Salam pembaca,
Have you ever experienced being interrupted while working on your computer or doing important tasks because Windows needs to update? It can be frustrating, especially if you are in a tight deadline. Fortunately, there are ways to stop Windows from updating and this article will guide you through it.
Steps to Stop Windows from Updating
Step 1: Temporarily Disable Windows Update Services
The first step in stopping Windows from updating is to temporarily disable the Windows Update services. This can be done by opening the Services app in your computer and finding the Windows Update service. Right-click on it and select “Stop” to temporarily disable it.
Step 2: Use Group Policy Editor
Another method is to use the Group Policy Editor. This method is only applicable to Windows 10 Pro users. Open the Group Policy Editor by typing “gpedit.msc” in the search bar and navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Find “Configure Automatic Updates” and select “Disabled” to prevent updates from installing.
Step 3: Set Up a Metered Connection
Setting up a metered connection can also stop Windows from updating. This can be done by going to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and selecting the network you are connected to. Click on “Advanced Options” and toggle on “Set as metered connection”. Windows will now think that you have a limited data plan, hence, stopping automatic updates.
Step 4: Change Wi-Fi Settings
If you are connected to a Wi-Fi network, you can change the Wi-Fi settings to stop automatic updates. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and select the network you are connected to. Scroll down to “Metered Connection” and toggle it on to stop Windows from updating.
Step 5: Disable Windows Update Using Registry
For advanced users, disabling Windows Update using the Registry is possible. This can be done by opening the Registry Editor and navigating to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows. Create a new key called “WindowsUpdate” and create a new DWORD value called “AUOptions”. Set its value to “2” to disable automatic updates.
Step 6: Block Automatic Updates Using Firewall
Blocking automatic updates using the Firewall is another method to stop Windows from updating. This can be done by opening the Firewall and creating an outbound rule that blocks connections to “*.windowsupdate.com”.
Step 7: Pause Updates for up to 35 Days
Pausing updates in Windows 10 is possible for up to 35 days. This can be done by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking on “Advanced options”. Select “Pause updates” and choose the date when you want updates to resume.
Step 8: Disable Windows Update Medic Service
Disabling the Windows Update Medic Service can also prevent Windows from updating. This can be done by opening the Services app and finding the Windows Update Medic Service. Right-click on it and select “Properties”. Under “Startup type” choose “Disabled” and click on “Apply” and “OK”.
Step 9: Use Local Group Policy Editor
For Windows 10 Home users, using the Local Group Policy Editor is possible. Open it by typing “gpedit.msc” in the search bar and navigating to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Find “Configure Automatic Updates” and select “Disabled” to prevent updates from installing.
Step 10: Set Your Connection as Metered Using Command Prompt
Setting your connection as metered using Command Prompt is another method you can use to stop automatic updates. Open Command Prompt and type in “netsh wlan show profiles” and press Enter. Find the network you want to set as metered and type in “netsh wlan set profileparameter name=[network name] cost=Fixed”. This will set your connection as metered.
Step 11: Use the Windows Update Blocker
Using a third-party tool like the Windows Update Blocker can also stop automatic updates. This tool can disable updates permanently or temporarily and can be configured according to your needs.
Step 12: Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro
If you are a Windows 10 Home user and none of the above methods work, upgrading to Windows 10 Pro is another option. This will give you more control over your computer’s updates.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Always Check for Security Updates
While stopping Windows from updating can be helpful, it is important to always check for security updates to ensure your computer is protected from malware and other security threats.
Tip 2: Create System Restore Points
Creating system restore points can help you revert to a previous state in case something goes wrong with your computer after disabling or blocking updates.
Tip 3: Keep Your Drivers Updated
Keeping your drivers updated is also important for the optimal performance of your computer and to avoid issues with compatibility.
Tip 4: Use Third-Party Update Managers
Using third-party update managers can give you control over the updates that are installed on your computer and can help you manage them efficiently.
Tip 5: Disable Automatic Maintenance
Disabling automatic maintenance can also help you manage when updates are installed on your computer.
Tip 6: Use a Dedicated Update Blocking Tool
Dedicated update blocking tools are helpful for users who do not want to tinker with the settings of their computer or who are not familiar with these methods.
Tip 7: Set Up Scheduled Restart Times
Setting up scheduled restart times can help you avoid sudden restarts that interrupt your work or tasks.
Tip 8: Use the Task Scheduler
Using the Task Scheduler can help you automate the process of disabling updates or other maintenance tasks.
Tip 9: Give Feedback to Microsoft
Giving feedback to Microsoft can help them improve their updates and give them insight into the needs of their users.
Tip 10: Consider the Consequences
Finally, always consider the consequences of stopping automatic updates and make sure you have a valid reason for doing so.
In conclusion, stopping Windows from updating can be done using different methods. However, it is important to keep in mind the importance of security updates and to weigh the consequences of stopping updates before doing so. Use these steps and tips to manage updates efficiently and make the most out of your Windows computer.
How to Stop Windows from Updating
Advantages
1. More control over your computer: By disabling automatic updates, you can choose which updates you want to install and when to install them.
