How to Turn Off Automatic Windows 10 Updates?

The popularity of Windows 10 devices is undeniable. With a market share of more than 75% in the desktop and laptop space, as reported by Statcounter^[1], Windows remains the dominant operating system, especially in office and school environments. Despite the rise of macOS, Android, and iOS devices, Windows is still an essential tool in workplaces, largely due to its familiarity, versatility, and user-friendly interface.

However, with its frequent automatic updates, Windows 10 can sometimes cause disruptions in controlled environments like enterprises, schools, or digital signage setups. This raises an important question, 

“Should you disable Windows 10 updates to ensure a seamless user experience?” 

In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of disabling automatic updates on Windows 10, and how you can effectively manage them with Scalefusion UEM in a way that balances convenience with device security.

Need to turn off automatic windows 10 updates

Windows 10 is known for its frequent updates, designed to enhance security, usability, and overall performance. These updates are automatically downloaded and installed, often happening in the background without user intervention. While regular updates may sound beneficial, they can cause unforeseen disruptions in controlled environments such as schools, enterprises, or even digital signage setups. This raises the question: Should you turn off Windows update?

Here are some of the reasons why you might consider stopping Windows 10 updates, and weigh the pros and cons to help you decide.

Benefits of disabling Windows 10 updates

• Improved system reliability

For organizations that rely on specific software or devices, regular Windows updates can create issues. Some applications may not be fully compatible with the latest updates, leading to system instability or functionality problems. Disabling updates ensures that your system continues to run smoothly without the risk of unexpected changes.

• Streamlined experience

Automatic updates often require system reboots. This can be inconvenient, especially if the update interrupts important work or happens during peak hours in a business environment. By disabling updates, you gain control over when and how your system installs updates, minimizing workflow disruptions.

• Complete system control 

Some users prefer to have complete control over which updates to install. Disabling Windows updates allows you to manually choose what to install based on your preferences. This can be especially useful if you’re concerned about data usage, privacy, or how certain updates may affect your device’s performance.

Drawbacks of disabling Windows 10 updates

While disabling Windows updates may seem beneficial in some cases, it’s important to understand the potential downsides:

• Security threats

One of the most significant drawbacks of disabling updates is the increased risk to your system’s security. Windows updates frequently include critical security patches to protect your device from malware, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Without regular updates, your computer may become vulnerable to attacks, posing a serious risk to your data and network.

• Reduced device performance

Many Windows updates also come with performance improvements that optimize system speed and efficiency. By disabling updates, you forgo these enhancements, which could lead to slower system performance over time.

• Compatibility concerns

Outdated systems may face compatibility problems, particularly with newer software or hardware. If your system is not kept up-to-date, you could encounter issues when trying to use new programs or devices that require more recent versions of Windows.

How to Disable Windows Updates in Windows 10

Windows 10 provides multiple ways to disable automatic updates. Below are four effective methods to achieve this:

Method 1: Disabling the Windows Update Service

One of the simplest ways to stop Windows updates is by turning off the Windows Update service. Follow these steps:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter to launch the Services window.
3. Scroll down to locate the Windows Update service.
4. Right-click on it and select Properties.
5. In the Properties window, change the Startup type to Disabled.
6. Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.

This method stops Windows from checking for updates automatically. However, if the service is restarted manually or by the system, updates may resume.

Method 2: Modifying Group Policy Editor Settings

For more control over updates, you can use the Group Policy Editor:

1. Open the Run dialog (Win + R) and type gpedit.msc, then press Enter.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
3. Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates.
4. Select Disabled.
5. Click Apply, then OK.

This method prevents Windows from automatically installing updates, though you can still check for updates manually if needed.

Method 3: Setting a Metered Connection

If you want to prevent Windows from automatically downloading updates without completely disabling them, setting your network as metered can help:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Network & Internet.
3. Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection type.
4. Select your active network and click Advanced Options.
5. Toggle Set as metered connection to On.

Windows treats metered connections differently and will delay non-essential updates to save data usage.

Method 4: Using the Windows Registry

For users comfortable with making system modifications, the Registry Editor offers another way to disable automatic updates:

1. Open the Run dialog (Win + R), type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
3. Right-click on the WindowsUpdate folder and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name it AUOptions and set its value to 2.
5. Click OK and restart your computer.

Caution: Modifying the registry can cause issues if done incorrectly. Always back up your registry before making changes.

How to Disable Windows Updates in Windows 11

Method 1: Stopping the Windows Update Service

Similar to Windows 10, you can disable Windows Update through Services:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Locate Windows Update in the list.
3. Double-click to open its Properties.
4. Set Startup type to Disabled.
5. If the service is running, click Stop.
6. Click Apply and OK.

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor (For Pro & Enterprise Editions)

If you’re using Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, the Group Policy Editor provides a more structured way to disable updates:

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
3. Open Configure Automatic Updates.
4. Select Disabled.
5. Click Apply and OK.
6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

Method 3: Editing the Registry (For All Editions)

If you’re using Windows 11 Home, the Registry Editor provides an alternative:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU.
3. If the WindowsUpdate or AU keys don’t exist, create them.
4. Inside AU, right-click and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value.
5. Name it NoAutoUpdate and set its value to 1.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.

