How To Turn Off Automatic Updates On Windows 10

October 9, 2018 Axee12 Windows Comments Off

Microsoft forces Windows 10 updates whether you like or not unless you know you to turn off automatic updates on your device. Here are two ways to disable Windows 10 automatic updates on Professional, Enterprise, Education, or Home edition.

In the following tutorial, you will learn how to disable Windows 10 automatic updates to keep using currently installed version as long as you like. Microsoft changed its update policy with its latest Windows operating system. Previously you could defer updates but now they get pushed on to your device automatically, with or without your consent.

This could be problematic especially on devices with older hardware as each successive Windows 10 update demands more resources than the previous one leading to slow down of the device performance.

See more: Download Windows 10 ISO For Version 1809 (32-bit / 64-bit)

That said, having an updated PC is generally recommended as it protects your device against the latest threats. So keep Windows automatic updated enabled at all times. But sometimes, as has happened with the latest Window 10 October 2018 update, an update can cause certain issues to arise, rendering a PC unstable until the problem is addressed.

Microsoft has acknowledged the problem and has pulled the Windows 10 version 1809 off until further notice. This is why some tend to choose to hold off on an update until its stable enough for daily use.

So if you’re a Windows 10 user, you have another nuisance to overcome: it won’t allow you to disable automatic updates. However, there are a few workarounds.

Also check: How To Fix Windows 10 Version 1809 Update Install Stuck Issue

So let’s find out how to turn off Windows 10 automatic updates on PC and Laptop.

Table of Contents

Use Group Policy Editor

This method is for Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, and Education Editions. Starting from the version 1703 or later, there is a hidden setting that you need to apply for this to work. The wording might differ on your device, but the overall process is the same.

On your computer, hit Win-R keyboard shortcut, type gpedit.msc, and hit enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
Now head over to this location: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Defer Updates.
Click on Select when Feature Updates are received.

Now select Enabled in the dialogue box that shows up.
In the Options box, click on the drop-down box to choose how many days you’d like to pause updates and then in the ‘Pause Feature Updates starting’ field, type today’s date.
Hit Apply button and then OK.

You can repeat the above steps for another option in Group Policy Editor called Select when Quality Updates are received. Quality updates mean security updates and skipping them is never a wise step. That said, there is no harm in foregoing a few security or cumulative updates because the most recent one comes with all the loopholes plugged anyway.

Microsoft really doesn’t want people to skip Windows updates, even when using the Group Policy Editor. That’s why even this method is valid for about a month or so. depending on the Windows 10 version you’re using.

The Metered Network Workaround

On Windows 10 Home Edition, however, Microsoft follows a strict policy of pushing mandatory updates. There is no option to defer updates like on the other editions using the above method. So to stop some automatic updates, you can fool your operating system.

In Windows 10 version 1703 or earlier, this worked only with a WiFi network, but in latest updates, ethernet connections can also be used.

This workaround involves telling your copy of Windows 10 that you have a metered connection – one that has a limited bit per month download on your current ISP bill plan. Microsoft says in this case “some updates for Windows won’t be installed automatically” to avoid exceeding your allotted limit but some apps may also not work as expected.

Here is how to tell Windows that you have a metered connection (or not):