2. No unexpected interruptions: Automatic updates can be annoying when they happen at an inconvenient time, such as when you’re in the middle of an important task.
3. Improved performance: Some updates may slow down your computer or cause compatibility issues with certain programs. By disabling automatic updates, you can avoid these potential problems.
4. Better privacy: Updates may include new features that collect data about your usage or require you to share personal information. By manually selecting updates, you can avoid sharing more than you’re comfortable with.
5. Saves internet bandwidth: Large updates or frequent updates can eat up your internet data plan. By disabling automatic updates, you can download updates when you have access to unlimited internet.
6. Easier troubleshooting: If an update causes issues with your computer, it’s easier to narrow down the problem if you’re in control of what updates are installed.
7. Less risk of malware: Some updates may actually contain malware or be disguised as useful updates. By manually selecting updates, you can avoid downloading potentially harmful updates.
8. Avoid unnecessary changes: Some updates may alter the look or functionality of your computer in ways that you don’t like or aren’t used to. By disabling automatic updates, you can avoid unwanted changes.
9. Reduced restarts: Updates often require your computer to restart, which can be frustrating if you’re in the middle of something important. By manually selecting updates, you can avoid unnecessary restarts.
10. Saving time: When you disable automatic updates, you save time spent waiting for updates to download and install, as well as time spent on troubleshooting any issues that may arise from automatic updates.
Disadvantages
1. Security risks: Disabling automatic updates can leave your computer vulnerable to new security threats that may be addressed by an update.
2. Outdated software: By not updating your computer, you may miss out on new features, bug fixes, and improved performance.
3. Compatibility issues: If you don’t regularly update your computer, you may run into compatibility issues when trying to use newer software or hardware.
4. Increased manual effort: Disabling automatic updates means you need to manually monitor and install updates. This can be time-consuming, especially if you have multiple computers.
5. Limited knowledge: If you’re not familiar with how to manually update your computer, you may miss out on important updates that could improve your computer’s performance and security.
6. Neglecting maintenance: If you disable automatic updates, it’s easy to overlook regular computer maintenance, such as clearing out temporary files or running virus scans.
7. Difficulty troubleshooting: If you’re not vigilant about manually installing updates, you may miss out on important bug fixes that could make troubleshooting issues more difficult.
8. Unpredictable schedules: Manually selecting updates means you may miss out on time-sensitive updates or updates that are critical to your computer’s stability.
9. Less streamlined experience: By disabling automatic updates, you may miss out on a more streamlined experience, including improved performance, better security, and new features.
10. Time-consuming: Manually selecting updates can be time-consuming, especially if you have multiple computers or need to research which updates are necessary for each computer.
FAQ
1. Is it necessary to update Windows?
Yes, updating Windows is important as it provides important security patches and bug fixes.
2. Can I temporarily stop Windows from updating?
Yes, you can temporarily stop the updates by pausing them for up to 35 days.
3. How can I pause Windows updates?
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options. Under the Pause Updates section, toggle the switch to turn it on.
4. Can I stop certain updates from installing?
Yes, you can use the Show or Hide Updates tool from Microsoft to block specific updates from installing.
5. How do I access Show or Hide Updates tool?
Download and run the tool from Microsoft’s website to access and use it.
6. Can I install updates manually?
Yes, you can download and install updates manually from Microsoft’s Update Catalog.
7. How can I disable automatic updates permanently?
It’s not recommended to disable updates permanently as it can leave your computer vulnerable to security threats. However, you can disable automatic updates by using Group Policy Editor.
8. How do I access Group Policy Editor?
Press Windows + R, type “gpedit.msc”, and press Enter to open Group Policy Editor.
9. Can I revert back to older updates?
No, it’s not possible to revert back to an older update once you’ve installed a newer one.
10. How can I monitor the updates installed on my computer?
You can view update history by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View Update History.
11. Can I choose to only install security updates?
Yes, you can configure Windows Update to only install security updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced Options and toggling the switch for “Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows”.
12. Can I schedule updates for a specific time?
Yes, you can schedule updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Change active hours.
13. Will stopping Windows updates improve my computer’s performance?
No, stopping Windows updates will not improve your computer’s performance. In fact, it can make your computer more vulnerable to security threats.
How to Stop Windows from Updating
Windows updates are a necessary part of keeping your computer safe and secure. However, there are times when you may want to stop Windows from updating, especially if you’re in the middle of an important project or if the update is causing problems on your system. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips on how to stop Windows from updating.
Conclusion and Closing
Stopping Windows from updating can be useful in certain situations, but you need to keep in mind that updates are crucial for keeping your system secure and running smoothly. If you choose to disable updates, make sure to regularly check for security patches and critical updates that you may need to install manually. Remember, keeping your operating system up to date is an essential part of computer maintenance and can help prevent security breaches and system errors.
We hope you found this article helpful in learning how to stop Windows from updating. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to leave a comment below. And remember, always use caution when disabling updates, and make sure to keep your system as secure as possible.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Good luck with your computer maintenance!