Windows 10 is designed to download and install updates automatically to ensure your system remains secure and runs smoothly. While this behavior is helpful for most users, it can be disruptive for others, especially those on limited data plans or running critical tasks during update cycles. If you are wondering how to stop the automatic updates in Windows 10, you are not alone, and there are several reliable methods to take control.
Why You Might Want to Pause Updates
Automatic updates can restart your computer without warning, consume bandwidth, and occasionally introduce new issues or incompatible changes. Professionals working on important projects, gamers preparing for a competition, or users with metered connections often prefer to manage updates on their own schedule. Understanding how to stop the automatic updates in Windows 10 gives you the flexibility to maintain stability while still protecting your device when you choose to install updates.
Using Settings to Temporarily Pause Updates
The easiest and recommended way for most users is to use the built-in Settings app. This method is fully supported by Microsoft and does not require modifying system files or the registry. It is ideal if you want to delay updates for a few days or weeks rather than disabling them permanently.
Pausing Updates for a Set Period
Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
Go to Update & Security, then click on Windows Update.
Select Advanced options and find the Pause updates section.
Choose a duration, such as 7 or 35 days, and confirm the change.
During the paused period, your system will not download or install feature updates, though quality and security updates may still be delivered depending on your version and configuration. This is a safe and reversible option for learning how to stop automatic updates temporarily.
Disabling the Windows Update Service
If you need more control and want to stop automatic updates entirely until you manually restart the service, you can disable the Windows Update background service. This approach is more technical but effective for power users who understand the implications of turning off a core system service.
Stopping and Disabling the Service
Press Windows key + R, type services.msc , and press Enter.
Locate Windows Update in the list, right-click it, and select Properties.
Set the Startup type to Disabled and click Stop if the service is running.
Click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Once disabled, your PC will no longer check for or install updates automatically. To re-enable updates later, return to the same menu, set the Startup type to Manual or Automatic, and start the service again.
Using Group Policy to Block Updates (Pro and Enterprise Editions)
For users running Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education editions, the Local Group Policy Editor provides a centralized way to prevent updates from being installed without user intervention. This method is often used in business environments but is available to anyone who wants more control.
Configuring Group Policy Settings
Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc , and press Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
Double-click Configure Automatic Updates and select Disabled.
Click Apply and then OK to enforce the setting.
With this policy in place, Windows will not automatically download or install updates. You can reverse the change by setting the policy back to Not Configured or Enabled with the appropriate schedule.
