Certain individuals set their computers to automatically download and install new Windows updates, whereas others prefer to manually obtain these updates when they decide to upgrade their systems. However, both groups share the same concern: whether it’s feasible to halt a Windows update that has already begun and how to effectively stop an ongoing update.

Over the years, Microsoft has consistently released new Windows updates at specific intervals. Upgrading to the latest system version allows users to resolve bugs, enhance computer performance, access new features, and enjoy additional advantages.

To maintain the security and stability of the system, Windows 10 users often enable automatic updates on their devices. Nevertheless, what happens if a Windows update starts at an inconvenient time? It could impact the operating speed of the PC and various other factors. This raises the question: how to stop a Windows update that is currently in progress. Both users who have automatic updates enabled and those who manually initiate updates might ponder this issue, as they may encounter sluggish performance or have specific reasons for not wanting to upgrade the system.

In the subsequent sections, we will introduce three methods to assist users in canceling or halting an ongoing Windows update, using Windows 10 as an example.

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How to Stop a Windows Update in Progress on Windows 10

Generally, there are three common and effective methods to stop a Windows 10 update. Let’s examine each one step by step.

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How to Stop a Windows Update Using Services

1. Locate the Cortana icon or search box on your Windows 10 taskbar (default position is at the bottom). If present, click on it. If neither is available, press Windows S on the keyboard instead.
2. Type Services into the search box.
3. Right-click on Services from the search results and select Run as administrator from the context menu.
4. Scroll through the services list in the right pane and locate the Windows Update service.
5. Stop the Windows Update service by right-clicking on it and selecting Stop.
6. Alternatively, double-click on Windows Update and click the Stop button under the Service status.
7. Afterward, open File Explorer to locate and delete the SoftwareDistribution folder, typically found in C:\Windows.

Another straightforward way to open the Services window is to right-click on the Start button, choose Run from the context menu, type services.msc into the textbox, and click OK or press Enter.

How to Stop a Windows Update from WinRE

1. Restart your computer and boot from Windows 10 installation media (USB or DVD).
2. Enter your language and other preferences, then click Next.
3. Click on the Repair your computer link at the bottom left.
4. Select Troubleshoot, Advanced Options, and Command Prompt sequentially.
5. Type wmic logicaldisk get name and press Enter.
6. Type dir C: and press Enter. Replace C with another drive letter if it’s not your system drive containing the “Windows” folder.
7. Type C: and press Enter.
8. Type mkdir C:\Scratch and press Enter.
9. Type DISM /Image:C:\ /ScratchDir:C:\Scratch /Cleanup-Image /RevertPendingActions and press Enter.
10. Wait for the commands to complete.
11. Close the Command Prompt, remove the installation media, and restart your PC.
12. Once your computer starts successfully, load and delete the SoftwareDistribution folder.

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Bonus: How to Stop Automatic Maintenance

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click System and Security.
3. Choose Security and Maintenance.
4. Navigate to the Maintenance section in the right pane.
5. Click Stop maintenance under the Automatic Maintenance.

How to Cancel a Windows Update While Updating Windows 10 Pro

Microsoft provides a specific method for Windows 10 Professional users to stop an ongoing Windows update.

Steps to cancel a Windows update on a computer running Windows 10 Pro:

1. Open Run and type gpedit.msc.
2. Click OK or press Enter.
3. Navigate to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and Windows Update in the left pane.
4. Double-click on the Configure Automatic Updates entry in the right pane.
5. Check Disabled at the top left and click OK.

That concludes the manual methods for stopping a Windows update in progress.

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