Microsoft regularly pushes Windows 11 updates to deliver security fixes, new features, and performance improvements. However, not everyone wants to install updates immediately. Maybe you’re worried about compatibility issues, have limited internet bandwidth, or simply want to wait until updates are more stable.
The good news is that Windows 11 allows you to decline, pause, or block updates in multiple ways. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you different methods to control updates and prevent them from installing automatically.
Quick Summary
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You cannot permanently decline updates forever, but you can pause, defer, or block them.
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Methods include: pause updates in Settings, disable Windows Update service, use Group Policy Editor, or use a metered connection.
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Best practice: pause temporarily and install later for security.
Table of Contents
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Why You Might Want to Decline Updates
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Can You Completely Disable Windows 11 Updates?
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Method 1: Pause Updates from Settings
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Method 2: Decline Optional Updates
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Method 3: Use Metered Connection to Block Updates
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Method 4: Disable Windows Update Service
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Method 5: Block Updates via Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise)
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Method 6: Use Registry Editor (Advanced)
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Method 7: Block Driver Updates
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Method 8: Use Third-Party Tools to Manage Updates
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Risks of Declining Updates
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Best Practices for Update Management
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Conclusion
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FAQs
1. Why You Might Want to Decline Updates
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Avoid bugs or instability in early updates.
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Prevent forced restarts during work.
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Save internet data if you’re on a limited plan.
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Wait for feedback before applying new patches.
2. Can You Completely Disable Windows 11 Updates?
No. Microsoft does not allow you to permanently decline all updates for security reasons. However, you can:
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Pause updates (1–5 weeks).
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Defer feature updates.
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Disable services to block automatic updates.
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Manually choose when to install them.
3. Method 1: Pause Updates from Settings
This is the quickest and safest method.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Windows Update.
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Under Pause updates, click the dropdown menu.
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Select a pause duration (1 to 5 weeks).
👉 Updates will not install until the pause period ends.
4. Method 2: Decline Optional Updates
Optional updates include driver updates or preview builds.
Steps:
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Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
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Scroll to Optional updates.
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If you see available updates, simply don’t check them.
5. Method 3: Use Metered Connection to Block Updates
Windows won’t download updates automatically on metered networks.
Steps:
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Open Settings > Network & Internet.
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Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet (depending on your connection).
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Click the network name.
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Toggle Set as metered connection → On.
6. Method 4: Disable Windows Update Service
This prevents Windows from downloading updates completely.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and hit Enter. -
Scroll down to Windows Update.
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Right-click → Properties.
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Set Startup type to Disabled.
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Click Stop if the service is running, then Apply.
⚠️ Updates won’t download, but you must re-enable the service manually when you want updates.
7. Method 5: Block Updates via Group Policy (Pro & Enterprise)
If you have Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise, you can control updates with Group Policy.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. -
Go to:
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Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
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Select Disabled or choose Notify for download and auto install.
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Click Apply → OK.
8. Method 6: Use Registry Editor (Advanced Users)
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and press Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Right-click → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
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Name it NoAutoUpdate.
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Set value to 1.
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Restart PC.
⚠️ Editing the Registry can be risky — create a backup first.
9. Method 7: Block Driver Updates
Windows sometimes updates drivers automatically.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I → System > About.
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Click Advanced system settings.
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Go to Hardware > Device Installation Settings.
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Select No (your device might not work as expected).
10. Method 8: Use Third-Party Tools to Manage Updates
Tools like Windows Update Blocker or WuMgr give you extra control.
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They let you block or hide updates permanently.
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Useful for users who want a hands-off approach.
11. Risks of Declining Updates
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Security vulnerabilities remain unpatched.
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You may miss important driver fixes.
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Apps may stop working with older builds.
12. Best Practices for Update Management
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Pause instead of disabling completely.
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Install security updates even if you skip feature updates.
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Test updates on a secondary machine if possible.
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Always backup data before big updates.
13. Conclusion
While you can’t permanently decline Windows 11 updates, you have several ways to pause, delay, or block them. The best method depends on your needs:
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Use Pause updates for short-term control.
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Use Group Policy/Registry for long-term control.
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Use metered connection if you’re on limited data.
By applying these steps, you’ll have full control over when and how updates install on your PC.
14. FAQs
1. Can I stop Windows 11 updates forever?
No, but you can block or delay them for long periods.
2. Is it safe to decline updates?
Yes, temporarily — but skipping security updates long-term is risky.
3. How long can I pause updates?
Up to 5 weeks in Settings. Longer if using advanced methods.
4. Do updates restart my PC automatically?
Yes, unless you pause or schedule restarts.
5. Can I decline feature updates but still get security updates?
Yes, with Group Policy or Registry tweaks.