Here we can see, “7 Ways to Stop Windows Update in Windows 10”
Is there ever a decent moment to install Windows Update? First, of course, it’s critical to maintain your system patched and security updates installed. However, you may not want to waste time or bandwidth on minor quality patches or unwanted feature updates.
You can take control of your updates by learning how to handle Windows Update. We’ve gathered a list of the many options and tweaks that can help you avoid interruptions—as well as unexpected changes triggered by Windows Update.
Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro if Possible
Some of the suggestions below aren’t available in Windows 10 Home. We recommend upgrading to Windows 10 Pro if possible because it includes additional capabilities for managing Windows Update.
Unfortunately, upgrading to Windows 10 Pro is not free. However, if applicable, you can purchase the upgrade or use a valid Windows 7 or 8 Pro product key to upgrade your current Windows 10 Home installation.
Let’s take a look at a few different ways to delay Windows 10 updates.
1. Prevent Updates With a Metered Connection
In most circumstances, Windows will not download updates over a metered connection, which is any connection with a data cap.
The easiest approach to consistently block most updates is to use the “metered connection” option. It’s compatible with all versions of Windows 10, including Windows 10 Home.
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet to set your internet connection as metered. Select Properties beneath the network name you’re currently connected to on the Status tab.
- Then turn on Set as metered connection under Metered connection. Setting a data limit is also an option. However, it’s not necessary if you’re not on a metered connection.
- If you want to install updates, click Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates, which will start the download and installation process manually.
You can also activate the option to Download updates across metered connections on that screen, which will effectively prevent the metered technique of limiting updates.
2. Pause Updates for a Limited Time
You can utilize the option to delay updates for up to a few weeks if you need to stop your computer from installing all updates for a while. This is a built-in feature in all Windows 10 versions, as long as you’re using the most recent version.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to pause Windows Update. You can halt updates for a week by selecting Pause updates for 7 days; by clicking again afterward, you can prolong this period.
- Instead, select Advanced settings if you want to pause for a longer period. Use the selection box under Pause updates to choose a date up to 35 days from now. Updates won’t start installing until this day arrives, and you’ll have to install all available updates before pausing again.
- To resume updates once they have been interrupted, go to the main Windows Update page and click Resume updates.
3. Get Notified Before Updates Are Downloaded
You can set Windows 10 to notify you when new updates are available and manually initiate the download. This is useful for people who have limited bandwidth or a sporadic internet connection. Unfortunately, you can only utilize this approach if you have access to the Group Policy Editor, which is not available to Home users (under usual circumstances).
- To access the Group Policy Editor, press the Start button to bring up the search bar, type Group Policy into the search box, and select Edit Group Policy from the results. Next, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update and select Configure Automatic Updates while the editor is active.
- Set the option to Enabled, then select 2 – Notify for download and auto-installation under Configure automatic updating. Another option is 4 – Auto download and schedules the installation, which allows you to pick when updates are installed automatically using the choices below.
- When option #2 is selected, you’ll receive a notification that you require updates the next time they become available. When you choose the message, you will be taken to Windows Update, where you must click the Download button to begin the update process.
It’s worth noting that selecting this setting may block some choices in the Settings app’s Windows Update section. This is because enabling the previously described Group Policy change informs Windows that your business manages some settings, thereby restricting them.
4. Delay Windows Updates Until They’re Safe
If you want to temporarily opt-out of Windows quality or feature updates, the following choices are ideal. Delaying updates allow you to purchase time and ensure that you are not affected by glitches, as key Windows 10 releases are known to have troubles at launch.
The deferred updates will be delivered automatically after the grace period has expired. On the other hand, Microsoft should have addressed any flaws that arose during the initial distribution by now.
The ability to postpone updates used to be included in the Settings app. They’re now in the Group Policy Editor, though. As a result, users of Windows 10 Home are unable to use this feature.
How to Defer Feature Updates for Up to 365 Days
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business in the Group Policy Editor (opened in the same way as before).
- Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are Received from the drop-down menu. After you’ve enabled this policy, you’ll need to choose your Windows readiness level. The default configuration is Semi-Annual Channel; however, you can change it to something faster if you want preview updates or anything similar.
After that, specify how many days (up to 365) you wish to postpone preview builds or feature updates. If you choose, you can also set a start date for the deferral. Keep in mind that feature updates are big Windows 10 updates that come out about twice a year.
