How to Stop Windows 10 from Updating Automatically: Easy Methods Explained

Windows 10 updates are essential to keep your system secure and functioning optimally. However, let’s be honest: they can also be a pain. From sudden restarts to updates that slow down your system, these automatic updates can sometimes feel like they come at the worst possible times. If you’ve found yourself Googling “how to stop Windows 10 from updating automatically,” you’re definitely not alone.

In this article, we’re going to walk you through all the ways you can take control of your updates and stop Windows 10 from updating automatically. Whether you’re dealing with bandwidth issues, don’t want your PC to restart during important work, or just want more control over when and how updates are installed, we’ve got you covered.

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Why You Might Want to Stop Windows 10 from Updating Automatically

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s first explore why you might want to stop Windows 10 from updating automatically. There are plenty of reasons why some users prefer to take charge of updates:

1. Unwanted Restart Interruptions: One of the most frustrating things about Windows 10 updates is the inevitable restart that always seems to happen at the most inconvenient time. Whether you’re in the middle of a presentation, writing a paper, or simply enjoying a movie, having your PC randomly reboot can be a major productivity killer.
2. Data Usage Concerns: If you’re on a metered connection (think mobile data or limited bandwidth), automatic updates can eat up your internet usage. This can quickly result in unexpected data overages or slower internet speeds when you need them most.
3. Driver and Software Compatibility Issues: Sometimes, updates cause problems with existing hardware or software. A new update may break compatibility with older drivers, or it could introduce bugs into your favorite applications.
4. Performance Impact: Large updates can sometimes slow down your system, especially if you’re running a computer with lower specs. If you’ve got an older machine, updates can cause noticeable lag during and after installation.

So, while updates are important, they don’t always come at the right time, and they can certainly be more disruptive than helpful in some cases. Let’s look at the various ways you can stop Windows 10 from updating automatically or, at the very least, gain more control over the process.

Method 1: Disable Automatic Updates Using Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor is one of the most powerful tools for controlling how Windows 10 behaves. If you’re using Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Enterprise, this tool is available to you. If you’re using Windows 10 Home, you’re out of luck for this particular method (we’ll get to options for Home users later).

How to Use the Group Policy Editor to Stop Updates

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type gpedit.msc and hit Enter. This will launch the Group Policy Editor.
3. In the Group Policy window, navigate to:
   • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
4. Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates.
5. In the new window, select Disabled or choose Notify for download and notify for install to gain manual control over updates.
6. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.

By setting this to “Disabled,” you prevent Windows from automatically downloading and installing updates. You’ll be able to manually initiate updates whenever you’re ready. No more unwanted surprises!

Method 2: Pause Updates for a Limited Time

Windows 10 provides an easy way to pause updates for up to 35 days, giving you a temporary break from updates without turning them off completely. This is perfect if you’re in the middle of something important and don’t want updates messing with your flow.

How to Pause Updates:

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Under the Windows Update tab, click on Advanced options.
4. Look for the Pause Updates section and choose a date for when you want to resume updates (up to 35 days from the current date).

Keep in mind that after the 35 days, you’ll need to install any pending updates before you can pause them again. This method won’t permanently stop updates, but it’s great for short-term control over your update schedule.

Method 3: Set Your Internet Connection as Metered

This one’s a sneaky trick that works wonders for people on limited data plans. By setting your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection as “metered,” Windows will limit the amount of background data it uses for updates and other services, including automatic updates.

How to Set Your Connection as Metered:

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Click on Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
4. Select your current network and toggle the Set as metered connection option to On.

This method doesn’t stop updates entirely, but it prevents them from downloading in the background, saving you from unexpected data consumption. Keep in mind that this will also limit other features that rely on background data, such as live tiles and background apps.

Method 4: Disable Windows Update Service (Permanently)

If you’re ready to take a more drastic approach and disable Windows update permanently, you can stop the Windows Update service altogether. This method is more advanced, and I strongly recommend considering it carefully before proceeding, as it will stop all updates, including security patches, which could leave your computer vulnerable.

How to Disable the Windows Update Service:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter to open the Services window.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Update.
3. Right-click on Windows Update and select Properties.
4. In the Startup type dropdown menu, select Disabled.
5. Click Stop to immediately halt the service, then click Apply and OK.

By disabling the Windows Update service, your system will not receive any automatic updates. If you ever want to enable updates again, you can return to this window and set the service back to Automatic.

A Word of Caution:

If you disable updates completely, make sure you remember to manually check for updates every now and then, especially for security patches. Failing to do so can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other security risks.

Method 5: Use Third-Party Tools

If you’re not comfortable manually tweaking settings in the Group Policy Editor or Services, third-party tools like Windows Update Blocker can make the process simpler. These tools let you disable Windows 10 update permanently with just a few clicks.

Popular Tools to Disable Windows 10 Updates:

• Windows Update Blocker: This free tool is simple to use, allowing you to block Windows updates temporarily or permanently.
• StopUpdates10: Another free utility that helps you block Windows updates with minimal effort.

These tools offer an easy solution for those who don’t want to bother with complex settings but still want control over their update process.

Method 6: Disable Automatic Driver Updates

Windows 10 doesn’t just update system files—it also updates device drivers. If you’ve ever had a graphics card or printer driver updated automatically, only to find that it caused issues with your system, you’re not alone. Here’s how to stop Windows from updating drivers automatically:

How to Stop Windows 10 from Updating Drivers Automatically:

1. Open Control Panel and navigate to System and Security > System.
2. On the left, click on Advanced system settings.
3. In the System Properties window, click the Hardware tab and then select Device Installation Settings.
4. Choose No (your device might not work as expected) to stop Windows from installing drivers automatically.

This method allows you to manually update drivers, ensuring that you’re only using the versions you trust.

Method 7: How to Stop Windows 10 from Updating Graphics Drivers Automatically

If you’re a gamer or use specialized software that relies on specific graphics drivers, you might want to prevent Windows 10 from updating your graphics card drivers automatically. Here’s how to do that:

1. Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting Device Manager.
2. Expand the Display adapters section and right-click on your graphics card.
3. Select Properties, go to the Driver tab, and click on Roll Back Driver if it has been updated recently.
4. Then, follow the steps above to stop automatic driver updates from happening in the future.

Method 8: Stop Windows 10 from Updating to Windows 11

For users who are not ready to upgrade to Windows 11, it’s possible to block the upgrade entirely. If you want to stop Windows 10 from automatically updating to Windows 11, you can use the following method:

1. Open Group Policy Editor and navigate to:
   • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business
2. Enable Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received.
3. Set the option to Never to prevent Windows 10 from upgrading to Windows 11 automatically.

Wrap: Should You Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 10?

While stopping updates can provide you with more control, it’s important to remember that updates, especially security patches, are crucial for your computer’s safety. You should only turn off or delay updates if you are confident you’ll manually check for critical updates from time to time.

There are several methods to stop Windows 10 from updating automatically, ranging from simple to more complex approaches. Whether you’re dealing with unwanted restarts, data usage concerns, or just prefer a little more control, there’s a solution for you.

In the end, the key is balance. You don’t have to turn off updates completely, but you can manage them in a way that fits your needs. So, go ahead—take control of your update schedule and make Windows 10 work for you.

Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.