How to Disable Windows 11 Update Permanently: A Complete Guide

By / October 12, 2025

Automatic updates in Windows 11 are designed to keep your PC secure and running smoothly. But for some users — especially those with limited data, custom setups, or legacy software — automatic updates can be inconvenient. If you’re tired of surprise reboots or broken drivers, you may be wondering: how do I disable Windows 11 update permanently?

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through every reliable way to stop Windows 11 updates — from using system settings and services to advanced methods like Group Policy and the Registry Editor.

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 updates can be paused, deferred, or completely disabled using Settings, Group Policy, Registry tweaks, or third-party tools.

  • Microsoft doesn’t provide a “one-click” option to turn off updates permanently, but workarounds exist.

  • You should always back up important data before changing update configurations.

  • Disabling updates means you won’t receive new security patches, so use with caution.

Why You Might Want to Disable Windows 11 Updates

While automatic updates keep your system secure, they can sometimes cause more harm than good. Here are common reasons users prefer to disable them:

  • Prevent unwanted restarts during work or gaming.

  • Avoid buggy updates that break apps or drivers.

  • Conserve limited bandwidth on metered connections.

  • Maintain control over when and how updates are installed.

Think of it like putting your PC on “manual mode” — you decide when it’s time to update.

Understanding How Windows 11 Updates Work

Before we disable anything, it’s important to understand that Windows 11 uses multiple components to manage updates:

Component Purpose
Windows Update Service Handles downloading and installing updates.
Update Orchestrator Service Schedules update tasks and reboots.
Windows Update Medic Service Reactivates update services if disabled.

To stop updates permanently, you must handle all three.

Method 1: Pause Updates Temporarily (Quick Fix)

If you just need a short break from updates, use this built-in feature.

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Navigate to Windows Update.

  3. Click Pause updates for 1 week (repeat up to 5 weeks).

➡️ This is temporary — updates resume automatically after the pause period.

Method 2: Disable Windows Update Service (Intermediate Method)

You can disable the background service responsible for downloading updates.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Scroll down to Windows Update.

  3. Right-click → Properties.

  4. Under Startup type, choose Disabled.

  5. Click Stop, then Apply → OK.

Now Windows won’t automatically download updates.

👉 Tip: You can re-enable it later by selecting Automatic.

Method 3: Use Group Policy Editor (Permanent for Pro & Enterprise)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, this is the most reliable way.

Steps to Disable Updates via Group Policy

  1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience

  3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.

  4. Choose Disabled.

  5. Click Apply → OK.

Reboot your PC — Windows will no longer automatically download or install updates.

Method 4: Disable Updates Using the Registry Editor (For Home Users)

If you’re on Windows 11 Home, Group Policy isn’t available. The Registry Editor provides a similar effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

  3. Right-click Windows → New > Key, name it WindowsUpdate.

  4. Right-click WindowsUpdate → New > Key, name it AU.

  5. Inside AU, right-click → New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

  6. Name it NoAutoUpdate and set the value to 1.

  7. Restart your PC.

This stops Windows from checking or downloading updates automatically.

Method 5: Set Network as Metered Connection

This trick limits background data use — including Windows updates.

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet.

  2. Select your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

  3. Toggle Set as metered connection to On.

Windows treats metered networks as limited and won’t auto-download updates.

Method 6: Disable Update Orchestrator & Medic Services

Even after disabling updates, Windows Update Medic Service can restart them.

To prevent this:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Locate Windows Update Medic Service.

  3. Right-click → Properties → Stop (if available).

  4. If not editable, use Task Scheduler (see below).

Disable Tasks in Task Scheduler

  1. Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > UpdateOrchestrator

  3. Disable all active tasks (e.g., Reboot, Schedule Scan).

Method 7: Use Third-Party Tools (Optional)

Some users prefer apps that handle the technical steps automatically.
Popular options include:

  • StopUpdates10

  • Windows Update Blocker

  • Wu10Man

⚠️ Always download from official developer sites — not random mirrors.

Method 8: Use Group Policy to Set “Notify Before Download”

If you don’t want to block updates completely but still want control:

  1. Open gpedit.msc.

  2. Go to:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience

  3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.

  4. Choose Enabled → set to Notify for download and auto install.

  5. Apply changes.

You’ll now get a prompt before Windows installs anything.

What Happens When You Disable Windows 11 Updates

Effect Description
✅ Fewer reboots No surprise restarts after updates.
✅ More control You choose when to update.
⚠️ Security risk No new patches or fixes.
⚠️ App compatibility Some newer apps may expect latest updates.

You can always re-enable updates later if needed.

How to Re-enable Updates

  1. Revert any Group Policy or Registry changes.

  2. Set Windows Update Service back to Automatic.

  3. Run Windows Update from Settings to check for new patches.

Best Practices

  • Create a system restore point before making changes.

  • Manually check updates monthly for important patches.

  • Keep antivirus software updated to stay secure.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Windows 11 Updates

While Microsoft doesn’t make it easy to disable updates completely, you now have multiple ways to take control — from simple pauses to permanent blocks.

Here’s the quick recap:

  • Use Settings for short pauses.

  • Use Group Policy or Registry Editor for long-term control.

  • Use metered connections or third-party tools for convenience.

Whether you want stability, bandwidth control, or full customization, these methods ensure Windows 11 updates happen only when you decide.

FAQs: How to Disable Windows 11 Update Permanently

1. Is it safe to disable Windows 11 updates permanently?
It’s safe short-term, but you’ll miss important security fixes over time.

2. How do I stop Windows 11 from updating automatically?
Use Group Policy or Registry tweaks to disable automatic updates.

3. Will disabling updates affect my Microsoft Store apps?
Store apps update separately; they won’t be affected.

4. Can Windows re-enable updates by itself?
Yes — services like Windows Update Medic can restart them unless disabled.

5. How often should I manually check for updates?
Once a month is a good balance between security and stability.

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