How to Disable Windows 10 Update from Download Permanently

There are few things that bother us more than software updates. Windows users often make jokes about the updates they receive because they take so long to complete (yes, you should run your update overnight). As with any good software, updates are an essential part of the health and security of our computer. But, sometimes it's just not practical to run right now, and other times it can cause problems for other software you're running.

Like most technology these days, Windows Updates are automatic. The basis for this is that developers really like the software they make, and they don't exactly believe that end users will be updating themselves. Thus, automatic updates have been put in place to make your life easier while maintaining the proper functioning of your system.

A poorly timed automatic update can really cause a headache. Whether the update is causing problems and issues with your PC, or it's running while you're working, this article will tell you everything you need to know about stopping an update and reversing it if necessary.

How to turn off Windows 10 updates

Although disabling Windows 10 Updates is not permanent unless you are disconnected from the Internet, there are several ways to temporarily disable Windows Updates. We're not here to discuss Windows 10's aggressive approach to updates, after all it's the most widely used operating system in the world, which also makes it the most targeted for hackers. malicious.

Even though Windows 10 has a knack for allowing updates even after changing the settings, follow the current best solutions to prevent them. Note that you may want to create a script or batch file to automate one of these temporary solutions.

Disable Windows 10 Update using Services.msc

You can disable Windows 10 updates by following these steps:

1. Using the Win + R hotkey type “services.msc” to access your PC’s service settings.
2. Then scroll down and double click on Windows Update to access general settings.

3. Now select disabled du Start type scrolling menu.

4. When done, click Okay then restart your PC.

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

Disable Windows Updates via the Settings menu

Another more familiar option would be to change Windows Update settings through your PC's actual Windows settings. This option may be easier for some, depending on your level of tech savvy, but it's not a permanent solution.

To turn off your updates via Settings, follow these steps:

1. Go to your Windows Start menu and click on the Parameters dent.

2. Now in the Settings page, click on Update and security.

3. Next, click the Advanced options tongue.

4. Next, you can choose a date from the drop-down list when you want to suspend automatic updates. Note that starting with this change, Windows only allows you to pause updates for about 6 weeks.

As stated above, this isn't a permanent fix, but it's good to know if you only need to pause your updates for a while. Pausing your updates means there's no need to worry about your PC becoming severely outdated, as automatic updates will eventually reactivate themselves.

How to prevent Windows 10 from downloading through the registry

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

1. Open the Start menu, type “regedit“, then click on Registry Editor. (TIP: You can also simply hold Windows key + R to bring up the Run window) then type “regedit“.
2. Now that Registry Editor is open, you can check the key that registers if 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

3. Once you have navigated to the correct key, you need to add a value telling the system that you do not want to download Windows 10. To do this, right-click on the key name, select the New sub-menu, then select DWORD value (32 bit). You will see that a new value is created called New value # 1, rename it AllowOSUpgrade.

4. The final step in Registry Editor is to ensure that the Upgrade Operating System feature is disabled. To do this, double-click on the file and verify that the value is 0, making sure the hexadecimal box is checked. To complete the process, refresh the page, then close regedit.

Many users said that this method does not take effect or work immediately. A workaround (albeit strange) is to open the settings again and click on "Check for updates". This should force the changes to take effect.

You should now be able to use Windows Update without having to check if the Windows 10 upgrade has slipped into the optional upgrade list and checked itself off for download. Results!

Set metered connection to stop Windows 10 updates

Another option that could temporarily prevent your Windows 10 PC from updating is to set a metered internet connection, automatic updates will usually not take place. To set a metered connection, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and click on the Parameters icon.
2. Now click on Network and Internet.
3. Then click Wi-Fi on the left side of the screen.

4. Then click on Manage known networks. On this new page that opens, click on the wifi network you are using and click on Properties.

5. From there, toggle Configured as measured connection à Au.

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

Using Group Policy to Stop Windows 10 Updates

For those who have a version of Windows 10 that is not the home edition, this section will work for you.

1. Either open the Start menu or press the Windows key + R and type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter.
2. Then click Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Updates.
3. Now locate Configure automatic updates and double click on it.
4. Then check disabled and click Apply and Okay.

How to uninstall a Windows 10 update

Maybe you are here because you figured it out and the update is already installed and you are not happy with the result. Unlike other operating systems, Windows gives you the option to uninstall an update as you see fit.

Following the same steps as above, access your PC ParametersAnd click Update and security. Once there, follow these steps:

1. Click on Delivery optimization in the list on the right menu, then click View update history.

2. Now click on Uninstall updates.

From there, you can choose to uninstall updates as needed. If you're doing this because the latest update is causing issues with other software on your computer, it's worth researching before you go straight into an uninstall frenzy.

Check your driver and other updates to see if the culprit lies somewhere other than the Windows operating system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I permanently disable Windows 10 updates?

There are a lot of disputes about the possibility of permanently disabling Windows 10 updates. Some users have said that Microsoft is so incredibly persistent that there is no way to do it. After you restart your computer, updates are enabled again.

While this may be the case for some software versions, it worked for our December 2022 tests on Windows Home version 10.0.19041. If for some reason the method you're using doesn't work, try another one of the methods we've listed above, or try uninstalling problematic updates using the instructions we've provided.

Should I disable updates?

As mentioned earlier, OS updates are vital to the health and safety of your machine. But, many updates cause more harm than good when first released. If you prefer to wait and install updates at your own pace, disabling updates shouldn't be a problem.

While updates are vital, they are not necessarily so on the day they are released.

Windows 10 Updates and Disable Them

Whatever the reason you need to stop Windows 10 updates, this article has provided you with the best solutions, no matter how temporary, to prevent them from happening. Even if the only permanent solution is to constantly revert to a previous version of Windows 10 or to remain disconnected from the Internet, there is one.

Do you know of a more permanent solution to disable Windows 10 updates? Share your experience in the comments below.