how to stop windows updates

OsmondJiang-4691 71 Reputation points Admin
2026-01-16T15:15:55.06+00:00

I do not want windows updates, how to stop the windows auto updates?

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

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  1. AI answer

    2026-01-16T15:16:07.3033333+00:00

    To stop Windows automatic updates, you can disable them through the Group Policy Editor. Here are the steps to do so:

    1. Open the Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Run dialog (Win + R).
    2. Navigate to the following path depending on your Windows version:
      • For Windows 10: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update\Configure Automatic Updates
      • For Windows 11: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update\Manage end user experience\Configure Automatic Updates
    3. Set the policy to Disabled. This will require any available updates from Windows Update to be downloaded and installed manually.

    Additionally, you can also prohibit access to Windows Update settings to prevent users from manually checking for updates:

    1. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to:
      • For Windows 10: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update\Remove access to use all Windows update features
      • For Windows 11: Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update\Manage end user experience\Remove access to use all Windows update features
    2. Set this policy to Enabled to prevent users from accessing the manual check for updates option.

    Be cautious when disabling updates, as it may leave your system vulnerable if updates are not managed through another method.

    References:

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  2. Ivan B 126.9K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-16T15:54:19.9566667+00:00

    Hi,

    If you are using the Windows Home edition, you can disable it.

    Open Windows PowerShell (admin) and run the command: Set-Service -Name "wuauserv" -StartupType Disabled

    Restart your PC.

    Remember, disabling Windows Update is not recommended; you will stop receiving updates. Instead of disabling it, you can pause updates if you wish.

    Give feedback if the information was useful or not.

    Thanks

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  3. Jabba Ka Hut 0 Reputation points
    2026-10-27T00:58:20.1233333+00:00

    Neither of these answer work, I'm blocked on my own computer. Words cannot describe how done I am with MS. I need these forced updates disabled now.

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  4. Md Alamin Ali 0 Reputation points Student Ambassador
    2026-10-27T20:07:12.3933333+00:00

    If you want to stop Windows updates completely, you can disable the Windows Update service.

    1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
    2. Find Windows Update in the list.
    3. Double-click it.
    4. Click Stop.
    5. Change Startup type to Disabled.
    6. Click Apply and OK.

    You can also disable update-related scheduled tasks in Task Scheduler and set your network connection as Metered for additional protection against automatic downloads.

    Keep in mind that disabling updates will prevent both feature updates and security updates, so you'll need to manually check for updates from time to time if you want to stay protected.

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