Note: Be cautious when modifying the registry, as incorrect changes can affect system stability.

Method 4: Enabling a Metered Connection

If you’d like to limit automatic updates instead of completely disabling them, setting your network to metered can help:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to Network & Internet.
3. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, based on your connection.
4. Click on the active network.
5. Enable Metered Connection.

Method 5: Pausing Updates Temporarily

For those who want to delay updates instead of disabling them, Windows 11 includes a pause feature:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Navigate to Windows Update.
3. Click Pause updates and select the duration.

This will temporarily stop updates for a set period, allowing you to resume them when needed.

How to Disable Automatic Updates on Windows Device Using Scalefusion?

Follow the below steps to turn off Windows update on windows 10 devices from the Scalefusion dashboard: 

Step 1: Sign up or log in to your Scalefusion dashboard.

Step 2: Now, navigate to the Device Profiles and Policies tab. Under the ‘Device Profiles’ section, you will see all the existing and new device profiles.  Click on the Windows Device Profile you want to stop the automatic updates for. Click on the ‘Edit’ profile button on the top right.

Step 3: A ‘Create New Profile’ window will be displayed on the screen. Now, click on the ‘Settings’ tab and navigate to the ‘Windows Updates’ option.

Step 4: After navigating to the ‘Windows Updates’ tab click on ‘Windows MDM Based Settings’. Toggle on the ‘Configure Update Policies’ button to control auto-updates on managed Windows 10 devices. You’ll be offered the following settings option:

1. Auto-update settings: Through these settings, you control the behavior of the automatic updates on your Windows 10 devices. You configure a start time and an end time for the active hours that prevents the device from rebooting. The max range for the active hours during which the device is not rebooted is capped at 18 hours and you adjust this range from 1-18 hours. You can also configure automatic update behavior by selecting one of the options below-

• Notify the user before downloading the update
• Auto install the update and then notify the user to schedule a device restart
• Auto install and restart
• Auto install and restart at a specified time
• Auto install and restart without end-user control
• Turn off automatic updates

Moreover you can toggle on ‘Automatic Maintenance Wake Up’ to enable Automatic Maintenance make a wake request to the OS for the daily scheduled maintenance.With ‘Update Notification Level’ you define the type of Windows Update notification will the users be able to see by selecting one of the option below- 

• Use default Windows Update notifications
• Turn off all, excluding restart warning
• Turn off all, including restart warning

2. Deferral settings: In this set of configurations, you can delay feature update roll-outs for up to 1 year. You can also pause updates for 60 days, set a default deadline for feature updates, delay, and pause quality updates.

3. Schedule settings: Once you turn off Windows update you can use these settings to set the day, week, and time for installation in a month. The device will then check for updates and install them on the said day and time every scheduled week.

Once you have configured these settings click on update profile to apply in to the managed Windows devices. 

Alternatively, you can also check for control OS updates at the Device Group Level. You can pause the auto-OS updates, scan the entire device group for devices with pending updates, and manually push the update at a scheduled time.

Should I permanently disable Windows update? 

While temporarily disabling Windows updates may offer certain benefits, permanently disabling them is generally not recommended. Windows updates are essential for maintaining the security, stability, and performance of your device. By permanently disabling updates, your system becomes vulnerable to potential threats, and you’ll miss out on important bug fixes and performance enhancements.

The key is to strike a balance between controlling system updates and ensuring the security of your device. You can consider re-enabling updates during non-working hours or using tools that provide more granular control over the update process.

Instead of permanently disabling Windows updates, consider using a device management solution like Scalefusion UEM to effectively manage OS updates. Scalefusion ensures your Windows laptops and desktops remain secure through efficient patch management, helping you maintain security and compliance by keeping your devices and applications up to date at all times.

Contact our experts to learn more about Scalefusion UEM. Book a free demo or sign up for a 14-day free trial today!

References 

1. StatsCounter

FAQs

1. How do I control Windows updates?

You can control Windows updates by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Here, you can manage when and how updates are installed by adjusting active hours, pausing updates, or checking for updates manually. Managing Windows updates from this menu allows you to customize the update process according to your needs.

2. How to stop Windows 10 updates on My computer?

To turn off automatic updates on windows, you can go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, click on “Advanced options,” and toggle the option to “Pause updates” for a specific period. If you want to stop Windows 10 updates permanently, you can disable the Windows Update service in the “Services” app by setting it to “Disabled.”

3. How do I temporarily disable Windows updates?

To temporarily disable Windows updates, navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select “Pause updates” to stop updates for up to 35 days. This is useful if you want to disable automatic updates for a short time.

4. Is it safe to Stop Windows Update permanently?

Disabling Windows Update permanently can leave your system vulnerable to security risks, as you won’t receive essential patches or updates. While it may be tempting if you want to disable automatic updates, it is generally safer to pause updates or control them via managing Windows update settings rather than stopping them entirely.