How to Turn Off Automatic Updates in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / August 29, 2025

Windows 11 is designed to keep your PC up to date with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and feature updates. While updates are important, sometimes they arrive at the worst possible time—slowing down your PC, eating up bandwidth, or even causing compatibility issues with apps and drivers.

If you’d like more control, you can turn off automatic updates in Windows 11 or at least pause them temporarily. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several safe and simple methods to stop updates from installing automatically.

Why Disable Automatic Updates in Windows 11?

Here are a few reasons you might want to delay or disable updates:

  • Avoid interruptions during work or gaming.
  • Prevent buggy updates from breaking features.
  • Save bandwidth if you’re on a limited internet plan.
  • Maintain compatibility with older hardware or software.

Method 1: Pause Updates from Settings (Temporary)

If you just need a short break from updates, pausing them in Settings is the easiest way.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Windows Update in the left sidebar.
  3. Click Pause for 1 week.
  4. If needed, keep clicking to extend up to 5 weeks.

👉 After the pause period ends, updates will resume automatically.

Method 2: Disable Updates via Services (Long-Term)

You can disable the Windows Update service, which stops updates completely.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Scroll down to find Windows Update.
  3. Right-click it and select Properties.
  4. Under Startup type, choose Disabled.
  5. Click Stop (if running) → Apply → OK.

✅ This prevents Windows from checking for updates, but you’ll need to re-enable it manually when you want updates again.

Method 3: Set Your Network as Metered Connection

Windows won’t automatically download updates on a metered connection.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Network & Internet.
  2. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet (depending on what you use).
  3. Click your connected network.
  4. Turn on Metered connection.

This tricks Windows into thinking you’re on limited data, so it won’t auto-download large updates.

Method 4: Use Group Policy Editor (Windows 11 Pro Only)

If you’re on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Group Policy Editor.

Steps:

  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. Select Disabled or choose Notify for download and auto install.
  5. Click Apply → OK.

Now, updates won’t install automatically—you’ll get a prompt instead.

Method 5: Stop Updates with Registry Editor (Advanced Users)

⚠️ Be careful with the Registry, as incorrect changes can cause system issues.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
  3. If AU doesn’t exist, create it.
  4. Inside, right-click and select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  5. Name it NoAutoUpdate and set its value to 1.

This disables automatic updates completely.

Method 6: Use Third-Party Tools

Some free utilities (like Windows Update Blocker) make disabling updates easier with just one click. However, always download from trusted sources to avoid malware.

Should You Really Turn Off Updates?

While stopping automatic updates gives you control, it also comes with risks:

  • You may miss critical security patches.
  • Your system could be vulnerable to malware and exploits.
  • Some apps may stop working without the latest updates.

👉 A safer option is to pause or delay updates rather than disable them completely.

Conclusion

Now you know how to turn off automatic updates in Windows 11 using different methods—whether you just want a short break (pause updates) or full control (disable via Services, Group Policy, or Registry).

The best approach? Pause updates when needed and keep your system updated regularly to stay secure. Balance convenience with safety, and your PC will run smoothly.

FAQs

1. Can I permanently disable Windows 11 updates?
Yes, via Services, Group Policy, or Registry Editor, but it’s not recommended for security reasons.

2. What happens if I never update Windows 11?
You may face security vulnerabilities, bugs, and compatibility issues.

3. Is there a way to choose which updates to install?
Yes, using Group Policy or third-party tools lets you review updates before installing.

4. Can I re-enable updates after disabling them?
Yes, just reverse the steps in Services or Registry Editor.

5. What’s the safest method to delay updates?
Using Pause updates in Settings or setting a Metered connection is safest for most users.

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