Greetings, dear readers!
Are you among the many users who find the Windows 10 automatic updates to be more of a nuisance than a help? Do you find yourself continually interrupted by those pop-up reminders for updates, especially when you’re in the middle of something important? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll show you how to disable Windows 10 automatic updates entirely, simplifying your computer usage experience and letting you get back to work.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the steps you need to follow.
Disabling Windows 10 Automatic Update: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Open the Services App
To start with disabling the automatic updates, you need to start the “Services” application. Do this by tapping the “Windows” button on your keyboard, then type “services” in the search bar.
When the Services app appears in your search results, click or tap it to launch.
The Services app is the central hub for various services that your system maintains to keep everything running. Many of these services cannot be disabled, but luckily, automatic updates are entirely optional.
Step 2: Find the Windows Update service
Once you’re in the Services application, scroll down through the services list, looking for the “Windows Update” service. This is where you’ll be making your changes.
When you find it, right-click or tap it and select “Properties.”
Step 3: Stop the Service
In the properties window, find the “Startup type” dropdown and change it to “Disabled.” This stops the service from starting the next time you turn on your computer.
While you’re here, also stop the running service by selecting “Stop.”
Step 4: Disable Automatic Updates
This step requires you to change some settings in the Windows Update section of your computer settings. To find it, type “Windows Update settings” in the Windows search bar.
In this window, scroll down and select “Advanced Options.”
Here, turn off the switch next to “Automatically download updates, even over metered data connections (charges may apply).”
Step 5: Change to Metered Connection
Another way that Windows Update keeps your computer updated is by downloading necessary files over an internet connection. By default, the connection you’re using is likely set to “Unmetered,” which means it’ll download anything it needs no matter how large.
To stop this, you need to tell Windows that your connection is “Metered,” which means it won’t download as much. To do this, go to “Settings,” then “Network & Internet,” select your WiFi network, and turn on “Metered Connection.”
Step 6: Disable Automatic Updates for Drivers
Now, let’s make sure that drivers don’t keep getting automatically updated. While you’re in the Advanced Options section of Windows Update settings, turn off the switch next to “Automatically download drivers over this network connection.”
Step 7: Disable Automatic Restarts
By default, Windows 10 installs updates immediately after downloading them, and it restarts your computer automatically. If you’re working on something, this can be more than just irritating—it can cause you to lose work.
Luckily, there’s a way around it. In the same “Advanced Options” section, turn off the switch next to “Show a notification when your PC requires a restart to finish updating.”
Step 8: Disable Background Apps
Another way that Windows 10 tries to keep itself updated is by running various apps in the background. To stop them, you need to change your system settings.
Go to “Settings,” then “Privacy,” then “Background apps.” Here, you can turn off the switch next to “Let apps run in the background” to stop them from working without your permission.
Step 9: Disable Automatic Restart for Services
Windows 10 can also restart running services when it feels an update requires it, which can be a hassle. To stop this from happening, you need to disable this option.
Go to “Settings,” then “Update & Security,” then “Windows Update,” and click or tap “Advanced Options.”
Here, find the “Delivery Optimization” option, turn it off, and select “Stop.”
Step 10: Use Group Policy Editor
If you’re using the Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise edition, you can use the Group Policy Editor to make even more changes to Windows Update.
Open the editor by typing “gpedit.msc” in the search bar, then select “Edit Group Policy.”
Navigate to “Computer Configuration,” then “Administrative Templates,” then “Windows Components,” then “Windows Update.”
Here, double-click “Configure Automatic Updates,” and select “Disabled.” This stops all automatic updates.
Step 11: Use Registry Editor
For those who prefer, you can also use the Registry Editor to make changes to your Windows 10 settings.
Open the editor by typing “regedit” in the Windows search bar.
Navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU.”
Find the “NoAutoUpdate” value, double-click it, and set it to “1” to disable automating updating.
Step 12: Use External Software
Lastly, if none of these steps are enough to disable automatic updates for your Windows 10 system, you can try using external software made to handle it. Examples include StopUpdates10, Windows Update Blocker, and Windows Update MiniTool.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Make sure your system remains secure
By disabling automatic updates, you open your system to new security issues. Be sure to keep your anti-virus software updated to ensure your computer continues to remain secure.
Tip 2: Change your manual update method
If you disable automatic updates, you should explore other methods of keeping your computer up-to-date. Consider using the Microsoft Update Catalog website, the WSUS Offline Update tool, or the Microsoft Update Assistant to perform manual updates.
Tip 3: Be Conservative with Updates
When choosing to install updates manually, make sure not to install too many in one go. Installing fewer updates at once keeps your system more stable since a lot of updates can conflict with your system drivers.
Tip 4: Don’t Disable All Updates
Although software is not always perfect, updates do provide significant benefits to your system. Disabling all updates can be dangerous since it exposes your system to known security issues.
Tip 5: Keep a Backup Ready
Whether you’re doing manual or automatic updates, having a backup of your files is necessary in case of a critical update’s catastrophic failure.
Tip 6: Use caution with external software
While using external software is always an option, it’s essential to use caution. Make sure to download from a trusted source, back up your system before installing them and only use them if you’re sure it’s something you need.
