How can I stop Windows from automatically updating?

Question

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.

Answer 1

Hey! Unexpected updates can be frustrating. Here are two ways to control updates while still being able to enable them manually:

1. Change Active Hours:
   • Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options > Active Hours.
   • Set your active hours to times you don’t want updates to install or restart your computer.

Updates will pause during active hours but still install outside of them automatically.

2. Configure Automatic Updates via Group Policy:
   • Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and navigate to: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience > Configure Automatic Updates.
   • Set it to Notify for download and auto install.
   • Open PowerShell and run gpupdate /force to apply the changes.

Updates won’t download or install automatically, but you’ll get a notification when they’re available.

If you want to update, just go to Settings > Windows Update, click Check for updates, and install anything that’s available.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

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?

Answer 4

I suspect you will find that ultimately you cannot stop updates completely. Even if you pause them there will come a time when you have to install them and not pause again.

That has been part of Windows 10 and now Windows 11 as is part of the agreement to use the OS.

There are different method to try and stop them but they will be overridden at some point.

Answer 5

Yes, that's correct