How to disable OS update on Windows 10

How to disable OS update on Windows 10

There are a few options that you can disable the Windows updates. Let’s review them:

Option-A: Disable a Windows 10 Update Permanently

You can disable Windows 10 updates by following these steps:

Using the Win+R keyboard shortcut type “services.msc” to access your PC’s service settings.

Double click on Windows update service to access the General settings.

Select Disabled from the Startup dropdown menu.

Once done, click ‘Ok’ and restart your PC.

Performing this action will permanently disable Windows automatic updates. If you’d like to enable it again, follow the same steps as above and toggle the option to Automatic.

Option-B: Disable Windows Updates Via the Settings Menu

Another, more familiar option would be to change the Windows Update settings through your PC’s actual Windows Settings. This option may be simpler for some depending on how tech-savvy you are, but it is not a permanent solution.

To disable your updates through the settings, do this:

Go to your Windows Start menu and click on the Settings.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on Updates & Security.

Now, click on the Advanced Options tab.

Now, you can choose a date from the dropdown that you’d like to pause automatic updates to.

As stated above, this is not a permanent solution but it’s great to know if you only need to pause your updates for a while. Pausing your updates means there is no worry that your PC will go severely out of date as the automatic updates will eventually turn back on by themselves.

Option-C: How to Stop Windows 10 Downloading: Via the Registry

The initial instructions largely depend on which version of Windows you’re using, but the method is essentially the same. To stop automatic updates using the Registry, follow these steps:

Open the Start menu and type “regedit.” Click on Registry Editor. (TOP TIP: Alternatively you can simply hold Windows key + R to bring up the Run window)

Now that the Registry Editor is open, you can check the key that records whether your system is ready to download Windows 10. Using the options on the left side, double click as follows: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > WindowsUpdate > OSUpgrade

Your path should look like this: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft /Windows/CurrentVersion/WindowsUpdate/OSUpgrade

Once you’ve navigated to the right key, you’ll need to add a value that tells the system you don’t want to download Windows 10. To do this, right-click on the key name, select the New submenu and then select DWORD (32-bit) Value. You’ll see that a new value is created called “New Value #1”. Rename it “AllowOSUpgrade”.

The last step in Registry Editor is to make sure that the OS Upgrade feature is turned off. To do this, double-click the file and check that the value is “0”, making sure that the hexadecimal box is checked. To complete the process, refresh the page and then close regedit.

Many users have stated that this method does not take affect or work immediately. One (albeit strange) workaround for this is to open the Settings again and click on ‘Check for Updates.’ Doing this should force the changes to take affect.

Now you should be able to use Windows Update without having to check whether the Windows 10 Upgrade has sneaked into the Optional upgrade list and ticked itself for download. Result!

Option-D: Set a Metered Connection

Fortunately, your Windows 10 PC will not update without meeting certain internet connection requirements. If you set a metered internet connection, automatic updates will not take place. To set a metered connection, follow these steps:

Type “Network & Internet” into your computers’ search bar. Then, click on Wifi on the left-hand side.

Next, click on Manage known networks. On this new page that opens, click on the wifi network you use and click on Properties.

Now you can toggle Metered Connection on.

This may not be a perfect solution for you because other systems like OneDrive will also fail to update or backup information. But, it should stop automatic updates on your PC.

Option-E: Using Group Policy to Stop Windows 10 Updates

For those that have a version of Windows 10 that isn’t the Home Edition, this section will work for you.

1. Either open the Start menu or hit the Windows key + R and type “gpedit.msc” and hit Enter.
2. Next, click on Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Updates.
3. Now, locate Configure Automatic Updates and double-click it.
4. Then, check Disabled and click Apply and then OK

Thanks for Reading...

Masud Rana