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How do you turn off windows 10 updates which are really powerful?

Aldy Winata 35 Reputation points
2023-08-24T04:42:26.67+00:00

currently using windows 10 and because it is affected by windows updates, a confirmation always appears to switch to windows 11.

My device is not strong enough to use windows 11.

I've searched the internet but after a while windows update is active again, so I want to completely turn off windows update

Microsoft Security | Intune | Configuration Manager | Updates
Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other

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  1. John Knott 55 Reputation points
    2024-02-17T02:42:32.51+00:00

    It would be great if we could have control of our own machines! This forced update just trashed a 5 hour 3d print job...microshaft did not buy my computer for me, nor are they paying for my internet service

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
  2. Mahmoud A. ATALLAH 226 Reputation points MVP
    2023-08-24T05:08:28.41+00:00

    Completely turning off Windows updates is generally not recommended, as updates often include important security patches and bug fixes that help protect your system and keep it running smoothly. However, I understand your concern if you're facing compatibility issues with Windows 11 on your current hardware.

    If you still want to disable Windows updates, keep in mind that doing so can leave your system vulnerable to security threats and might result in a less stable experience over time. If you decide to proceed, here's how you can do it:

    Method 1: Using Group Policy Editor (For Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions)

    1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
    2. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter. This opens the Group Policy Editor.
    3. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
    4. Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates.
    5. Select the Disabled option to turn off automatic updates.
    6. Click Apply and then OK.

    Method 2: Using Registry Editor (Use with caution)

    Before proceeding with this method, I must emphasize that editing the Windows Registry can potentially cause serious issues if not done correctly. Make sure to back up your registry before making any changes.

    1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
    2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
    3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows.
    4. Right-click on the Windows key, select New, and then choose Key. Name it WindowsUpdate.
    5. Right-click on the newly created WindowsUpdate key, select New, and then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it AUOptions.
    6. Double-click on AUOptions and set its value to 1 (for "Never check for updates").
    7. Click OK.

    Method 3: Pause Updates

    You can also pause updates temporarily:

    1. Go to Settings (press Win + I).
    2. Click on Update & Security.
    3. In the Windows Update section, click on Advanced options.
    4. Under the Pause updates section, you can select a date to pause updates until.

    Remember that even if you manage to turn off updates, it's important to keep your system secure. You might consider alternative solutions like using a more lightweight operating system or upgrading your hardware to meet the requirements of Windows 11.

    9 people found this answer helpful.
  3. Tony 25 Reputation points
    2024-01-21T15:59:43.0033333+00:00

    None of that works. I've tried them but this aggregating cumulative update keeps installing in the background. After I restart I get a Blue screen of death and it's really making me angry.

    5 people found this answer helpful.
  4. André Bender 25 Reputation points
    2023-12-16T15:37:32.76+00:00

    There is another way to prevent Windows from updating.

    Click the Windows icon to open the search bar, type services.msc and open it as an administrator. In the windows that appear, look for a service called 'Windows Update'. Right-click > Properties and change the Startup type to 'disabled'.

    As mentioned before, it isn't recommended to disable windows updates completely.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
  5. AllenLiu-MSFT 49,436 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2023-08-24T06:02:50.98+00:00

    Hi, @Aldy Winata

    Thank you for posting in Microsoft Q&A forum.

    To completely turn off Windows updates on Windows 10, you can use the Group Policy Editor to disable automatic updates. Here are the steps:

    1. Open the Group Policy Editor by typing "gpedit.msc" in the Start menu search bar and pressing Enter.
    2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Configure Automatic Updates.
    3. Set the policy to "Disabled".
    4. Any available updates from Windows Update must be downloaded and installed manually, which you can do in the Settings app under Update & security > Windows Update.

    Please note that disabling Windows updates leaves your device in a vulnerable state if your device isn't getting updates in another way. It's important to have a well-designed servicing strategy for your device.

    If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Add comment".

    4 people found this answer helpful.

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