How to Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 11 and Windows 10

0
496
How to Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 11 and Windows 10

Credit: PC Gamer

Why are you interested in learning how to disable automatic updates in Windows 11 and Windows 10? Surely, these updates are required to maintain your system secure and reliable, as well as to include the most recent Windows features and improvements?

True, but automated updates might be a hindrance more than a benefit. They can stop your work and force you to restart so that they can be installed. 

Updates may potentially contain bugs that wreak havoc on your computer rather than repair them. When consumers identify major problems with Microsoft’s Windows feature upgrades, the company is frequently pushed to speed out patches. However, with automated updates, you don’t have much of a say in whether or not those fixes are installed.

Fortunately, you can disable automatic updates in Windows 11 or Windows 10 by stopping them for up to 35 days or — if you’re feeling more daring — completely removing them so you can manually install them when you’re ready.

We’ll walk you through both choices in our tutorial below, as well as show you how to utilize a free program to switch off automatic updates with a single click. Also, you can see how to factory reset of Windows 11

How to turn off automatic updates: Pause updates

Because permanently blocking automatic updates in Windows 11 and Windows 10 may cause security and stability issues, you may want to “pause” them and install them later.

This is how you do it. Make sure you’re logged in as a user with administrator access for all of these procedures.

1. By clicking the Start button and selecting the gear symbol in Windows 11 or Windows 10, you may access the Settings app. Click Update & security when the Settings box appears.

Pause updates

Credit: Microsoft

2. In the left-hand menu, choose Windows Update. Click the Pause updates for 7 days option to switch off automatic updates for a week.

Pause updates

Credit: Microsoft

3. The date when updates will resume in Windows 11 or Windows 10 will be shown. Before then, click Resume updates to manually switch them back on.

Pause updates

Credit: Microsoft

4. If you believe that seven days is insufficient time to suspend automatic updates, go to Advanced settings instead.

Select a date from the Pause till drop-down menu and scroll down to Pause updates. This date might be anything from one to 35 days in the future.

You’ll need to apply the newest Windows updates before you may halt them again once you reach that date.

Pause updates

Credit: Microsoft

How to turn off automatic updates: Disable updates for good

You may turn off automatic updates in Windows 11 and Windows 10 permanently, or at least until you’re ready to install them manually if you’re prepared to risk keeping your PC potentially insecure for a longer length of time. Here’s how to do that.

1. To launch the Run box, press the Windows key and R at the same time. Click OK or press Enter after typing “services.msc.”

Disable updates

Credit: Microsoft

2. Scroll down to the Windows Update entry in the Services window when it starts. Choose Properties from the context menu when you right-click this.

Disable updates

Credit: Microsoft

3. From the Startup type drop-down box, choose Disabled, then click Stop in the Service status section below. To prevent automatic Windows updates, click OK or Apply.

Disable updates

Credit: Microsoft

4. If you don’t want to permanently disable updates, choose Manual from the Startup type selection instead.

This will enable you to manually check for and install updates. To check for updates, go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.

Disable updates

Credit: Microsoft

How to turn off automatic updates: Use Windows Update Blocker

Installing a free tool called Windows Update Blocker can save you from having to fiddle with Windows settings every time you wish to switch automatic updates on or off. Here’s how to put it to good use.

1. Block Windows Updates with Windows Update Blocker.

2. Right-click the downloaded file and run your antivirus program to scan it.

3. Unzip the application and execute it. It does not need to be installed.

4. Click Disable Updates and then Apply Now when the software opens.

In Windows 11 and Windows 10, this will switch off automatic updates immediately, and the Service Status shield will change from a green tick to a red cross.

Use Windows Update Blocker

Credit: Tom’s Guide

5. Simply pick Enable Updates and click “Apply Now” to reactivate automatic updates.

To see if Windows Update Blocker is working, access the Windows Update settings page by clicking Menu and selecting Update Options. You may check if automatic Windows updates are enabled or deactivated here.

Use Windows Update Blocker 2

Credit: Tom’s Guide

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.