You’re right in the middle of an important document, and Windows prompts you to update it. This would normally be inconvenient if it weren’t for the fact that Windows gives you some control over the update process. It is technically impossible to permanently stop the Windows 10 update, but you can postpone it.
Windows as a Service makes regular updates a necessary part of security. But large feature updates can also contain bugs. Plus, you might be on your doorstep and don’t want to tax your limited bandwidth while driving. Or, you can back up your important files before starting the update.
Windows 10 has an improved system that covers those odds. We’ll talk about ways to stop updating Windows 10. But let’s first look at the two main types of updates.
Feature Updates
Feature updates bring new functionality to Windows. Microsoft is launching it with great fanfare twice a year, in the spring and fall. But errors can also occur here.
Feature updates are optional in some way. They will download silently, but will not be installed automatically. You have to start it and your computer will restart several times to complete the installation.
The feature update is supported for 18 months, after which you should update to the latest version.
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You can delay feature updates in Windows 10 Home for up to 35 days. In Windows 10 Pro, they can be deferred for up to 365 days.
Quality Updates
Quality Updates are servicing fixes that Windows downloads and installs behind the scenes of the user. This is a “cumulative update” that includes previous fixes. This usually happens once a month.
You can stop Windows 10 quality updates for up to 35 days. After that, you must install the latest update to use this option again. The same goes for Windows 10 Home and Pro users.
Now let’s take a look at the different ways to temporarily stop Windows updates.
Pause Automatic Updates for 7 days
Stopping the update for seven days can always be a good measure. You can find out about any kinks in the latest update, or simply create a backup before the update takes over the entire system. This option is also available for Windows 10 Home users.
Start> Settings> Update & Security> Pause updates for 7 days
You can customize it for a longer period using advanced options.
Pause updates for up to 35 days
Windows allows you to pause updates for a maximum of 35 days.
Go to Advanced Options. You can postpone updates for up to 35 days. After these periods have elapsed, you will need to download updates before you can defer them again.
Note. On Windows 10 Pro, Education, or Enterprise, you can use Advanced options to defer feature updates for up to 365 days (one year).
Use specified connection
There are bandwidth limits for limited connections and additional charges apply if the limit is exceeded. Windows 10 doesn’t download big feature updates over metered connection. You can use this to trick Windows into stopping the update even if you are not using metered connection. Don’t worry, you will continue to receive small security updates.
This hacker did not work on earlier versions of Windows on Ethernet connections. But since the Creator update, you can set both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connection as measured.
Mark your internet connection as measurable in two steps.
- Go to Settings> Network & Internet> Wi-Fi. Or Ethernet.
- Select the network you are currently connected to. Set the switch to Metered Connection> Set as Restricted Connection.
Now enable the update preferences by following these steps:
- Open preferences.
- Click Windows Update under Update & Security.
- Click Advanced Options. on right.
- Disable Download updates over limited connections (additional charges may apply).
Disable updates from services
You can turn off Automatic Updates from the list of Windows services. But that will only stop Windows 10 cumulative updates temporarily. The service will resume after a specified time or on the next reboot.
- Press the Windows key + R keys at the same time to open the Run window.
- Type services.msc and press Enter.
- Scroll down to Windows Update and double-click it. Or right-click and select Properties.
- For Startup Type, select Disabled. Then click “Apply” and “OK” to save the settings.
Set business hours
An active clock will not stop the update. But you can postpone it until the point where you are not working on a PC. Your computer will not automatically restart to apply updates during active hours.
- Go to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update> Change Active Hours.
- Select start and end times within 18 hours of each other.
Turn off automatic updates in Windows 10 Professional
Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, and Education come with a Group Policy Editor. Group Policy Editor enables network administrators to manage advanced settings for Windows computers in any enterprise. But you can also use it to manage settings on your local computer.
One is to prevent the automatic download and installation of Windows 10 updates. Instead, the Group Policy Editor will alert you to new updates.
1. Press Windows logo key + R to open Run> Type gpedit.msc. Click OK.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> Windows Update.
3. Double-click “Configure Automatic Updates”.
4. Select “Disabled” under “Configured Automatic Updates” on the left and click “Apply” and “OK” to disable Windows Automatic Updates.
Remember that the steps above give you some control over the updates and don’t stop them completely. You can only defer them for up to 365 days.
You Can’t Stop Windows 10 Updates Forever
Feature updates contain improvements and new tools that you might want to play with. They can also correct old mistakes by making new ones. Windows update can also freeze for various reasons. It makes sense to postpone them until Microsoft has resolved all the problems. While there are third-party Windows update programs that can download files for you, you better trust Microsoft.
The good news is that the Windows update process has gotten better over time. So take your time, but check for updates and install them when the time is right.
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