How to Disable Automatic Update on Windows 10

In this tutorial, we are going to see how to disable automatic update on Windows 10. Updating your computer is an important part of maintaining its security and overall health. Windows 10 updates often contain fixes for critical issues, and installing them will keep your computer running smoothly in the long run.

But sometimes you may not want to install an update. One of your frequently used programs might not be compatible with the latest update, for example. In this case, you may want to postpone it until you find a suitable alternative.

But then, how do you stop an update in Windows 10? While you can’t stop the installation indefinitely, there are ways to delay it for a while. Follow this tutorial to find out how to do it.
 

Method 1: How to Disable Automatic Update on Windows 10

Step 1: Click on the Start menu of Windows 10, and go to Settings.
 

 

 
Step 2: Within Settings once that loads up you want to go into Update & Security.
 

 
Step 3: Click on Windows Update on the left side, then click on Advanced Options.
 

 
Find the Pause updates and select a date. Choose a date that will pause Windows updates for 35 days, but then you’ll need to download the latest updates after that period is over if you want to pause further updates again.
 

 
 
 

Method 2: Prevent installation of a downloaded update

Once an update has started to install, you should not stop it. This can be potentially dangerous for your PC. However, if Windows 10 has downloaded an update but has not yet started installing it, you can still stop it.

Step 1: In the search bar, type Security and Maintenance
 

 
Step 2: Then click on the first result to bring up the Control Panel window. Click on Maintenance and then scroll down. Then click on Stop Maintenance to stop the update.
 

 
If you change your mind and want to restart the update, just click on Start Maintenance.
 

 

Method 3: Disable Windows Update startup service

Step 1: In the search bar, type Services. Right-click on the first result and select “Run as administrator”.
 

 
Step 2: Scroll down the list until you find Windows Update. If the Status column says Running, right-click on the Windows Update entry and click Stop.
 

 

 
Step 3: Right-click again and select Properties.
 

 
Step 4: In the menu that appears, under Startup Type, choose Disabled, then click OK.