4 Ways to Easily Disable Windows Updates in Windows 10

Are you searching for how to disable Windows updates in Windows 10 or 11? This guide can help.

Windows updates are essential to keeping your system safe with access to the latest tools and features. Updates provide bug fixes, performance improvements, and, perhaps most importantly, security patches that protect your device from potential threats.

Still, there are a few reasons why you may want to disable Windows updates—either temporarily or permanently.

How to disable Windows update in Windows 10

Windows 10 offers several methods to disable Windows updates. Let’s explore four of the most effective ways:

Option 1: Disable the Windows update service

One way to disable Windows updates is by stopping the Windows Update service. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down and locate the “Windows Update” service.
4. Right-click on the service and select “Properties.”
5. In the Properties window, change the “Startup type” to “Disabled.”
6. Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

By disabling the Windows Update service, you prevent Windows from automatically checking for and installing updates. However, remember that this method only disables the service temporarily and will not prevent updates from being installed when the service is enabled again.

Option 2: Change Group Policy Editor settings

Learning to stop Windows Updates through the Group Policy Editor is also helpful. Here’s how you can use this method:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Update.”
4. Double-click on “Configure Automatic Updates” to open the settings.
5. Select the “Disabled” option to turn off automatic updates.
6. Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Using the Group Policy Editor allows you to have more granular control over Windows updates. You can choose to disable automatic updates entirely or configure specific update settings according to your preferences.

Option 3: Meter your network connection

Windows 10 includes a feature called “Metered Connection,” which can be used to limit the data usage of certain network connections. By setting your network connection as metered, you can effectively prevent Windows from automatically downloading and installing updates. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the “Settings” app by pressing the Windows key + I on your keyboard.
2. Click on “Network & Internet” and select “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet,” depending on your connection type.
3. Scroll down and click on “Advanced Options.”
4. Toggle the switch under “Metered Connection” to turn it on.

When your network connection is set as metered, Windows will not automatically download or install updates. However, keep in mind that this method can also prevent other apps from downloading updates or syncing data, so use it judiciously.

Option 4: Use the Windows Registry

The Windows Registry allows you to turn off automatic updates by modifying various system settings. Here’s how you can disable Windows updates using the Registry Editor:

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
4. Right-click on the “WindowsUpdate” folder and select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value.”
5. Name the new value “AUOptions” and set it to “2” to disable automatic updates.
6. Click on “OK” to save the changes.

Using the Windows Registry to disable Windows updates provides a more advanced method for controlling update behavior. However, modifying the Registry can be risky if not done correctly, so exercise caution and create a backup of your Registry before making any changes.

How to disable Windows update in Windows 11

Option 1: Using Windows services (services.msc)

If you want to permanently stop Windows updates from running in the background, disabling the Windows Update service is one of the most effective methods.

1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and locate Windows Update in the list.
3. Double-click on Windows Update to open its properties.
4. Under Startup type, select Disabled from the dropdown menu.
5. Click Stop if the service is currently running.
6. Click Apply and then Ok to save the changes.

Option 2: Using Group Policy Editor (for Windows 11 Pro & Enterprise)

This method is useful for users with Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise editions. The Group Policy Editor allows you to disable automatic updates through system policies.

1. Press the Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to

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Computer Configuration → Administrative Tempates → Windows Components → Windows Update

1. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates on the right panel.
2. Select Disabled, then click Apply and Ok.
3. Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

Option 3: Using Registry Editor (for all editions)

For Windows 11 Home users, disabling updates via the Registry Editor is an alternative since the Group Policy Editor isn’t available. A word of caution, though: Incorrect registry changes can cause system issues. 

⚠️ Take note: Editing the registry is risky. Make sure to backup your registry before proceeding. 

1. Press the Windows key + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU

1. If the WindowsUpdate and AU keys don’t exist, create them.
2. Inside AU, right-click and choose New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
3. Name it NoAutoUpdate and set its value to 1.
4. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Option 4: Using metered connection (prevents auto updates)

If you don’t want to fully disable updates but want to limit automatic downloads, setting your network as metered will prevent Windows from downloading updates automatically.

