Windows updates are very important where they provide bug fixes, security fixes, performance boosters, etc. Windows updates are provided regularly by Microsoft and for Windows 10 they are downloaded and installed automatically. Even it is very important to install Windows 10 updates. But in some cases, you may want to stop Windows 10 automatic Updates. In this tutorial, we will learn how to stop Windows 10 automatic updates in different ways.
Why Stop Windows 10 Updates?
Even it is not a good practice you may want to stop Windows 10 updates for different reasons. Lets list some of these reasons.
- Network bandwidth or quota problems.
- Slow computers.
- Noncompatible software
- Driver updates
- Crashes
- User complaint
- Reboot, Reboot, Reboot Cycle
- …
Risks of Stopping Windows 10 Updates?
Even it may seem practical to stop Windows 10 updates there are different risks about it.
- Security vulnerabilities not fixed
- Old software
- Can not get new features
- Crashes
- Can not get performance related features
- Can not get new device drivers
Stop Automatic Windows 10 Update by Disabling Windows Update Service
The Windows Updates are managed by the “Windows Update Service” which is called “Windows Update”. This service is started automatically after boot and manages Windows updates with regular checks, downloads, and installation. By stopping and disabling this service the Windows updates can be stopped. This method is the most reliable and official way. First, open the Service Manager with the “services.msc” via the Windows Run. This command can be also run via Ms-DOS or Windows PowerShell.
services.mscFrom the services screen we will locate the Windows Update service like below. We can also see that the Status is “Running” which means the Windows Update is enabled. We will open the Windows Update Service Properties in order to stop service and disable for automatic start at boot.
Double click to the Windows Update services which will opent the Windows Update Properties. Change the “Startup type” into the “Disabled” like below and click to “Apply” button.
This will disable the windows update start automatically at boot. But the windows update service is currently running and the stop is with the stop button like below. Alternatively, by right-click on the Windows Update and click on the “Stop” will stop too.
Stop Automatic Windows 10 Update by Windows Update Configuration
Windows Update provides the ability to stop getting updates for a specified time. This is a temporary update disable. This time range can be specified up to one month. First, open the Windows Update screen which can be opened from the Start menu by typing “update”. There we will click on the “Advanced options”.
In the Advanced options, screen navigates to the “Pause updates” part and set a date in the “Pause until” configuration like below. The updates will be paused up to this date but continue getting updates after that date with previously uninstalled updates.
Stop Automatic Windows 10 Update by Setup Metered Connection
Windows provides the metering for network communication via Wireless. This is used to limit wireless network quota. Especially using the phone 3g or 4g via the tethering the quota usage is important. The specific connection is set as metered Windows prevents some network usage where one of them is Windows Updates. By just setting the wireless connection as metered the Windows Updates can be stopped. But keep in mind that this can also stop other data-related services like Microsoft One Drive stops to sync in the metered connection.
Open Windows Settings with the WIN+I keyboard shortcut. Click to the “Network & Internet“.
We can see that the only network interface is Wireless. We will click to the “Change connection properties“.
In the wireless settings navigate to the “Metered connection” and change the “Set as metered connection” on like below.
Stop Automatic Windows 10 Update by Group Policy
The Group policy is used to set multiple Windows systems configuration with just one configuration group. This group policy is applied to all systems we want. Group Policy provides the Windows Update configuration which can be disabled. First, open the Local Group Policy editor by running “gpedit.msc” in the Windows Run. This command can be also run in MS-DOS or PowerShell.
gpedit.mscIn the “Local Group Policy Editor” follow Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> windows Components ->Windows Update -> Configure Automatic Updates .
Double click on it which will open the “Configure Automatic Updates” screen like below. There set this configuration as “Disabled” like below. Click to the Apply button.
