How to Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your Windows 10 PC up to date is essential for security and performance. However, sometimes those automatic updates arrive at the worst possible time — maybe you’re in the middle of an important task, and suddenly your computer decides to restart. Frustrating, right?

If you’ve ever found yourself annoyed by Windows updating at inconvenient times or eating up your bandwidth, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can turn off automatic updates in Windows 10 — safely and easily — with just a few steps.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you multiple methods to disable automatic updates in Windows 10, explain when (and why) you might want to do this, and help you take back control of your PC’s updates.

Table of Contents

Why You Might Want to Turn Off Automatic Updates

Windows updates are meant to keep your system secure and up to date. But they can sometimes cause unexpected issues. Here are a few common reasons why users prefer to turn off Windows 10 automatic updates:

Unexpected Restarts: Updates can restart your computer without warning.
Slow Performance: Large updates can consume system resources and bandwidth.
Compatibility Issues: New updates occasionally break software or drivers.
Limited Internet: If you’re on a metered or mobile connection, updates can eat your data.
Control: Some users simply prefer to install updates manually.

Disabling updates doesn’t mean you’ll never update again — it just means you decide when to update.

Important Note Before Disabling Updates

Before you proceed, keep this in mind:
Turning off updates permanently can make your computer vulnerable to security risks and bugs. Therefore, it’s best to pause or delay updates temporarily, and re-enable them once you’re ready.

💡 Pro Tip: Always keep critical updates (like Windows Defender definitions) active, even if you disable general system updates.

Method 1: Pause Updates Using Windows Settings

If you just want to pause updates temporarily, this is the easiest and safest option.

Steps to Pause Updates

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Update & Security → Windows Update.
Click Pause updates for 7 days.
To pause for a longer period, click Advanced options → under Pause updates, choose a date (up to 35 days).

You can always resume updates before the pause period ends.

Method 2: Disable Windows Update Service via Services.msc

This method completely stops Windows Update from running in the background.

Steps to Turn Off Windows Update Service

Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Update.
Right-click it and select Properties.
Under Startup type, select Disabled.
Click Stop to halt the service immediately.
Click Apply → OK.

Your PC won’t automatically check for or install updates anymore.
To turn updates back on, repeat the same steps and set Startup type to Automatic.

Method 3: Turn Off Automatic Updates Using Group Policy Editor

This method works for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Steps to Use Group Policy

Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
Navigate to:

Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Configure Automatic Updates
Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
Select Disabled, then click Apply → OK.
Restart your computer.

This stops Windows from downloading or installing updates automatically. You can still check for updates manually.

⚠️ Note: This method isn’t available on Windows 10 Home by default. However, you can upgrade or enable Group Policy manually using PowerShell commands (advanced users only).

Method 4: Use the Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

If you’re comfortable editing the registry, this is another reliable way to disable automatic updates.

Steps to Disable Updates via Registry

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
If you don’t see these keys, create them manually:
- Right-click Windows, choose New → Key, name it WindowsUpdate.
- Inside it, create another key called AU.
Inside AU, right-click and select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Name it NoAutoUpdate and set its value to 1.
Click OK, then restart your computer.

This disables automatic updates system-wide.

🧠 Pro Tip: Set NoAutoUpdate to 0 anytime to re-enable automatic updates.

Method 5: Set a Metered Connection to Stop Background Updates

Windows 10 automatically limits updates when using a metered connection. This trick is simple and works even in Windows 10 Home.

Steps to Set a Metered Connection

Press Windows + I → open Settings.
Go to Network & Internet → Wi-Fi.
Click on your Wi-Fi network.
Scroll down and turn on Set as metered connection.

Windows will treat your connection as limited and avoid downloading large updates automatically.

📶 This method doesn’t completely disable updates but reduces them significantly.

Method 6: Block Windows Updates Using a Third-Party Tool

There are reliable tools designed specifically to control Windows updates easily.