1. Open Settings (Win + I)
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection type.
4. Click on your connected network.
5. Toggle Metered connection to On.

Option 5: Using Windows Update pause feature (temporary solutions)

If you just need to delay updates for a few weeks, Windows 11 has a built-in pause feature that temporarily stops updates.

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to Windows Update.
3. Click Pause updates and select a duration.

Why disable Windows updates?

Windows updates are important for security and performance—and having them automated provides a lot of convenience. While keeping your Windows updates on is generally recommended, there are valid reasons why you may want to disable them. For example:

• Higher stability: If you rely on specific applications or devices that aren’t fully compatible with the latest Windows updates, you may run into instability or functionality problems. Disabling Windows updates can help your system run smoothly and without disruption.
• Greater convenience: Windows updates often require system restarts, which can interrupt your workflow and lead to productivity losses—especially if you’re working on a critical project or in a time-sensitive environment. By disabling Windows updates, at least temporarily, you can have more control over when and how your system installs new upgrades.
• Avoid unexpected restarts: Windows may restart your PC at inconvenient times after an update. If an update is installed in the background, Windows may schedule an automatic restart without warning, forcing your system to reboot even if you’re in the middle of a task. This can be particularly disruptive for professionals who rely on uninterrupted access to their devices.
• Prevent compatibility issues: Some updates can break compatibility with older software or hardware. If your business relies on legacy applications, certain updates may lead to software unusable, requiring workarounds or even rollbacks. By disabling updates, you ensure your setup remains stable and fully operational without unexpected compatibility problems.
• Save data on limited internet plans: Automatic updates can consume a lot of bandwidth. Large updates, which can exceed several gigabytes, can quickly eat up your monthly data allowances, leading to additional costs or reduced internet speeds due to throttling.
• Prevent buggy updates: Some updates may introduce new bugs or system instability. To clarify: Windows updates are designed to improve functionality, but not all updates are thoroughly tested for every hardware configuration. This may lead to issues, such as system crashes or even the dreaded blue screen of death.
• Full control: Some users have specific reasons for not wanting to install updates automatically, such as concerns about data usage or privacy. In these cases, disabling Windows updates provides the freedom to choose which updates to install manually, giving users greater control over system maintenance.

Should I permanently disable Windows updates?

Permanently disabling Windows updates is generally not recommended. Windows updates are crucial for maintaining your device’s security and stability. Permanently disabling updates exposes your system to potential security vulnerabilities, and your system misses out on important bug fixes and performance improvements.

This means you’ll need to balance controlling system updates and ensuring your computer’s security. Consider reenabling updates during non-working hours or using tools with more granular control over the update process.

In most cases, reenabling Windows updates is as simple as disabling them in the first place. For example, when changing the Group Policy Editor settings, you should select the “Enabled” option rather than “Disabled.” You can adapt the instructions above depending on your preferred method to turn on Windows updates.

Some other downsides to permanently disabling Windows updates include:

• Security risks: Disabling updates exposes your system to potential security vulnerabilities, as you miss out on crucial security patches and bug fixes. Without regular updates, your computer becomes an easy target for malware, ransomware, and other malicious attacks.
• Performance slowdowns: Windows updates often include performance improvements that can enhance the overall functionality and speed of your computer. Failing to install the latest upgrades will mean that your system won’t be getting a boost.
• Compatibility issues: Compatibility can be a problem for systems running software that is too new and too old. Outdated systems may face compatibility issues with newer software or hardware that require updated Windows versions.

Temporarily switching off Windows updates can help you deal with issues like program incompatibility and productivity concerns. For most users, however, there is little to no benefit from permanently disabling Windows updates. Instead, these users will likely want to turn off Windows updates temporarily by following one of the four methods in the next section.

🔔 Not sure how a new update will impact your systems? Check out our KB Catalog for hundreds of KB articles, each with public sentiment analysis, so you can make informed decisions before updates roll out.

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