Stop Updates in Windows 10 [Complete Guide]
Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs updates to keep your computer secure, improve performance, and fix software issues. While these updates are important, they are not always convenient. You may be working on an important project, using a slow internet connection, or dealing with an update that causes compatibility problems with certain programs or devices.
In this guide, I will show you the way to stop updates on your Windows 10 device!
How to Stop Updates in Windows 10?
To stop updates in Windows 10, open Settings, select Update & Security, and choose Windows Update. From there, you can pause updates through Advanced options. If you need to stop updates for a longer period, you can disable the Windows Update service or enable a Metered Connection to limit automatic downloads.
Step 1: Open the Windows Update Settings
The first step is to access the settings that control Windows updates.
Click the Start button located in the lower left corner of your desktop. Once the Start menu opens, select Settings. The Settings window contains all the major system options for your computer.
Inside the Settings window, click Update & Security. This section manages Windows updates, security features, backups, recovery options, and troubleshooting tools.
When the page opens, you will automatically see the Windows Update screen. This page displays your current update status and provides options for managing how updates are installed.
Taking a few moments to become familiar with this page will help you understand where Windows stores all update-related settings.
Step 2: Pause Windows Updates
If you only need to stop updates temporarily, pausing them is the safest option.
On the Windows Update page, select Advanced options. Scroll until you find the Pause updates section.
Choose the date until which you want updates to remain paused. Windows will stop downloading and installing new updates until that date arrives.
This feature is especially useful if you are preparing a presentation, playing games, editing videos, or working on a task where unexpected restarts could interrupt your work.
Remember that this option only delays updates. Once the pause period ends, Windows will resume downloading available updates.
Step 3: Enable a Metered Connection
Another simple way to reduce automatic updates is by enabling a Metered Connection.
Return to the main Settings window and open Network & Internet. Depending on how your computer connects to the internet, choose either Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Select your active network connection to open its settings. Scroll through the page until you find the option labeled Set as metered connection. Turn this option on.
When a connection is marked as metered, Windows assumes your internet data is limited. As a result, it reduces background downloads, including many Windows updates.
Although this method does not permanently stop every update, it significantly reduces automatic downloading and gives you greater control over your internet usage.
Step 4: Disable the Windows Update Service
If you want to prevent Windows from checking for updates automatically, you can disable the Windows Update service.
Press the Windows key and the R key together on your keyboard. This opens the Run dialog box.
Type services.msc and press Enter. A new window containing all Windows services will appear.
Scroll down until you locate Windows Update. Double-click the service to open its properties.
Find the Startup type menu and change it from Automatic to Disabled.
If the service is currently running, click the Stop button. Then select Apply followed by OK to save your changes.
Disabling this service prevents Windows from automatically searching for, downloading, and installing updates. This method is more effective than simply pausing updates, but you should remember to enable it again whenever you want to receive important security updates.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
After changing any update settings, restart your computer.
Click the Start button, select Power, and choose Restart.
Restarting your PC allows Windows to apply the changes you have made. Once the system starts again, verify that your chosen update settings remain in effect.
If updates no longer download automatically, your selected method has been successfully applied.
How to Turn Updates Back On?
If you disabled the Windows Update service, you can easily restore it.
Open services.msc again, double-click Windows Update, change Startup type to Automatic or Manual, then click Start.
After that, Windows will resume normal update operations.
FAQs
Is it safe to stop Windows 10 updates?
Temporarily stopping updates is generally safe. However, leaving updates disabled for several months can expose your computer to security risks because you may miss important security patches and bug fixes.
What is the easiest way to stop updates?
The easiest method is to use the Pause updates feature in Windows Update settings. It requires only a few clicks and does not make permanent changes to your system.
Does a Metered Connection completely stop updates?
No. A Metered Connection mainly limits automatic downloads. Windows may still download certain critical updates when necessary.
Can I enable updates again later?
Yes. You can resume updates by removing the pause, turning off the metered connection, or enabling the Windows Update service again if you previously disabled it.
Which method is best for beginners?
The Pause updates option is the best choice for beginners because it is simple, safe, and easy to reverse whenever you want Windows to start updating again.
Summary
Windows 10 provides several built-in options to manage automatic updates based on your needs. If you only need a short break from updates, using Pause updates is the quickest and safest solution. If you want to reduce automatic downloads while using limited internet data, enabling a Metered Connection is a practical choice. For users who need maximum control, disabling the Windows Update service prevents automatic updates until the service is enabled again.
Although stopping updates can be helpful in certain situations, remember that updates play an important role in protecting your computer against security threats and improving overall system stability. Whenever possible, allow Windows to install the latest updates after you finish your work so your PC remains secure, reliable, and up to date.