Steps to Disable Automatic Updates in Windows 10

Oct. 30, 2024 / Updated by Seraphina to Windows 10

disable-windows-10-automatic-updates

Windows 10's automatic update feature can disrupt your work and affect performance at inconvenient times. This article outlines several methods to disable automatic updates, helping you manage system updates more effectively.

Routine Computer Maintenance

Timely driver updates can prevent system instability caused by outdated or damaged drivers. It's recommended to use Driver Talent to automatically detect and update drivers, saving time and avoiding the risk of downloading incorrect drivers.

Download Driver Talent

Click the download button to get the latest version of Driver Talent, install it, and open the software. Click "Scan" after installation.
After scanning, it will display any drivers that are not installed or need updating. Find the required driver in the list and click the "Download" button.

driver-update

After updating, it's advisable to restart your computer to ensure the new drivers take effect.

Solution 1: Disable Automatic Updates via Settings

Click the "Start" menu, select "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update".

Click "Pause updates" and choose the number of days to pause. After the pause period expires, you can choose to extend it.

click-pause-updates

During the pause, the system will not automatically update, but you can manually check for and install necessary updates.

Solution 2: Disable Windows Update Service

Press Win + R, type "services.msc", and press Enter.

In the services list, find "Windows Update", right-click, and select "Properties".

select-windows-update-properties

Click the "Stop" button under "Service Status".

Change the "Startup type" to "Disabled", click "Apply", and confirm. This will prevent the Windows Update service from starting automatically until you re-enable it.

Solution 3: Use Group Policy Editor

Press Win + R, type "gpedit.msc", and press Enter.

In the Group Policy Editor, expand "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "Windows Update".

Double-click on "Configure Automatic Updates", select "Disabled", and then click "Apply" and confirm. This will turn off the automatic update feature.

disable-configure-automatic-updates

You can manually check for and install updates whenever necessary.

Solution 4: Modify the Registry

Press Win + R, type "regedit", and press Enter.

Expand the path:
"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU".

If this path doesn't exist, right-click "Windows", create a new key named "WindowsUpdate", then create another key under it named "AU".

In the AU folder, right-click in a blank area, create a new DWORD (32-bit) value, name it "Windows Update", and set its value to "1".

create-a-new-DWORD-value

Restart your computer to apply the changes. This will prevent the system from automatically updating.

Solution 5: Set Your Network Connection to Metered

Click "Settings" > "Network & Internet" > "Wi-Fi".

Click on the connected Wi-Fi name, find the "Metered connection" option, and turn on "Set as metered connection".

turn-on-set-as-metered-connection

Enabling this option will reduce automatic updates and background activities, prompting updates only when necessary.