Pause updates for up to 5 weeks at a time via Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and repeat to extend the delay. 2. Set your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection as metered in Network settings to limit automatic update downloads. 3. Disable the Windows Update service via services.msc, but re-enable it periodically to avoid security risks. 4. Use Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise/Education) by navigating to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update and set Configure Automatic Updates to notify for download and install. 5. Avoid third-party tools like Windows Update Blocker due to potential conflicts and security risks. Ultimately, while completely disabling updates is not recommended, pausing updates or using metered connections provides a safe way to manage timing, with Group Policy offering the most control on supported editions, ensuring you can delay but not skip critical updates.

Disabling automatic updates in Windows 10 can help you avoid unwanted reboots and interruptions, especially if you're on a metered connection or prefer to control when updates are installed. While Microsoft encourages automatic updates for security, you can delay or restrict them using the following methods.

1. Pause Updates Temporarily (Easiest Method)

Windows 10 allows you to pause updates for up to 5 weeks at a time (can be extended cumulatively).

Steps:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
• Click Pause updates for 5 weeks (the button may show a countdown).
• After the pause ends, you can pause again—effectively delaying updates for several months.

This is the safest and officially supported method. It doesn’t disable updates permanently but gives you control over timing.

2. Set Your Connection as Metered

This limits automatic downloads, including updates, especially on Wi-Fi.

For Wi-Fi:

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
• Click on your connected network.
• Turn on Set as metered connection.

For Ethernet (Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise):

• Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet.
• Click on your connection, then enable Set as metered connection.

Note: This prevents automatic download of updates and apps from the Microsoft Store, but major updates may still install eventually.

3. Disable Windows Update Service (Advanced)

This method stops the update process system-wide, but use with caution—it can leave your system vulnerable.

Steps:

1. Press Win R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Update.
3. Right-click it and select Properties.
4. Change Startup type to Disabled.
5. Click Stop under Service status.
6. Click Apply > OK.

?? Warning: Disabling this service completely may prevent critical security patches from installing. Re-enable it periodically to check for important updates.

4. Use Group Policy (Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education)

If you're using a Pro or higher edition, you can configure update settings via Local Group Policy.

Steps:

1. Press Win R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience
3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
4. Set it to Enabled, then choose option 2 (Notify for download and notify for install).
5. Click Apply > OK.

Now, Windows will notify you before downloading and installing updates—you’ll have full control.

5. Use Third-Party Tools (Not Recommended)

Tools like "Windows Update Blocker" or "WUB" can disable the service and hide updates. While effective, they:

• May conflict with future Windows updates.
• Are not officially supported.
• Could be flagged by antivirus software.

Use only if you understand the risks and keep backups.

Ultimately, completely disabling updates isn’t advised for security reasons. Instead, pausing updates or using metered connections offers a safer middle ground. For more control, Group Policy is the best option on supported editions.

Basically, you can delay or manage updates—but staying updated eventually is still important.

The above is the detailed content of How to disable automatic updates in Windows 10. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!