How to Disable Windows Automatic Updates
Disable Windows Automatic Updates to put you in charge of your system and avoid unpleasant surprises.
This reduces the chance of slowdowns and maintains stability on Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server, which IT pros and administrators will find invaluable as they focus on optimizing performance and effectively managing updates.
Below are the methods to disable Windows automatic update across different versions:
- Settings App (Windows 10 and 11): Easily pause updates for 7 to 35 days through the Update & Security settings.
- Registry Editor (Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 and later): Modify the registry to permanently disable automatic updates by setting the No Auto Update value.
- Windows Update Service (Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 and later): Stop and disable the Windows Update service to prevent automatic updates.
- Group Policy Editor (Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, Education, and Windows Server 2008 and later): Use the Group Policy Editor to disable Windows Automatic Updates across multiple systems.
Prerequisites to Disable Windows Automatic Updates
Before disabling Windows Automatic Updates, ensure you meet the following requirements:
- Administrative access to the system.
- For Windows 10 and Windows 11, make sure you’re using a Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition for certain methods.
- For Windows Server 2008 or later, ensure you have access to the Group Policy Editor or Services Manager.
- A backup of your system is recommended before making significant changes.
- Consider purchasing a Windows VPS for better control over updates and system settings.
Method 1: Using the Settings App [Simplest Way]
The simplest way for newbies how to disable Windows update will be the Settings app.
It provides instant access to your Windows update settings and allows you to disable Windows automatic updates with minimal technical knowledge.
Great, but this does NOT stop Windows 10 from updating!
Step 1: Open Windows Update Settings
To do this, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
This is where you can manage Windows update settings conveniently.
Step 2: Pause Updates Temporarily
Click Pause updates for 7 days to stop automatic updates Windows 10 for a short period.
Step 3: Advanced Options for Longer Pauses
Under Advanced Options, extend the pause to delay updates and prevent automatic updates in Windows for up to 35 days.
Note: When ready again, click Resume updates to re-enable them.
Method 2: Using Registry Editor [Advanced and Precise Control]
The Registry Editor is another useful option for disabling how to disable updates Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server,
It enables new fine-tuning options to prevent automatic updates in both versions of Windows.
However, care must be taken with this method because incorrect edits that break these relationships can cause the system to fail to boot or otherwise behave incorrectly or inconsistently.
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
Press the Start button, type regedit in the search bar, and click on the Registry Editor to open it.
Step 2: Navigate to the Windows Update Key
In the Registry Editor, go to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsIf you don’t see the Windows folder, you will need to create it.
Step 3: Create the Windows Update Key
Right-click the Windows folder, select New, then choose Key. Name the new key Windows Update and press Enter.
Step 4: Create the AU Subkey
Right-click the Windows Update key, select New, then choose Key again. Name this key AU and press Enter.
Step 5: Add the No Auto Update Value
Right-click the AU key, select New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name the new value No Auto Update and press Enter.
Step 6: Modify the No Auto Update Value
Double-click the No Auto Update value and change the Value data from 0 to 1.
Click OK to apply the changes.
Step 7: Restart the Computer
Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Once the system reboots, you will have successfully disable auto update Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server and prevented Windows 11 from automatically downloading updates.
However, you can still manually check for updates through the Settings app if needed.
This process provides an effective solution for those wondering how to disable automatic updates Windows 10, 11, and Windows Server while maintaining control over when updates are installed.
Method 3: Using Windows Update Service [Administrators and IT Professionals]
Let’s go through the steps on how to disable Windows update by turning off the Windows Update Service.
This will completely block updates via the above methods, making it an effective way to turn off auto update on windows 10, 11, and Windows Server.
Note: The method is technical, and casual users should not use it.
Step 1: Open Services Manager
Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter to open the services panel.
Step 2: Locate the Windows Update Service
Scroll to find Windows Update in the list to turn off Windows automatic updates.
Step 3: Stop the Service
Right-click Windows Update, select Stop, and apply changes to stop Windows updates.
Step 4: Disable the Service Permanently
Set the Startup Type to Disabled to prevent automatic updates on Windows entirely.
Method 4: Using Group Policy Editor [IT Professionals & Advanced Users]
The Group Policy Editor is a more advanced option that educates users on how to turn off Windows auto update in a more permanent manner.
This approach is particularly well-suited for IT admins maintaining numerous devices, and efficiently managing updates across Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.
Step 1: Launch Group Policy Editor
Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the editor.
Step 2: Navigate to Update Policies
Go to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
Step 3: Configure Automatic Updates
Double-click Configure Automatic Updates on the right. Select Disabled to completely turn off Windows automatic updates and click OK.
Conclusion
Disabling Windows Automatic Updates offers significant advantages for users and administrators who need to maintain control over their systems.
Whether you are using Windows 10, Windows 11, or Windows Server, the methods outlined allow for better productivity, stability, and control.
For individual users, the Settings App provides a quick and simple option, while Registry Editor offers more control for advanced users.
Windows Update Service and Group Policy Editor methods are ideal for IT professionals managing multiple systems.
Depending on your needs, each method provides the flexibility to tailor the update schedule, ensuring that systems remain secure and perform optimally.