Overview Windows 10 Automatic Updates
Obviously, Windows 10 is an excellent operating system, but users still need to install cumulative updates to continuously improve it. For security and stability considerations, updates are an important part of the system. However, the Windows 10 mandatory update strategy is quite controversial and one of the most unpopular features.
Although Microsoft hopes to improve user experience and satisfaction on Windows by constantly updating Windows 10, mandatory automatic updates are frustrating for many users. Fortunately, you can stop automatic updates of Windows 10 for a long time. Here we will introduce you to four methods to block Windows 10 updates.
Methods to Stop Automatic Updates on Windows 10
Method 1: Pause and Delay Windows 10 Updates
If you want to stop Windows 10 automatic updates within a certain period of time, there are now two ways to achieve it.
- Go to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update, and then click Pause Updates for 7 Days. This will stop Windows 10 from updating for seven days. If you want, you can click it again to pause the update for another 7 days.
- What’s more, you can set the default delay day for Windows updates. In the Windows Update window, click Advanced Options, and then under Pause Updates, click the drop-down list and select the end date to stop Windows 10 updates.
Method 2: Disable the Windows Update Service
The Windows Update Service can detect, download and install Windows updates and applications. Once disabled, it will stop the Windows automatic update function. So you can stop it by following the simple steps below.
- Open the run command with the Win + R shortcut. Type in services.msc and click OK.
- In the Services list that appears, find and double-click the Windows Update option.
- In the General tab of the Windows Update Properties box, you can see the Startup type option. By default, this option is set to Auto. Now, disable it or change it to Manual.
- Finally, go to the Recovery tab and select Take No Action In the First failure section. This will help prevent the update service from restarting and prevent possible resetting of itself to automatic (default) after a failed update push.
- Click Apply and restart the PC.
To re-enable the Windows Update service, you can repeat the above steps, but change the Startup type to Automatic.
Method 3: Make Changes In the Group Policy Editor
Windows 10 Group Policy has a hidden feature that can be used to disable automatic updates. You can choose how you want to send updates by adjusting some settings in the Group Policy Editor. Methods as below:
- Open the run command with the Win + R shortcut. Type in gpedit.msc and click OK to start the local group policy editor.
- Find and click the Computer Configuration option, then go to the Administrative Templates folder and click to expand it.
- Select the Windows Components folder, then double-click the Windows Update folder at the bottom to expand it.
- Double-click the Configure automatic update option in the opened service list to open more Windows Update configuration settings.
- As the photo below, select Enabled, then choose the Notify for download and auto for install option from the available options drop-down list.
After you finish the above steps, the Windows updates won’t happen without your permission.
To confirm whether the changes have taken effect, go to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options. If you see a grayed-out Notify Download button, then the action is working.
Conclusion
This article introduces three common methods to help you stop automatic updates on Windows 10. Windows 10 users can choose the most appropriate method to operate according to their own needs.
