) workaround for not having to restart your figurer is to open up Settings > Update & Security once more and click on Check for Updates. Doing this should force the changes to take event.

At present you should be able to use Windows Update without having to bank check whether the Windows ten Upgrade has sneaked into the Optional upgrade list and ticked itself for download. Event!

Set a Metered Connexion to Terminate Windows ten Updates

Some other option that might temporarily prevent your Windows 10 PC from updating is to ready a metered net connection, automatic updates will usually not take identify. To set a metered connectedness, follow these steps:

Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
At present, click on Network & Internet.
So, click on Wi-Fi on the left-hand side of the screen.

4. Next, click on Manage known networks. On this new page that opens, click on the Wi-Fi network you lot use and click on Properties.

5. From here, toggle Set up as metered connectedness to On.

This may not be a perfect solution for you lot because other systems like OneDrive will also fail to update or backup data. But information technology should stop automated updates on your PC.

Using Grouping Policy to Finish Windows 10 Updates

For those that accept a version of Windows 10 that isn't the Home Edition, this department will work for you.

Either open the Start bill of fare or hit the Windows key + S and type "gpedit.msc" and click on the top result, Edit group policy.
Adjacent, click on Computer Configuration > Authoritative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Updates.
Now, locate Configure Automatic Updates and double-click it.
Then, check Disabled and click Apply and then OK.

How to Uninstall a Windows 10 Update

Maybe you're here considering you've realized that an Update is already installed, and y'all aren't happy with the outcome. Unlike other operating systems, Windows does give you the choice to uninstall an update as you see fit.

Following the same steps as above, access your PC'southward Settings, then click on Update & Security. Once there, follow these steps:

Click Delivery Optimization in the right menu listing and and then click View Update History.

2. Now, click Uninstall updates.

From here you can choose to uninstall the updates as you need to. If you lot're doing this because the newest update is causing issues with other software on your reckoner, it's worth researching earlier going straight into an uninstall frenzy.

Check your commuter and other updates to see if the culprit lies somewhere other than Windows OS.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Permanently Disable Windows 10 Updates?

At that place is a lot of dispute regarding the ability to permanently disable Windows 10 updates. Some users accept stated that Microsoft is and so incredibly persistent at that place is no way to do information technology. Once y'all restart your computer, the updates turn back on.

While this may exist the case for some software versions, this worked for our tests in Dec of 2020 on Windows Home version 10.0.19041. If for some reason the method that you are using isn't working, attempt another one of the methods we've listed above, or try uninstalling whatever problematic updates per the instructions we've provided.

Should I Disable Updates?

Every bit mentioned earlier, operating system updates are vital to the health and security of your machine. But many updates cause more impairment than expert when first released. If you prefer to look and install updates on your own time, disabling updates shouldn't be an issue.

While updates are vital, they aren't necessarily vital the day they're released.

Windows 10 Updates and Disabling Them

For whatsoever reason you need to halt Windows 10 Updates, this article has provided you with the best solutions, temporary though they may be, to preclude them from occurring. Even if the just permanent solution is to constantly whorl-dorsum to a previous version of Windows ten or remain disconnected from the internet, one does exist.

Do yous know of a more than permanent solution to disabling Windows 10 updates? Share your experience in the comments below.