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

Hi,

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

Answer 2

it does not work

Answer 3

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).

Answer 4

I also experience the same issue here

Answer 5

They really dont want us to do this. Crashed my screen as soon as i got to Configure Auto updates I HATE WINDOWS