On Windows 10, quality updates (or cumulative updates) always download and install automatically as soon as they're ready for your device. While this approach makes sure that every computer has the latest security patches, performance, and stability improvements, it's also among one of the features that users complain the most.
- How Do I Enable Automatic Updates In Windows 10
- Turn On Windows Updates Windows 10
- Enable Automatic Updates Windows 10 Home
- Enable Automatic Updates Windows 10 Group Policy
Typically, it's because to apply updates, users are required to restart their devices, and because updates are also known to (sometimes) cause problems negatively affecting the user experience.
Whatever the reason it might be, depending on your edition of Windows 10, you can regain control and stop automatic updates using Group Policy and Registry.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the steps to block Windows Update from automatically downloading and installing updates on your computer.
How to disable automatic updates using Settings
If you're looking to postpone updates, you don't need to disable the feature permanently. You can pause updates until you're ready to install them. Using the Settings app, you can pause updates up to 35 days.
- Steps to enable or disable Windows Update in Windows 10: Step 1: Lauch Run by Windows+R, type services.msc and tap OK. Step 2: Open Windows Update in the services. Step 3: Click the down arrow on the right of Startup type, choose Automatic (or Manual) in the list and hit OK to have Windows Update enabled.
- By default Windows 10 will update your computer automatically. Use the instructions below t o ensure this is occurring. Step 1: Open Windows Update Settings. Using the Windows 10 search bar in the bottom left search 'Windows Update Settings' and select the systems settings link that populates. Step 2: Select Automatic Updates.
Disabling all updates
How to Disable/Turn off Windows Automatic Updates on Windows 10 (क्योँ और कैसे करें?) - Duration: 8:57. How To हिंदी 221,659 views.
To temporarily disable automatic updates on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the Advanced options button.
- Under the 'Pause updates' sections, use the Pause until drop-down menu, and select how long to disable automatic updates.
Once you complete the steps, your device will no longer receive updates of any kind until the day you specified. When your device reaches the pause limit, you must allow Windows 10 to download and install the latest updates to make the option available again.
If you want to undo the changes, you can use the same instructions, but on step No. 5, choose the Select date option. Alternatively, you can click the Resume updates from the Windows Update settings page.
Disabling security updates
In addition to temporarily disabling all updates, Windows 10 also offers an option to defer only quality updates up to 30 days.
To disable security updates on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click the Advanced options button.
- Under the 'Pause updates' sections, use the drop-down menu at the bottom of the page, and select the number of days that you want to defer quality updates (if applicable).
After you complete the steps, your computer will not download and install monthly quality updates until the schedule reaches its limit.
How to disable automatic updates using Group Policy
On Windows 10 Pro, you can use the Local Group Policy editor to disable automatic updates permanently, or you can change the Windows Update settings to decide when updates should install.
Disabling updates
To permanently disable automatic updates on Windows 10, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for gpedit.msc and select the top result to launch the experience.
- Navigate to the following path:
Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsWindows Update
- Double-click the Configure Automatic Updates policy on the right side.
- Check the Disabled option to turn off the policy.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will stop downloading updates automatically.
While automatic updates remains disabled, you can still download and install patches manually from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and clicking the Check for updates button.
If you change your mind, you can always revert the changes using the same instructions, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option.
Limiting updates
Alternatively, if turning off the policy isn't working, you can also try customizing the Windows Update settings using Group Policy to limit the availability of updates on your device.
To control Windows Update settings with Group Policy, use these steps: Messagesave for microsoft outlook.
- Open Start.
- Search for gpedit.msc and select the top result to launch the experience.
- Navigate to the following path:
Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsWindows Update
- Double-click the Configure Automatic Updates policy on the right side.
- Check the Enable option to turn on the policy.
- In the 'Options' section, you'll find a number of options to configure automatic updates, including:
- 2 - Notify for download and auto install.
- 3 - Auto download and notify for install.
- 4 - Auto download and schedule the install.
- 5 - Allow local admin to choose setting.
Quick tip: The closest option to disable automatic updates is the 2 - Notify for download and auto install option, but you can select the option that best fits your situation. - Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
After completing the steps, updates will stop downloading automatically. However, when a new update becomes available, you'll receive a notification to download and install updates manually from the Windows Update settings page.
How to disable automatic updates using Registry
If you're running Windows 10 Pro, you can also disable automatic updates in two different ways using the Registry.
