Microsoft has done a great job of making Windows OS updates easier. However, automatic updates in Windows can often be a headache, using your Internet connection in the background and applying updates when you’re not ready. Here’s how to turn off automatic updates in Windows.
Read more: Here’s how to stop the Windows 11 update
RAPID RESPONSE
To temporarily disable automatic updates in Windows, go to Windows Settings † Update and security † Windows Update † Advanced options † Pause updatesand select the date. To permanently disable automatic updates in Windows, open the Group Policy Editor by searching gpedit.mscand go to computer configuration † administrative Templates † Windows Components † Windows Update † Configure automatically UpdatesClick Turn ofand click Okay†
SKIP TO IMPORTANT SECTIONS
How to Pause Automatic Updates in Windows
This is a quick way to stop updates in Windows, but you can only temporarily pause them until a certain date.
Open the Settings app by searching for it in the search function.
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
In the left navigation pane, click Windows Update† It should be selected by default. Click Advanced options†
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
Scroll down to the Pause updates section. Click on the Select a date drop-down button.
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
Select the date until which you want to pause the updates.
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
Click the Back arrow in the top left corner to return to the Windows Update screen. You will see that Updates is paused. The automatic updates will resume after the selected date.
Read more: How do I install Windows 11
Completely disable automatic updates in Windows
To permanently disable automatic updates in Windows, you must use the Windows Group Policy Editor.
In Windows, type search Edit Group Policy and click on the first result. You can also type gpedit.msc to find the group policy editor.
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
In the left navigation pane, click administrative templates below computer configuration†
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
In the right pane, double click Windows components† Scroll down to Windows Updateand double click on it.
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
Find Configure automatic updatesand double click on it.
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
The configuration dialog box appears. Click on the radio button that says Handicapped† Click Applyand click Okay†
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
You can open your Windows Update settings to check the change. A warning is displayed about the update policy and how to disable automatic updates.
Palash Volvoikar / Android Authority
That’s all. Keep in mind that you may be missing some crucial Windows updates, including security patches and Microsoft Defender definitions. You can still manually update Windows from the settings.
Read more: How to update drivers on Windows 10?
Frequently Asked Questions
You’re unlikely to face any immediate problems, but over time you may miss out on security patches and Microsoft Defender updates, putting your PC at risk.
Yes, it’s fine to pause Windows Update, but make sure to grab the critical updates to avoid any risk to your computer’s security.