How to Stop Auto Update in Windows 10

Introduction

Windows 10 is equipped with the auto update feature that keeps your system up to date with the latest security patches and bug fixes. While this feature is beneficial for most users, some may prefer to have more control over the update process.

Why Disable Auto Update?

There are a few reasons why you might want to disable auto updates on your Windows 10 system:

• Prevent unexpected system restarts: Automatic updates often trigger system restarts, interrupting your work.
• Bandwidth management: Updates consume significant bandwidth, which can be a concern if you have a limited internet connection.
• Compatibility issues: Some updates may cause compatibility issues with certain software or drivers.

Methods to Stop Auto Update

Here are a few methods you can try to disable auto updates in Windows 10:

Method 1: Using the Settings App

1. Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.
2. Select ‘Update & Security’.
3. Click on ‘Windows Update’ on the left-hand side.
4. Click on ‘Advanced options’.
5. Under the ‘Pause updates’ section, toggle the switch to turn on the ‘Pause until’ option. Then, set a date up to 35 days in the future.

This method allows you to temporarily pause updates for a specific period. Once the set time has elapsed, Windows will resume downloading and installing updates.

Method 2: Using the Group Policy Editor

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type ‘gpedit.msc’ and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to ‘Computer Configuration’ > ‘Administrative Templates’ > ‘Windows Components’ > ‘Windows Update’.
4. Double-click on ‘Configure Automatic Updates’.
5. Select the ‘Disabled’ option.
6. Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’.

This method disables auto updates permanently. Keep in mind that the Group Policy Editor is only available in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Method 3: Using the Registry Editor

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type ‘regedit’ and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU’.
4. Create a new DWORD value named ‘AUOptions’ if it does not already exist.
5. Set the value data to ‘2’ to disable auto updates or ‘4’ to enable automatic updates.
6. Click ‘OK’.

This method gives you more granular control over the update process by modifying the Windows Registry.

Conclusion

Disabling auto updates in Windows 10 can help you avoid unexpected restarts, manage bandwidth usage, and prevent compatibility issues. Whether you choose to temporarily pause updates or permanently disable them, it’s important to keep your system up to date by regularly checking for and installing important updates manually.