How to Defer Quality Updates for Up to 30 Days
Quality updates are smaller Windows 10 patches that appear more regularly than large feature updates. To change this, enter the Select when Quality Updates are Received in Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business.
You can delay getting quality updates for up to 30 days if this setting is enabled. If you wish, you may also choose to pause Quality Updates on a specific date.
5. Block Updates During Active Hours
- Windows 10’s latest editions allow you to select active hours, which are the periods when you’re most likely to use your computer. Windows Update will not restart your device to install updates during this time. Under Settings > Windows Update > Change active hours, you’ll see the option.
- If you like, you can use the slider to automatically modify active hours based on your activity. Windows will also suggest times based on how often you use your computer.
- Otherwise, change the times when you’re generally active by clicking Change. This has a maximum range of 18 hours, so you can’t leave it on all the time.
6. Schedule the Installation of Downloaded Updates
It’s only a matter of time after Windows Update has downloaded new updates that require a reboot before you have to reboot. If you have pending updates, you can schedule a restart rather than wait for Windows to complete it.
- As previously suggested, go to the Windows Update page in Settings to do so. Select Schedule the restart next to the Restart now button. Set the option to restart the computer to On and pick a time and date that works for you. Instead of resuming on its own, Windows will employ this method.
- We recommend enabling the Show a notification when your PC requires a restart slider under Windows Update > Advanced options for optimum results. You’ll get more information about restarting as a result of this, and you’ll be able to postpone a restart that Windows initiates on its own.
If you don’t do this, Windows can become stuck in a long update cycle when you return from a break.
7. Completely Disable Windows Updates
As a final resort, here’s the one approach that can entirely disable updates, either permanently or until your computer is restarted. It’s included in all Windows 10 editions.
- Open the matching result by going to Start and typing Services. Next, locate and double-click the Windows Update service in the list.
- Click Stop under Service status to turn off Windows Update until you reboot. In addition, you can select Disabled under Startup type to prevent the service from beginning when Windows starts. This will stop Windows Update from operating until you manually restart the service.
Remember to turn updates back on as soon as possible to safeguard your machine with security patches if you do this.
Handling Driver Updates in Windows 10
Windows Update also manages driver updates in Windows 10. You’ll find them in a distinct section of the Windows Update page in the most recent versions, which you can access by clicking View all optional updates. Expand Driver updates to get a list of possible drivers that could help you solve your problems.
Otherwise, Windows should only install new drivers when they are required.
As of this writing, Microsoft’s Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter tool, which allowed you to disable driver updates in Windows Update, is no longer available.
How to Manage App Updates in Windows 10
Here, we’ve concentrated on how to utilize Windows Update to keep your system up to date. If you’re looking for a similar level of control over your apps, go no further.
It’s important to remember that the same cautions apply here. When the latest version of an app is problematic or has other drawbacks, turning off app updates can be advantageous. On the other hand, regular updates help keep the software on your system safe, so don’t put them off for too long.
Pause Windows Update Only When Necessary
You now know how to suspend Windows 10 updates whenever you want. Automatic updates are generally beneficial because they keep your device secure without requiring any action on your part. However, temporarily disabling updates can assist if you need to keep your PC from restarting or are concerned about difficulties with the latest version.
Just make sure you install updates as soon as possible, as not doing so puts your computer in danger of being infected with malware.
Conclusion
I hope you found this information helpful. Please fill out the form below if you have any queries or comments.
User Questions:
- How do you stop Windows 10 from automatically updating?
- Start the Run command by pressing Win + R. Enter “services.msc” into the search box.
- From the Services list, select the Windows Update service.
- Change the “Startup Type” to “Disabled” on the “General” tab.
- Restart your computer.
- Is it possible to pause a Windows update?
Choose Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update from the Start menu. Select either the 7-day update pause option or the Advanced choices. Then, choose a date for updates to resume from the drop-down menu in the Pause updates section.
- How much space does a Windows 10 installation take up?
Windows 10 takes up around 15 GB of storage space after a fresh installation. Most of that comprises the system and reserved files, with 1 GB taken up by Windows 10’s basic programs and games.
- Stopping Microsoft from screwing up your computer with an update. (Windows 10)
Stopping Microsoft from screwing up your computer with an update. (Windows 10) from lifehacks
- Tips – Disable Windows 10 Update to 20H2
