How to Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 10?

Windows 10, Microsoft’s widely used operating systems, often ensure a smooth user experience and friendly environment. By default it automatically download and install updates in your computer system to enhance security, fix bugs, and introduce new features.

Fortunately, Microsoft allows users to customize setting and disable automatic updates in Windows 10. Because some users wants more control over their system’s update process. However, automatic updates can really cause a headache and sometimes disrupt your workflow or consume your internet data. In these scenarios, if you want to disable Windows 10 update and searching for how to turn off automatic updates in Windows 10.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps of how to stop updating Windows 10 in your system.

How to Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 10?

As you know that Windows updates play a vital role in keeping your system secure and up-to-date with the latest features. However, in some situations where you may wish to stop these updates automatically temporarily or permanently. Because it results bandwidth conservation during crucial tasks or to avoid interruptions at specific times.

Fortunately, Microsoft allows users to turn off automatic updates either permanently or temporarily. In this guide, I will explore both options, how to turn off automatic updates in Windows 10 permanently or temporarily.

Option-1: How to Disable Windows 10 Updates Temporarily?

To disable automatic updates in Windows 10 temporarily, you can use the “Pause updates for 7 days or more” option. By pausing updates for an extended period, you effectively prevent Windows from automatically downloading and installing updates until you decide to resume the update process. Below are the necessary steps to follow:

1- Press the Windows button or Click on the “Start” button, usually located at the bottom left corner of your screen. This will open the Start menu of your computer system.

2- Now, click on the “Settings” icon, which will show in the below screenshot. This will open the Windows Settings window.

3- In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security.” see in the below screenshot. This will take you to the Update & Security settings.

4- Choose the Windows update option and on the right-hand side, you will see the “Pause updates for 7 days” button. Click on it to pause automatic updates for the next 7 days.

5- To resume updates, just click on the resume updates button as shown in the below screenshot.

Remember, when the pause period ends, Windows will automatically check for updates again. To ensure your system remains secure and up-to-date, consider manually checking for updates after the pause period is over.

Option-2: How to Disable Windows 10 Updates Permanently?

Microsoft strongly encourages users to keep their systems up to date to ensure security and stability. However, if you want to disable Windows 10 updates permanently. Please note that tampering with the update settings can lead to potential security risks and is not recommended unless you fully understand the consequences.

Sure! Here’s how to disable Windows 10 updates permanently using the Settings option. Follow the below steps:

1- Click on the “Start” button in the bottom-left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.

2- From the Start menu, select the “Settings” icon, which looks like a gear cog. The Settings window will now open.

3- In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security.” This will take you to the Update & Security settings.

4- Choose the “Windows Update” section and, click on “Advanced options”. See the above screenshot.

5- In the Advanced options, you’ll find different On-Off options about Windows updates. To turn off automatic updates permanently you can Off the receive update or download updates options.

Once you’ve made these changes, you can close the Settings window, and your Windows 10 system will no longer receive, download, or install updates automatically.

Option-3: How to Disable Windows 10 Update Services:

Taking control of your Windows 10 update process is easier than you might think. If you prefer a hands-on approach to managing your Windows updates, you can use disable Windows Update Services. You can halt automatic updates and regain control over when and how your operating system receives updates. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of manually disabling Windows Update, giving you the freedom to decide when to update your system.

To disable Windows 10 Update service, follow these steps:

1- Press the Windows key + R from the keyboard at the same time to invoke the Run box.

2- In the Run box, type “services.msc” (without quotes) and press Enter or click on “OK.” This will open the Services window.

3- In the Services window, scroll down to locate “Windows Update” in the list of services.

4- Double-click or Right-click on “Windows Update” and select “Properties” from the context menu.

5- In the Properties window for Windows Update, under the “General tab“, you’ll find the “Startup type” section.

6- Click on the drop-down menu next to “Startup type” and select “Disabled” from the options.

7- Click on the “Apply” button at the bottom-right corner of the window to save the changes.

8- After applying the changes, click on the “OK” button to close the Properties window.

By disabling the Windows Update service, you have effectively turned off automatic updates on your Windows 10 system. Please note that with automatic updates disabled, it’s very important to check for updates manually and enable the service when you want to update your system for security and performance reasons.

Option-4: Change The Setting Of The Group Policy Editor:

The Group Policy Editor is a powerful tool in your computer that allows users to manage various system settings, including Windows Update options. However, it is only available in Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, or Education editions, and not in the Home edition.

To change the settings and stop automatically updating in Windows 10 using the Group Policy Editor, follow the below steps.

1- Press the Windows logo key + R at the same time from the keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

2- Type “gpedit.msc” (without the quotes) into the Run dialog box and press Enter or click “OK.” This will open the Local Group Policy Editor.

3- In the Group Policy Editor window, you’ll see a hierarchical list of settings on the left side. These settings are organized into categories such as Computer Configuration and User Configuration.

4- Navigate through the categories to find the specific setting you want to change. For example, if you want to modify Windows Update settings, go to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Update.”

5- In the right-hand pane, you’ll see a list of available settings related to Windows Update. Double-click on the setting you want to change. To turn off WIndows 10 aumatic updates click on “Confiture Automatic Updates”.

6- A new window will pop up, presenting the configuration options for that setting. Select the disabled from the options, as you see in the belwo screenshot.

7- Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

Please be careful when modifying settings in the Group Policy Editor, as some changes can have a significant impact on your system. It’s recommended to make changes only if you are familiar with the implications of each setting.

Option-5: Meter Your Network and Internet Connection:

Disabling Windows 10 updates using network and internet connection can be achieved by setting your network connection as “metered.” When a network connection is marked as metered, Windows 10 will limit the automatic downloading of updates to save data and bandwidth. Here’s how you can do it:

1- Press the Windows logo button from the keyboard or Click on the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.

2- Next, select “Settings” The Settings window will appear.

3- In the Settings window, click on “Network & Internet”. As see in the below screenshot.

4- Under the Network & Internet settings, select “Wi-Fi” (or “Ethernet” if you are using a wired connection) from the left-hand pane, depending on your network type.

5- In the Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) settings, you will see the currently connected network. Click on the network name.

6- A new window titled “Network details” will open. Scroll down until you see “Metered connection.”

7- To set the network as metered, toggle the switch to “On.” This action will mark your network connection as metered.

Once your network connection is set as metered, Windows 10 will limit the automatic download of updates over that connection. However, please be aware that critical updates related to security may still be downloaded and installed even on a metered connection to keep your system protected. To update your system, you can manually check for updates and choose when to install them.

Keep in mind that disabling automatic updates of Windows 10 may offer more control to you. But it’s essential to stay vigilant about security and ensure that your system is regularly updated to protect it from potential vulnerabilities.