How to disable or block automatic Windows Update

/ Windows / By / November 27, 2021

Windows 10 automatically downloads updates and installs them automatically as well. This feature is not popular with users. Installation usually restarts the system when users do not expect it. This leads to workflows or lost work.

Disable or disable automatic updates on Windows 10

Windows 10 users who are tired of the automatically updated updates have looked for ways to disable or block them. Blocking updates is usually not a good idea. They are often important and contain security updates. The best way to prevent system restart when you work is to adjust your operating hours.

  1. Open the Settings app with the keyboard shortcut Win + I.
  2. Select Update & Security.
  3. Select the Windows Update tab.
  4. Click Change active hours.
  5. Turn the operating hours automatically for this device based on activity.
  6. Click on change next to normal active hours.
  7. Choose a time slot when you are not normally using your system.
  8. Windows 10 installs updates during this time slot.

If this does not do the trick for you and you absolutely need to block or enable the updates, try the methods below.

Turn off Windows update service

Windows 10 checks for updates by running a service and if you turn off the service, the OS will not be able to scan, download and install them.

  1. Tap on the Win + R keyboard shortcut to open the run box.
  2. In the Run box, enter services.msc and tap the Enter key.
  3. In the window that opens, look for the Windows Update service.
  4. Double-click the service.
  5. In the window that opens, open the Startup type drop-down.
  6. Select Disabled.
  7. Look for the Windows Update Medic Service.
  8. Double-click it.
  9. Open the Startup dropdown type and select Disabled.
  10. Restart the system.
  11. Windows updates will be disabled.

Disable Windows updates – group policy

If you are running Windows 10 Pro or have the Group Policy editor installed on Windows 10 Home, you can use it to disable Windows updates.

  1. Tap on the Win + R keyboard shortcut to open the run box.
  2. In the Run box, enter gpedit.msc and tap the Enter key.
  3. Go to Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> Windows Update.
  4. Double-click Automatic Updates.
  5. Open the Configure Automatic Update option and set it to Notify for automatic download and installation.

Change network to Metered

If you set up your WiFi network to a metered connection, Windows 10 will not use it to download updates.

  1. Open the Settings app with the keyboard shortcut Win + I.
  2. Go to Network and Internet.
  3. Select the WiFi tab.
  4. Click Manage known networks.
  5. Select the network and click on Properties.
  6. Scroll down and turn the Set as a touch switch with Air measure.

Third Party Applications

Generally, it is not a good idea to use a third party app to block updates. If that’s what you want to do, give it a go StopUpdates10 see.

Conclusion

Blocking updates for OS is not a good idea. If an update is causing problems on your system, try blocking instead of blocking all updates. If you are blocking updates because the installation is interrupting work, be sure to schedule a monthly, if not weekly, time to manually install them. An old system is an endangered system.

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