Tool Name	Description	Free/Paid
Windows Update Blocker	Simple utility to disable/enable Windows updates instantly.	Free
StopUpdates10	Provides one-click control over updates and restarts.	Free
O&O ShutUp10++	Lets you tweak privacy and update settings easily.	Free

Always download these tools from their official websites to avoid malware.

How to Re-Enable Updates When Needed

If you decide later that you want to turn automatic updates back on, simply reverse the method you used:

Services.msc: Change “Startup type” to Automatic.
Group Policy: Set “Configure Automatic Updates” to Enabled.
Registry: Change NoAutoUpdate to 0.
Settings: Resume updates in the Windows Update menu.

Keeping updates temporarily disabled is fine — but remember to update your system periodically to stay protected.

How to Check Your Windows Update Status

You can verify whether automatic updates are running or paused.

Open Settings → Update & Security.
Click Windows Update.
Check for messages like:
- “You’re up to date” (means updates are enabled).
- “Your device is missing important updates” (means updates are paused or disabled).

You can also run this command in PowerShell:

If the status is Stopped, automatic updates are disabled.

Pros and Cons of Disabling Automatic Updates

Pros	Cons
You have full control over updates.	Missed security patches can make your PC vulnerable.
Prevents unwanted restarts.	May cause compatibility issues over time.
Saves bandwidth and system resources.	Some apps may not work properly without updates.
Avoids buggy updates.	Manual updates require your attention.

Common Issues After Disabling Updates (and Fixes)

Even though disabling updates gives you control, it may trigger minor issues. Here’s how to fix them:

Issue	Possible Fix
Windows Defender not updating	Turn on “Automatic sample submission” or update Defender manually.
Store apps not downloading	Temporarily enable updates and restart your PC.
System lag or missing drivers	Manually check for driver updates using Device Manager.
“Windows Update Service Missing” error	Re-enable the service via `services.msc` and restart.

Tips for Managing Windows Updates Manually

If you prefer manual control, follow these best practices:

Check for updates monthly using Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
Install critical updates like security patches and Defender updates.
Backup your system before installing major updates.
Use restore points — they let you roll back easily if an update causes trouble.
Follow trusted tech news to know which updates are stable and which ones to skip.

Best Practices: Balance Between Control and Security

Turning off automatic updates doesn’t mean ignoring them forever. A balanced approach works best:

Pause updates when working on important projects.
Resume updates after a few days to stay protected.
Use metered connections or Group Policy to control when updates install.
Always keep Windows Defender and drivers updated.

⚙️ Think of it like maintaining a car — you don’t stop servicing it; you just choose when and how to do it.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to turn off automatic updates in Windows 10 — safely and effectively. Whether you want to pause updates temporarily or stop them permanently, each method above gives you a way to control your PC’s behavior.

Remember, updates are important for system security. So while disabling them offers convenience, always check for updates periodically to stay safe and up to date.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to turn off automatic updates in Windows 10?

Yes, it’s safe if you update your PC manually. However, leaving updates off for too long can make your system vulnerable to threats.

2. Can I permanently disable Windows 10 updates?

Yes, using the Group Policy Editor or Windows Update Service method can stop updates permanently, but it’s not recommended for long periods.

3. How do I stop Windows 10 from restarting after updates?

You can change Active Hours in Settings or use Group Policy to prevent automatic restarts after updates.

4. Will disabling updates stop Windows Defender from updating?

Sometimes, yes. You can manually update Defender via Windows Security → Virus & threat protection updates.

5. How can I pause updates on Windows 10 Home edition?

Use the Pause updates for 7 days option under Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update or set a metered connection.

Key Takeaways

Control is possible: You can pause, delay, or disable updates easily.
Multiple methods available: Use Settings, Services, Group Policy, or Registry.
Stay secure: Even if updates are off, manually install critical patches.
Best balance: Pause updates temporarily instead of disabling them forever.
Re-enable easily: Every method can be reversed when you need updates again.

In short: Turning off automatic updates in Windows 10 gives you flexibility and control — just make sure to use that control wisely to keep your system secure and running smoothly.