Effortless Techniques to Turn Off Automatic Windows Updates

In today's blog post, lets explore four straightforward methods to disable the automatic update feature in Windows. Whether you're looking to take control of your system's update schedule or avoid unexpected disruptions, these simple approaches will empower you to manage Windows updates on your terms. Let's dive into the hassle-free ways to keep your system in check without the automatic update hassle.

Windows 10 usually updates itself automatically, and turning off these updates can be trickier compared to older versions of the system. However, it's still possible to do so using the tools provided by the operating system or third-party programs.

Windows Update is a crucial part of the Windows operating system. It regularly checks with Microsoft servers for updates, patches, and device drivers to enhance system performance, reliability, stability, and security.

Unlike earlier Windows versions (XP, Vista, 7, and 8/8.1), Windows 10 limits your control over the Update Center. The Pro Edition allows a temporary delay in updates, but Windows 10 Home users cannot fully disable auto updates.

This means that Windows 10 downloads and installs updates automatically without giving you much choice. While this may seem convenient, it can lead to problems, with updates sometimes causing issues or even preventing the system from loading properly.

If you've encountered notifications like 'Install updates automatically,' 'Download Updates but choose when to install them,' or 'Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them,' you might want to explore the following solutions.

Below, you'll find instructions on how to completely turn off automatic Windows updates.

Option 1. 

Disable Windows Update Service. Open Services.Msc

Press the Windows logo key + R at the same time to invoke the Run box. Type services.msc and press Enter.

Double-click on Windows Update Service

Scroll down the service list to Windows Update and double-click it.

In Window with Startup Type Select Option Disabled

In Startup type window select Disabled. Then click Apply and OK to save the settings.

Option 2. 

Change the Setting of the Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy feature is not available in the Home edition. So, only when you run Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Group Policy Editor to change the settings to prevent Windows 10 from automatically updating. The local group policy editor will notify you of new updates without automatically installing them.

• Press the Windows logo key + R then type gpedit.msc and click OK.
• Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
• Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
• Select Disabled in Configured Automatic Updates on the left, and click —Apply and OK to disable the Windows automatic update feature.

Note: If you need to update your Windows version later, you can repeat the steps above, then select Enabled to turn on this feature, so that you can continue to download the updates.

Option 3. 

Meter Your Network Connection

• Click the Start button at the bottom left on your desktop, then click the Settings app.
• Click Network & Internet.

Click Wi-Fi Icon in the Windows Taskbar

Click Wi-Fi in the left pane, then click the name of your Wi-Fi connection.

Click to Turn on Set as Metered Connection

Toggle on the option Set as metered connection and click to turn on.

Option 4.

Change the Way of Windows 10 Updates Using Registry

• Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
• Type regedit, and click OK to open the Registry.
• Browse the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
• Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and then click Key.
• Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.
• Right-click the newly created key, select new, and click Key.
• Name the new key AU and press Enter.
• Inside the newly created key, right-click on the right side, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
• Name the new key AUOptions and press Enter.
• Double-click the newly created key and change its value to 2. It’s for “Notify for download and notify for install”. Click OK.
• Close the Registry to complete the task.