Yes, you can disable automatic updates on Windows 10, and in this guide, we’ll show you three methods to complete this task. On Windows 10, quality updates or cumulative updates download and install automatically as soon as they become available.

Although this automatic approach allows devices to receive security updates to patch vulnerabilities, improve performance, and bring enhancements without user interaction, it is perhaps one of the most controversial features. Typically, it’s because updates contain bugs that can negatively affect the experience in many different ways. For example, they could break existing features, introduce driver and application compatibility problems, Blue Screen of Death BSoD , and they require a restart to complete the installation that can disrupt the user workflow.

If you tend to see more problems than benefits during updates, or you have a good reason to use a computer unpatched, depending on your edition of Windows 10 , you can disable automatic updates using the Settings app or permanently with the Group Policy or Registry. In this Windows 10 guide , we will walk you through the steps to prevent Windows Update from downloading and installing updates on your computer automatically.

If you want to skip a specific update, you do not need to disable Windows Update permanently. Instead, you should pause updates until the next Patch Tuesday arrives.

The Settings app includes an option to stop system updates for up to 35 days on Windows 10 Home and Pro. Under the “Pause updates” section, use the drop-down menu and select how long to disable updates. Once you complete the steps, updates will no longer download until the day you specified.

When the computer reaches the pause limit, you will need to install the latest patch available to make the option available again. You can always undo the changes with the exact instructions outlined above, but on step No. Alternatively, you can accomplish the same effect by clicking the Resume updates button on the Windows Update page.

The Local Group Policy Editor available on Windows 10 Pro includes policies to permanently disable automatic updates or change the Windows Update settings to decide when patches should be installed on the computer. Check the Disabled option to turn off automatic updates permanently on Windows After you complete the steps, the system will stop downloading updates automatically. If you want to enable automatic updates on the device again, you can use the exact instructions outlined above, but on step No.

Under the “Options” section, select the option to prevent updates from downloading and installing automatically on Windows Quick tip: The best option to disable automatic updates is the 2 – Notify for download and auto install option, but you can make a different selection.

If you choose option number 2 , updates won’t download automatically. Instead, in the Windows Update settings page, you will now see an “Install now” button to manually trigger an update. Once you complete the steps, automatic updates will be permanently disabled on Windows However, when new updates become available, you will be able to install them manually from the Windows Update settings page. You can also disable automatic updates using the Registry in at least two different ways, like when using the Local Group Policy Editor.

Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. It’s recommended to make a full backup of your PC before proceeding. Right-click the Windows folder key, select the New submenu, and then choose the Key option.

Right-click the newly created key, select the New submenu, and choose the Key option. Double-click the newly created key and change its value from 0 to 1. After you complete the steps, Windows Update automatic updates will be disabled permanently. However, you will still be able to download updates as needed by clicking the Check for updates button on the Windows 10 update settings page.

If you want to undo the changes, you can use the same instructions outlined above, but on step No. You can also use the Registry to configure the system settings to decide how Windows 10 receives updates. Right-click the Windows folder key, select the New submenu, and choose the Key option.

These options work exactly like the Group Policy settings, and option number 2 is the closest to disable Windows Update on Windows 10 permanently. Once you complete the steps, cumulative updates will no longer download and install automatically. However, when a new update becomes available, you will find the option to install it manually from the Windows Update settings.

You can always use the same instructions to restore the original settings, but on step No. Whether you use Windows 10 or another OS, updates are essential to fix security vulnerabilities, address problems, and improve the overall experience. However, sometimes, there are good excuses to disable them. For example, when you want to have complete control over system updates.

You want to minimize the chances of running into issues due to buggy release. Or you are using a critical application or equipment, and you do not want to come across any compatibility issues. For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources:. Experts say there’s no time to waste. How to disable automatic updates using Settings How to disable automatic updates using Group Policy How to disable automatic updates using Registry How to disable automatic updates with Settings If you want to skip a specific update, you do not need to disable Windows Update permanently.

To disable automatic updates temporarily, use these steps: Open Settings. Click on Windows Update. Click the Advanced options button. How to disable automatic updates with Group Policy The Local Group Policy Editor available on Windows 10 Pro includes policies to permanently disable automatic updates or change the Windows Update settings to decide when patches should be installed on the computer.

Disable updates To disable automatic updates on Windows 10 permanently, use these steps: Open Start. Search for gpedit. Click the OK button. Limit updates Alternatively, the Local Group Policy Editor lets you device how to disable automatic updates. Under the “Options” section, select the option to prevent updates from downloading and installing automatically on Windows 2 – Notify for download and auto install. How to disable automatic updates with Registry You can also disable automatic updates using the Registry in at least two different ways, like when using the Local Group Policy Editor.

Disable updates To disable Windows 10 updates permanently modifying the Registry, use these steps: Open Start. Search for regedit and click the top result to launch the Registry Editor.

Restart your computer. Limit updates You can also use the Registry to configure the system settings to decide how Windows 10 receives updates. To customize Windows Update settings to block updates with the Registry, use these steps: Open Start. Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor. Double-click the newly created key and change the value number only to: 2 — Notify for download and auto install.

More Windows 10 resources For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources: Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know Windows 10 help, tips, and tricks Windows 10 forums on Windows Central.

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Disable Windows 10 Automatic Updates With Ease | Win Update Stop

 
Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor. If you have a potato PC, doing this can free up your memory. Also, you can avtivate Windows 10 free — Read More.

 

Windows 10 disable updates group policy free download. How to Turn Off Automatic Updates on Windows 10

 
If you are running Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro, you have the option to turn off automatic updates using the Group policy editor. Here is. Option 3. Group Policy Editor · Launch the Run command (Win + R). · Drill down through “Computer Configuration” to “Administrative Templates”. Option 3. Group Policy Editor · Launch the Run command (Win + R). · Drill down through “Computer Configuration” to “Administrative Templates”.