How To Turn Off Windows 10 Automatic Update

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by

Vector Linux
in

Turning off automatic updates in Windows 10 can be a great way to have more control over your system updates. As someone who values the freedom to choose when and how my computer updates, I’ve found a few methods that have worked well for me and may work for you too.

Method 1: Using Group Policy Editor

One way to disable automatic updates is by using the Group Policy Editor, which is available in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type “gpedit.msc” and hit Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
  3. In the left-hand pane, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
  4. Double-click on the “Configure Automatic Updates” policy.
  5. Select the “Disabled” option and click OK.

By following these steps, you can effectively turn off automatic updates using the Group Policy Editor. However, it’s worth noting that this method may not be available in all versions of Windows 10.

Method 2: Using the Windows Registry

If you’re using a version of Windows 10 that doesn’t have access to the Group Policy Editor, you can still disable automatic updates by modifying the Windows Registry.

  1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type “regedit” and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  3. Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU. If the WindowsUpdate and AU keys don’t exist, you may need to create them.
  4. Right-click on the right-hand pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
  5. Name the new value “NoAutoUpdate” and set its value to 1.

Once you’ve completed these steps, automatic updates should be disabled on your Windows 10 system. However, it’s important to exercise caution when making changes to the Windows Registry, as incorrect modifications can cause system instability.

Method 3: Using Metered Connection

Another method to prevent automatic updates is by setting your internet connection as a metered connection. This method is useful for users who have limited data plans or want to conserve bandwidth.

  1. Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
  2. Select “Network & Internet” and then click on “Wi-Fi” or “Ethernet” (depending on your connection type).
  3. Click on your current connection and then toggle the switch under “Metered connection” to turn it on.

When you set your connection as metered, Windows will no longer download automatic updates over that network, giving you more control over when and how updates are installed.

Conclusion

Disabling automatic updates in Windows 10 can help you have more control over your system and avoid unexpected interruptions. Whether you choose to use the Group Policy Editor, modify the Windows Registry, or set a metered connection, it’s important to find the method that works best for you.

Remember, while turning off automatic updates can give you more control, it’s also important to keep your system up-to-date to ensure the best performance and security. Make sure to regularly check for updates manually and install them when necessary.