Tip 7: Research Updates Before Installing
Before committing to installing an update, do some research so you know precisely what you’re getting into. If you’re not sure if an update is safe, don’t install it.
Tip 8: Only Make Changes You’re Comfortable With
If you’re not comfortable with making changes to your Windows 10 system, don’t do it. Only make changes that you’re comfortable with, and only if you’re sure that it’s safe and necessary.
Tip 9: Stay Informed
Always stay up-to-date on the latest security vulnerabilities and fixes. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions on updates that you should install on your system.
Tip 10: Consult Professionals
If you’re not sure what to do, you can always consult experts or professionals in the field who can help you with your Windows 10 updates.
And that’s it! Following these steps and tips should give you a much more streamlined and less-stressful computer experience while keeping your system secure.
Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Disable Windows 10 Automatic Update
Advantages:
1. Better control over updates
2. More stable system
3. Improved system performance
4. Increased privacy and security
5. Reduced data usage
6. Avoidance of unwanted features
7. Increased personalization options
8. Elimination of potential update-related issues
9. Reduced risk of system crashes
10. Freedom to update at your own pace
Disadvantages:
1. Missed security updates
2. Outdated features and software
3. Compatibility issues with new software or hardware
4. Limited functionality for some programs
5. Reduced support from Microsoft
6. Limited access to new features
7. Reduced overall system stability
8. Potential security vulnerabilities
9. Reduced performance for some tasks
10. Potential increased maintenance requirements
Disabling automatic updates on Windows 10 can give users more control over their system and potentially improve performance. However, it also comes with drawbacks including missed security updates, compatibility issues with new software or hardware, and reduced overall system stability. Ultimately, the decision to disable automatic updates should be made with a clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages.
FAQ
1. Why do I want to disable Windows 10 automatic updates?
Some people prefer to manually update their system to avoid any potential glitches or compatibility issues. Others simply want to avoid any interruption or slow-down caused by automatic updates.
2. How can I check if my Windows 10 system is up to date?
You can check for updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
3. Can I still manually update my system if I disable automatic updates?
Yes, you can still manually update your system by checking for updates in the Windows Update settings.
4. How do I disable automatic updates in Windows 10 Home edition?
You can disable automatic updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Choose how updates are delivered, and then turn off the toggle switch for “Updates from more than one place”.
5. How do I disable automatic updates in Windows 10 Pro edition?
You can use the Group Policy Editor to disable automatic updates in Windows 10 Pro edition. Go to Start > Run, type “gpedit.msc” and hit Enter. Then navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update and double-click “Configure Automatic Updates”. Select “Disabled” and click Apply.
6. Will disabling automatic updates affect my security?
Disabling automatic updates may increase your risk of security vulnerabilities and exploits. It is recommended that you manually check for updates regularly if you choose to disable automatic updates.
7. How can I schedule automatic updates to install at a specific time?
You can schedule automatic updates to install at a specific time by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Change active hours, and then selecting your preferred start and end time for updates.
8. Can I customize which updates are installed on my system?
You can choose which updates to install by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Choose how updates are installed, and then selecting the option for “Notify to schedule restart”. This will give you the option to review and choose which updates to install when you are ready to restart your system.
9. How can I prevent Windows 10 from automatically restarting after an update?
You can prevent automatic restarts by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > Choose how updates are installed, and then selecting the option for “Notify to schedule restart”. This will give you the option to review and choose when to restart your system after updates are installed.
10. Can I revert to a previous version of Windows 10 after an automatic update?
You can revert to a previous version of Windows 10 by going to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Go back to a previous version of Windows 10, but this option is only available for a limited time after an update is installed. It is recommended that you back up your system before installing updates.
11. Can I disable automatic updates for specific apps or drivers?
You cannot disable automatic updates for specific apps or drivers in Windows 10, but you can choose to uninstall or hide updates that you do not want to install.
12. How often should I manually check for updates?
It is recommended that you manually check for updates at least once a week to ensure that your system is up to date with the latest security patches and performance improvements.
13. Will disabling automatic updates improve my system’s performance?
Disabling automatic updates may improve your system’s performance if updates are causing slow-downs or glitches, but it may also increase your risk of security vulnerabilities and exploits. It is recommended that you find a balance that works for your system and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Windows 10 automatic updates can be a pain for some users, especially those who have limited data and slow internet connections. Fortunately, there are several ways to disable this feature and regain control over your computer. You can either use the built-in tools in Windows, modify the Group Policy, or use third-party software. Whatever method you choose, make sure to follow the instructions carefully and keep in mind the potential risks and consequences of disabling updates. Remember that updates are crucial for the security and stability of your system, so it’s important to stay up-to-date as much as possible.
Closing
Thank you for reading this article on how to disable Windows 10 automatic updates. We hope that you found the information useful and informative. If you have any comments, suggestions, or questions, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. Remember that disabling automatic updates is not recommended for everyone, so make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. Also, keep in mind that there are other ways to control updates, such as scheduling or pausing them. In any case, we wish you the best of luck in customizing your Windows experience and optimizing your PC’s performance. Until next time, take care and happy browsing!