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How can I stop Windows from automatically updating?

Anonymous
2024-12-12T03:28:07+00:00

Windows just decided to wake my computer from standby and start applying an update without my say-so in the middle of the night. I was made aware of this because I was awakened by the sound of the fans going full blast.

When I opened my laptop's screen, the screen was completely black and unresponsive, so I assumed it was a problem and forced a shutdown. When I booted the computer, then the update view came up. Luckily there didn't seem to be any data corruption despite the forced shutdown, but this combination of behaviors can be extremely dangerous.

I really need Windows 11 to stop doing this. It is alarming and frustrating. However, the only way to do so is by temporarily pausing the updates. I don't want that because then I'll forget about the pause or will have to reapply the pause every X weeks.

I'm aware that through services.mcs, I can turn off the updates completely, but this is an unnecessarily drastic measure. I still want to be made aware of any new updates that have been lined up. I want to be reminded by having the option to update when I'm shutting the computer down as well as by the small orange icon on the bottom right corner. I just want Windows to stop automatically applying these updates. It is very aggravating to see Windows bypassing me on decisions like this and disturbing my sleep.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-06-28T14:21:36+00:00

    So what I'm reading is that I CANNOT turn off auto-update. I can only allocate a 6 hour window MINIMUM where it will still update?

    I emphasize this because "- Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and navigate to:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience > Configure" doesn't exist on my computer.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2025-02-22T06:35:22+00:00

    My problem is that the latest Windows update crashes my computer and it cannot start after it (it ends up in a restarting loop). I had to uninstall the latest update and now I tried to disable the updates, but it is impossible. Every time I restart my computer, the WindowsUpdate service is reenabled and started. Does Microsoft understand that this is VERY frustrating? (I use personal version, so I do not have gpedit).

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2025-02-09T08:42:47+00:00

    it does not work

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2024-12-15T14:04:18+00:00

    Hi,

    Thanks for the info. However, I get an error: Windows cannot find 'gpedit.msc' . So, what do I do in this case?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2024-12-12T15:03:20+00:00

    Hi, and thanks for reaching out. My name is Miguel O., Sorry to hear you're experiencing this issue!

    To disable the Windows Update service in Services Manager, please follow the steps below:

    Press Windows key + R. Type services.msc, then hit Enter.
    Search for Windows Update.
    Right-click on Windows Update, then select Properties.
    Under General tab, set the Startup type to Disabled.
    Click Stop.
    Click Apply, and then click OK.
    Restart your computer.

    https://filestore.community.support.microsoft.c...

    If you have any trouble following any steps or the issue persists let me know!

    Give back to the Community. Help the next person who has this issue by indicating if this reply solved your problem. Click Yes or No below.

    Will this disable Windows 11 automatically downloading updates, adding the orange reminder marker and adding the option to restart/shutdown + update when choosing shutdown options?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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