How to disable or block automatic Windows Update
Windows 10 automatically downloads updates and it installs them automatically too. This ‘feature’ isn’t popular with users. The installation normally restarts the system when users don’t expect it to. This results in interrupted workflows or lost work.
Disable or block automatic updates on Windows 10
Windows 10 users who are tired of the updates installing automatically have looked for ways to disable or block them. Generally blocking updates is not a good idea. They’re often important and contain security updates. The best way to prevent the system from restarting while you work is to configure your active hours.
- Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
- Select Update & Security.
- Select the Windows update tab.
- Click Change active hours.
- Turn the Automatically adjust active hours for this device based on activity.
- Click Change next to Current active hours.
- Select a time slot when you normally do not use your system.
- Windows 10 will install updates during this time slot.
If this doesn’t do the trick for you and you absolutely need to block or disable the updates, try the methods listed below.
Disable Windows update service
Windows 10 checks for updates by running a service and if you disable the service, the OS won’t be able check for, download, and install them.
- Tap the Win+R keyboard shortcut to open the run box.
- In the run box, enter services.msc and tap the Enter key.
- In the window that opens, look for the Windows Update service.
- Double-click the service.
- In the window that opens, open the Startup type dropdown.
- Select Disabled.
- Look for the Windows Update Medic Service service.
- Double-click it.
- Open the Startup type dropdown and select Disabled.
- Restart the system.
- Windows Updates will be disabled.
Disable Windows Updates – Group policy
If you’re running Windows 10 Pro or you’ve installed the Group Policy editor on Windows 10 Home, you can use it to disable Windows updates.
- Tap the Win+R keyboard shortcut to open the run box.
- In the run box, enter gpedit.msc and tap the Enter key.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
- Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
- Open the Configure automatic updating option and set it to Notify to download and auto install.
Change network to Metered
If you set your WiFi network to a metered connection, Windows 10 won’t use it to download updates.
- Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut.
- Go to Network and Internet.
- Select the WiFi tab.
- Click Manage known networks.
- Select the network and click Properties.
- Scroll down and turn the Set as metered connection switch On.
Third-party apps
Generally speaking, using a third-party app to block updates isn’t a good idea. If that’s what you want to do, give StopUpdates10 a try.
Conclusion
Blocking updates for an OS isn’t a good idea. If an update is causing problems on your system, try blocking it instead of blocking all updates. If you’re blocking updates because installing them interrupts work, make sure you schedule a time each month, if not each week, to install them manually. An outdated system is a system that’s at risk.
