Windows 10 is said to be the best Windows OS Microsoft ever released, but, the OS has a necessary downside to it. Like every Windows OS, the Windows 10 also downloads and installs the update. However, unlike any other previous version of Windows OS, the latest version does not have the option to stop Windows updates.
While we understand that the Windows updates are necessary to keep your PC secure, we also know that some users don’t want to install updates during work hours. Or they may not have blazing fast unlimited internet like Google Fiber at their home that will download the Windows updates in a flash. If you are one of the Windows 10 users looking for a way to stop automatic Windows 10 updates, here is how to do it.
[alert-note]Note: Some of these methods will not work with Windows 10 Home version. However, the first method works for every version of Windows 10.[/alert-note]
Method 1: Setup Metered Connection
Microsoft used some common sense and allowed the user to set their Wi-Fi connection as a metered connection, and when you are on a metered connection, Windows 10 does not download the updates.
You can use this to your advantage to block Windows 10 updates.
Click the Start button and select Settings.
Click on Network and Internet.
Select Wi-Fi.
Click on “Manage known networks” under Wi-Fi.
Now click on your Wi-Fi network and select “Properties.”
Scroll down and enable “Set as metered connection” option.
That’s it. Now Windows 10 will stop downloading of any updates over this network. However, note that if you forget and re-configure the Wi-Fi network, you need to enable metered connection again.
Method 2: Disable Windows 10 Update Service
Windows uses Windows Update service to download and install new updates automatically. Fortunately, you can easily block the service to stop Windows 10 automatic updates.
Press Win + R key and type services.msc in the run box and hit enter.
From the list of the service, find Windows Update. Double-click on the service to open it.
Under the General tab, change ” Startup Type” to Disabled.
Close the services window and restart your PC.
Method 3: Use the Group Policy Editor
[alert-note]Note: This method does not work with Windows 10 Home version of the OS.[/alert-note]
Group Policy editor allows you to change any rules for any files in the Windows. As a result, you even disable automatic Windows 10 updates and download using the tool.
Press Win + R key and type: gpedit.msc and press enter.
Now you need to navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
Double-click on Windows Update to see the properties.
From the drop-down menu select “2- Notify for download and notify for Install” under Configure Automatic Updates.
Close the Group policy editor.
Click on Start button and open Settings.
Go to Update and Security and open Update.
Select “Check for updates”.
Method 4: Use Registry Editor
Press Win Key + R and type: regedit and hit enter.
Navigate to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
Right-click on the registry, create a”32-bit DWORD” value and name it as “AuOptions” and type 2 for “Value data”.
Click OK to save.
Close the registry editor.
Open Settings and go to Update and Security.
Under Windows updates, select “Check for updates“.
The 4th method works on all the version of Windows OS. So, if you are using Windows 10 Home, this option will come in handy.
More Windows 10 Tips: Enable Hibernation Option in Windows 10
Listen, Microsoft!
While we understand that the regular security updates for Windows 10 are not for fun but indeed are released keeping the user security in mind as they come with security patches and bug fixes, Microsoft also needs to understand that having the option to not to download update at times can make a lot of difference to the users whose PC might be crashing due to the latest updates.
Leave a Reply