How to Disable Windows 10 Updates

Windows 10 has undoubtedly been one of the largest updates for the Windows operating system. It introduced an enhanced interface, plenty of quality-of-life improvements, and tons of new features meant to enhance the computer's performance and functionality. However, one of the major grips that users have with Windows 10 is how aggressive it tends to be with its updates. While it is strongly recommended to install operating system updates as soon as they become available, many Windows 10 users would rather turn them off completely or temporarily – if you belong to this group, then our instructions below can teach you how to manage or disable Windows 10 updates.

Stop Automatic Windows Update Downloads

If your Internet bandwidth is limited, then having Windows download major update packages in the background can be a great nuisance. In these cases, it is recommended to disable automatic update downloading and, instead, opt to download and deploy updates manually. Follow these instructions:

1. Open the Start Menu, search for 'Edit Group Policy,' and open it.
2. Using the group policy window, head to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update
3. Double-click the entry 'Configure Automatic Updates.'
4. A new window will open – from the top dropdown menu select '2 – Notify for download and notify for install.'

Pause Windows 10 Updates for up to a Week

Windows 10 allows users to postpone updates for up to seven days – after this period is over, they will need to install pending updates before being able to pause Windows Update again. To pause it, open the Start Menu, and go to 'Windows Update settings.' Press the top option called 'Pause updates for 7 days.'

Delay Updates for up to a Year

Windows 10 Pro users have access to the group policy editor, which offers enhanced Windows configuration options. Thanks to it, they can disable Windows Update for up to 365 days – please note that Windows 10 Home users may not have access to this option:

1. Open the Start Menu and go to 'Edit Group Policy.'
2. Navigate to the menu Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business
3. From the 'Options' section make sure to type 365 in the box labeled 'After a Preview Build or Feature Update is released, defer receiving it for this many days.'

Turn off Windows Update

This is not recommended as it would disable the updates completely – if you choose to use this option, we advise you to turn it back on at some point in the future to apply updates and patches.

1. Open the Start Menu and go to 'Administrative Tool.'
2. Select 'Services.'
3. Find the entry 'Windows Update,' right-click it and select 'Properties.'
4. Set the 'Startup type' to 'Disabled' and apply the changes.

By doing so, the Windows Update service will not start the next time you boot up your computer.