How to Disable Automatic Updates in Windows 10 & Windows 11

Keeping your Windows system updated can be essential for security and performance, but automatic updates can be frustrating, especially when they interrupt your work. In this guide, you’ll learn how to permanently turn off automatic updates in Windows 10 and Windows 11 using different methods that are straightforward and effective.

Key Takeaways

• You can disable automatic updates through the Group Policy Editor or Policy Plus (for non-Pro users).
• Disabling updates via the Services app and Registry Editor is also an effective method.
• Removing the Windows Update Assistant ensures that updates stay disabled.

Method 1: Disabling Automatic Updates Using Group Policy Editor

If you’re using the Pro version of Windows 10 or Windows 11, the Group Policy Editor is an efficient way to stop automatic updates.

Steps to Disable Automatic Updates via Group Policy Editor:

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK.
3. In the Local Group Policy Editor, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
4. Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates.
5. Set this option to Disabled, then click Apply and OK.

Note: If you don’t have the Pro version, you can use Policy Plus, a free alternative that provides similar functionality.

Method 2: Disabling Automatic Updates Using the Services App

Another reliable way to stop Windows updates is by disabling the Windows Update service through the Services app.

Steps to Disable Automatic Updates via Services:

1. Search for Services in the Windows search bar and open the Services app.
2. In the list of services, scroll down until you find Windows Update.
3. Double-click on Windows Update and set the Startup type to Disabled.
4. Click on the Recovery tab and set First Failure to Take No Action.
5. Change the Reset fail counter to 999 days. Click Apply and OK.

This method effectively stops the Windows Update service from restarting on its own.

Method 3: Disabling Automatic Updates via Registry Editor

For those who prefer working with the Windows Registry, this method involves adding a new key to prevent automatic updates.

Steps to Disable Automatic Updates via Registry Editor:

1. Search for RegEdit in the Windows search bar and open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > Software > Policies > Microsoft.
3. Right-click on the Windows key, select New > Key, and name it WindowsUpdate.
4. Within the WindowsUpdate key, create another new key named AU.
5. Inside the AU key, right-click to create a New DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it NoAutoUpdate.
6. Double-click on NoAutoUpdate and set its value to 1. Click OK and exit the Registry Editor.

Method 4: Disabling Automatic Updates via Task Scheduler

Disabling scheduled tasks related to Windows Update ensures that automatic updates don’t sneak in.

Steps to Disable Automatic Updates via Task Scheduler:

1. Search for Task Scheduler and open the app.
2. Navigate to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Windows Update.
3. Right-click on the tasks listed under the Windows Update folder and select Disable.

This ensures that no update-related tasks will trigger in the background.

Method 5: Uninstall the Windows Update Assistant

The final step in ensuring that Windows doesn’t automatically update your system is to remove the Windows Update Assistant.

Steps to Uninstall the Windows Update Assistant:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Apps and Features.
2. Scroll down until you find the Windows Update Assistant.
3. Click on it, then select Uninstall.

By removing this tool, you make sure Windows doesn’t bypass your settings and attempt to update your system.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can successfully disable automatic updates in Windows 10 and Windows 11, keeping your system free from unexpected restarts and unwanted updates. Remember, while stopping updates can be convenient, it’s important to stay on top of critical security patches by manually checking for updates.

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FAQs

How do I turn off Windows updates permanently?

You can permanently disable Windows updates using the Group Policy Editor, Services app, Registry Editor, Task Scheduler, or by uninstalling the Windows Update Assistant. Follow the methods detailed above.

Can I re-enable Windows updates after disabling them?

Yes, you can re-enable updates at any time by reversing the changes you made in the Group Policy Editor, Services app, or Registry Editor. Simply set the options back to their default settings.

Does disabling updates affect system security?

Disabling updates can leave your system vulnerable to security threats, as updates often contain important patches. If you choose to disable them, it’s recommended to manually check for critical updates regularly.

What if I don’t have Windows Pro?

If you don’t have the Pro version of Windows, you can use Policy Plus to access similar settings as the Group Policy Editor.

Can automatic updates be paused instead of permanently disabled?

Yes, you can pause Windows updates for a temporary period. In Windows 10 and Windows 11, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Pause updates for 7 days. You can extend this up to 35 days by repeating the process, but after that, you must install the latest updates before pausing again.