How To Disable Automatic Updates In Windows 10

Are you tired of your Windows 10 computer automatically updating and restarting at the most inconvenient times? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many users find automatic updates to be frustrating and disruptive. Fortunately, there are ways to disable automatic updates in Windows 10. In this article, we will guide you through the process step by step. So, let’s get started!

Why Disable Automatic Updates?

Automatic updates in Windows 10 are designed to keep your computer secure and up to date with the latest features and bug fixes. However, there are several reasons why you might want to disable them:

• You have limited internet bandwidth and don’t want updates to consume it.
• You prefer to manually update your computer to ensure compatibility with your software and hardware.
• You want to avoid unexpected restarts during important tasks or presentations.
• You simply prefer to have full control over when and how updates are installed.

Whatever your reason may be, disabling automatic updates is a straightforward process. Just follow the steps below.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

The easiest way to disable automatic updates in Windows 10 is by using the Settings app. Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start button and selecting the gear icon.
2. In the Settings window, click on “Update & Security”.
3. On the left-hand side, click on “Windows Update”.
4. Click on “Advanced options”.
5. Under the “Pause updates” section, toggle the switch to the “On” position.

By turning on the “Pause updates” option, you can temporarily disable automatic updates for up to 35 days. However, keep in mind that this is a temporary solution and updates will resume automatically after the specified period.

Method 2: Using the Group Policy Editor

If you have a Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education edition, you can use the Group Policy Editor to permanently disable automatic updates. Follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter.
3. In the Group Policy Editor window, navigate to “Computer Configuration”> “Administrative Templates”> “Windows Components”> “Windows Update”.
4. Double-click on “Configure Automatic Updates” in the right-hand pane.
5. Select the “Disabled” option.
6. Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

After following these steps, automatic updates will be permanently disabled on your computer. However, keep in mind that disabling automatic updates can leave your computer vulnerable to security risks if you don’t manually install updates regularly.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

If you have a Windows 10 Home edition, you don’t have access to the Group Policy Editor. However, you can use the Registry Editor to disable automatic updates. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “regedit” and press Enter.
3. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows”.
4. Right-click on the “Windows” key and select “New”> “Key”. Name the new key “WindowsUpdate”.
5. Right-click on the “WindowsUpdate” key and select “New”> “Key”. Name the new key “AU”.
6. Right-click on the “AU” key and select “New”> “DWORD (32-bit) Value”. Name the new value “NoAutoUpdate”.
7. Double-click on the “NoAutoUpdate” value and set the “Value data” to “1”.
8. Click on “OK” to save the changes.

After making these changes in the Registry Editor, automatic updates will be disabled on your Windows 10 Home computer. However, similar to the Group Policy Editor method, it’s important to manually install updates regularly to ensure the security and stability of your system.

Method 4: Using a Third-Party Tool

If you’re not comfortable editing the Windows Registry or using the Group Policy Editor, you can use a third-party tool to disable automatic updates. There are many tools available online that provide an easy-to-use interface for managing updates. Some popular options include:

• Windows Update Blocker
• StopUpdates10
• Windows Update Manager

These tools allow you to disable automatic updates with just a few clicks, and they often provide additional features for managing updates on your computer.

Conclusion

Automatic updates in Windows 10 can be convenient for many users, but they can also be disruptive and unwanted in certain situations. Whether you have limited internet bandwidth, prefer manual updates, or simply want more control over your computer’s update process, disabling automatic updates in Windows 10 is possible. By following the methods outlined in this article, you can easily turn off automatic updates and regain control over your computer’s update schedule. Just remember to regularly check for updates and install them manually to ensure the security and stability of your system. Happy updating!