Disabling updates
To permanently disable updates on Windows 10 modifying the Registry, use these steps:
Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding.
To permanently disable Windows Update using the Registry, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for regedit and select the top result to launch the experience.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows
- Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and then click on Key.
- Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.
- Right-click the newly created key, select New, and click on Key.
- Name the new key AU and press Enter.
- Right-click on the right side, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new key NoAutoUpdate and press Enter.
- Double-click the newly created key and change its value from 0 to 1.
- Click the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
Once you complete the steps, Windows Update should stop trying to download and install updates automatically on your device.
If you want to update manually, you can perform this task from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and clicking the Check for updates button.
Limiting updates
In the case that using the Registry to disable updates isn't working as expected, you can also use the Registry to customize the Windows Update settings to prevent updates from installing automatically.
To customize Windows Update settings to block updates with the Registry, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for regedit and select the top result to launch the experience.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows
- Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and then click on Key.
- Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.
- Right-click the newly created key, select New, and click on Key.
- Name the new key AU and press Enter.
- Right-click on the right side, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name the new key AUOptions and press Enter.
- Double-click the newly created key and change its value (number only) using one of the following options:
- 2 -- Notify for download and auto install.
- 3 -- Auto download and notify for install.
- 4 -- Auto download and schedule the install.
- 5 -- Allow local admin to choose settings.
These options work similar to the Group Policy settings, and number 2 is the closest option to disable Windows Update permanently. However, you can always select the setting the best suits your situation. - Click the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
After completing the steps, Windows 10 will stop installing updates automatically. However, you'll receive notifications as soon as new quality updates are available, but they won't download and install until you approve them manually.
You can always use the same instructions to restore the original settings, but on step No. 4, right-click the WindowsUpdate key, and select the Delete option. Then reboot your device to complete applying the settings.
Wrapping things up
Updates are crucial to safeguard your device and data and to improve the overall experience, as such it's never recommended to use an unpatched computer. However, there are many scenarios when disabling updates could make sense. For instance, when you may need to apply updates manually, or you want to make sure that a particular update doesn't have any issues before installing it on your laptop or desktop PC.
Also, this guide only stops monthly updates, which usually fix security vulnerabilities and improves the stability of Windows 10. If you want to avoid automatic installs of feature updates, such as the Windows 10 May 2019 Update, when the current installation is nearing the end of service, you need to modify the settings to defer major releases.
More Windows 10 resources
For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:
Windows 10 PCs automatically check for updates and install any updates they find. You can take some control over this and have Windows 10 install updates on your schedule, but these options are hidden. Windows Update really wants to automatically update on Windows 10.
Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows 10 have access to group policy and registry settings for this, but even Home editions of Windows 10 give you a way to stop updates from automatically downloading.
Prevent Automatic Downloading of Updates on a Specific Connection
RELATED:What You Need to Know About Windows Update on Windows 10
When you set a connection as “metered,” Windows 10 won’t automatically download updates on it. Windows 10 will automatically set certain types of connections — cellular data connections, for example — as metered. However, you can set any connection like as a metered connection.
So, if you don’t want Windows 10 automatically downloading updates on your home network connection, just set it as a metered connection. Windows 10 will automatically download updates when you connect your device to an unmetered network, or when you set the network it’s connected to as unmetered again. And yes, Windows will remember this setting for each individual network, so you can disconnect from that network and reconnect all you like.
Do you have an Internet connection with limited data? Just mark it as metered and Windows 10 won’t automatically download updates on it. If your connection offers unlimited downloads at a specific time — for example, during the middle of the night — you could mark the connection as unmetered occasionally at these times to download updates and mark it as metered after the updates are downloaded.
RELATED:How to Set an Ethernet Connection as Metered in Windows 8 and 10
To change this option for a Wi-Fi network, open the Settings app, head to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, and click the name of the Wi-Fi network you’re currently connected to. Enable the “Set as metered connection” option on the properties page. This option only affects the Wi-Fi network you’re currently editing, but Windows will remember this setting for each individual Wi-Fi network on which you change it.
To change this option for a wired Ethernet network, open the Settings app, head to Network & Internet > Ethernet, and click the name of your Ethernet connection. Enable the “Set as metered connection” option on the properties page.
After enabling this option, Windows Update will say “Updates are available. We’ll download the updates as soon as you connect to Wi-Fi, or you can download the updates using your data connection (charges may apply.)” By marking a connection as metered, you’ve tricked Windows into thinking it’s a mobile data connection–for example, you might be tethering your PC to your smartphone. You can click the Download button to download and install updates at your leisure.
