As someone who frequently uses Windows 10, I understand the frustration that can come from automatic updates. While these updates are designed to keep our computers secure and up to date, they can sometimes disrupt our workflow or cause unexpected issues. In this article, I’ll guide you through the process of turning off automatic updates in Windows 10, allowing you to have more control over when and how updates are installed.
Step 1: Open the Windows Settings
To get started, click on the “Start” button in the bottom left corner of your screen and then click on the “Settings” gear icon. This will open the Windows Settings menu, where you can access various system settings.
Step 2: Go to the Update & Security Settings
Within the Windows Settings menu, you’ll find different categories for various system settings. Look for the category called “Update & Security” and click on it to access the update settings for your Windows 10 computer.
Step 3: Disable Automatic Updates
Once you’re in the “Update & Security” settings, you’ll see different options related to Windows Updates. Look for the “Windows Update” tab on the left side of the window and click on it to view the update settings.
Under the “Windows Update” tab, you’ll find an option called “Change active hours.” Click on it to set the hours during which your computer is usually in use. Windows will then try to avoid installing updates during these hours to minimize disruptions to your work.
To completely turn off automatic updates, scroll down until you see the “Advanced options” link. Click on it to access additional update settings.
Under the “Advanced options” section, you’ll find a toggle switch labeled “Pause updates.” Turning this toggle switch on will temporarily pause all updates for a specified period of time, allowing you to delay updates until a more convenient time. Keep in mind that this is a temporary solution and updates will resume automatically after the specified period.
If you want to completely disable automatic updates, you can do so by clicking on the “Choose when updates are installed” dropdown menu. From here, you can select the “Semi-Annual Channel” option, which will only install feature updates twice a year, or the “Sac-Targeted” option, which will only install security updates.
Step 4: Keep Your System Secure
While it can be tempting to turn off automatic updates completely, it’s important to remember that updates are essential for keeping your system secure. By disabling automatic updates, you may be exposing your computer to potential security vulnerabilities. It’s important to manually check for updates regularly and install them in a timely manner to ensure that your system is protected.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can gain more control over the installation of updates on your Windows 10 computer. Whether you choose to pause updates temporarily during specific hours or select a less frequent update channel, finding the right balance between convenience and security is key. Remember to stay vigilant and keep your system up to date to ensure a smooth and secure computing experience.