4 Best Ways to Disable Automatic Updates on Windows 11

Windows automatic updates can be a helpful feature to ensure your system is up to date with the latest security patches and improvements. However, sometimes automatic updates can be inconvenient and disrupt your work or cause compatibility issues with certain software. In this article, we will discuss ways to disable automatic updates on Windows 11/10.

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Method 1: Stopping Windows Update Temporarily

  • Open Settings on Windows 11.
  • Click on Windows Update.
  • Under the “More options” section, click the “Pause for 5 weeks” button to pause automatic updates.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 2: Using Group Policy Editor

  • Press the Windows + R key on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type “gpedit.msc” and press Enter 

  • In the left-hand pane, navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Configure Automatic Updates. In the right-hand pane, double-click on “Configure Automatic Updates”.
  • Select the “Disabled” option and click “Apply” and then “OK”.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 3: Using Registry Editor

  • Press the Windows + R key on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box. Type “regedit” and press Enter

  • Navigate to the following key:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
  • Right-click on the Windows key, select New > Key and name it “Windows Update”
  • Right-click on the newly created Windows Update key, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it “AUOptions”
  • Double-click on “AUOptions” and set its value data to “2” (without the quotes).
  • Close the Registry Editor.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 4: Using Windows Services

  • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Typeservices.msc” and press Enter to open the Windows Services manager.
  • Scroll down and locate the “Windows Update” service in the list.
  • Right-click on the “Windows Update” service and select “Properties
  • In the Properties window, under the “General” tab, locate the “Startup type” section.
  • By default, the startup type is set to “Automatic (Delayed Start)”. Change it to either “Manual” or “Disabled” to stop automatic updates.
    • Manual: This option allows you to manually start the Windows Update service whenever you want to check for updates.
    • Disabled: This option completely disables the Windows Update service, preventing it from running and installing updates.
  • Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
  • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

It’s important to note that disabling automatic updates can leave your system vulnerable to security threats if you don’t regularly install the latest updates manually. It’s advisable to stay informed about important security updates and install them in a timely manner.

In conclusion, Windows provides several methods to disable automatic updates, giving users more control over their system’s update process. However, it’s crucial to balance personal preferences with the need for security updates to ensure the safety and performance of your Windows computer.