Stop Windows Update From Automatically Rebooting Your Computer
RELATED:How to Set “Active Hours” So Windows 10 Won’t Restart at a Bad Time
So maybe you don’t mind the automatic downloads, but you just don’t want Windows to restart while you’re in the middle of something. Windows 10 is okay about this, since it lets you set a 12 hour window called “Active Hours” in which it won’t automatically reboot.
To set Active Hours, head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Click or tap “Change Active Hours” under Update Settings. From there, you’ll set the times you don’t want Windows to automatically restart.
You can also override those active hours to schedule certain reboots when an update is ready. You can read more about how to do that here.
Prevent Windows Update From Installing Specific Updates and Drivers
RELATED:How to Uninstall and Block Updates and Drivers on Windows 10
How Do I Enable Automatic Updates In Windows 10
If Windows 10 insists on installing a specific update or driver that’s causing problems, you can prevent Windows Update from installing that particular update. Microsoft doesn’t provide a built-in way to block updates and drivers from automatically being downloaded, but it does offer a downloadable tool that can block updates and drivers so Windows won’t download them. This gives you a way to opt out of specific updates–uninstall them and “hide” them from being installed until you unhide them.
Use Group Policy to Disable Automatic Updates (Professional Editions Only)
RELATED:Should You Upgrade to the Professional Edition of Windows 10?
Editor’s Note: This option, while it still exists, seems to no longer work in the Anniversary Update for Windows 10, but we’ve left it here in case anyone wants to try it. Proceed at your own risk.
You should really consider leaving automatic updates enabled for security reasons. But, there is an option that will let you choose how updates are installed on your own schedule, but it’s buried in Group Policy. Only Professional, Enterprise, and Education editions of Windows 10 have access to the Group Policy editor. To access the group policy editor, press Windows Key + R, type the following line into the Run dialog, and press Enter:
Navigate to Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsWindows Update.
Locate the “Configure Automatic Updates” setting in the right pane and double-click it. Set it to “Enabled,” and then select your preferred setting. For example, you can choose “Auto download and notify for install” or “Notify for download and notify for install.” Save the change.
Visit the Windows Update pane, click “Check for updates,” and then select “Advanced options.” You should see your new setting enforced here. You’ll also see a note saying “Some settings are managed by your organization,” informing you that these options can only be changed in Group Policy.
To disable this later, go back to the Group Policy editor, double-click the “Configure Automatic Updates” setting, and then change it from “Enabled” to “Not configured.” Save your changes, visit the Windows Update pane again, click “Check for updates,” and then select “Advanced options.” You’ll see everything change back to the default setting. (Windows Update only seems to notice the setting change after you click “Check for updates.”)
Use the Registry to Disable Automatic Updates (Professional Editions Only)
Editor’s Note: This option, while it still exists, seems to no longer work in the Anniversary Update for Windows 10, but we’ve left it here in case anyone wants to try it. Proceed at your own risk.
Turn On Windows Updates Windows 10
This setting can be configured in the registry, too. This registry hack does exactly the same thing as the above Group Policy setting. However, it also only seems to work on Professional editions of Windows 10.
Download our Disable Automatic Updates on Windows 10 registry hack and double-click one of the included .reg files to make Windows Update notify for download and notify for install, auto download and notify for install, or auto download and schedule the install. There’s also a .reg file that will delete the registry value the other files create, allowing you to go back to the default settings. This only worked when we tried it on Windows 10 Pro, not Home.
After changing this option, visit the Windows Update pane in the Settings app and click “Check for updates.” You can then click “Advanced options” and you’ll see your new setting here. (You have to perform a check for updates before Windows Update notices your changed setting.)
If you’d like to do this yourself, the exact setting you’ll need to change is under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdateAU — you’ll need to create the last few keys there. Create a DWORD value named “AUOptions” under the AU key and give it one of the following values:
There’s another “trick” making the rounds for this. It involves disabling the Windows Update system service in the Windows services administration tool. This isn’t a good idea at all, and will prevent your computer from receiving even crucial security updates. While it would be nice if Microsoft offered some more choice of when to install updates, you shouldn’t opt out of security updates entirely. To prevent Windows from automatically downloading updates on any PC, just set its connection as metered.
Enable Automatic Updates Windows 10 Home
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