How to Disable Windows Update in Windows 10

The Windows operating system always schedules monthly updates to upgrade and improve features for users as well as patch security vulnerabilities from previous versions. However, if you dislike this automatic process because you find it inconvenient and irritating, and wish to turn off Windows Update in Windows 10, consider the following methods.

1. Disable Windows 10 Updates in Services

Step 1: Go to search, enter "service", then look at the search results and select Services.

Step 2: Navigate to the Windows Update option.

Step 3: Right-click on Windows Update and then choose Properties.

Step 4: Select Stop and wait for the system to update itself.

Step 5: At the Startup type line, select Disable.

Step 6: Finally, select Apply and you’re done.

Note: This method disables Windows 10 updates permanently, meaning even after you restart your machine, Windows Update will still be turned off. To re-enable the Update feature, just reverse the instructions.

2. Disable Windows 10 Update Using Group Policy Editor

Step 1: Open Group Policy Editor by pressing the Windows + R keys, then type "gpedit.msc" into the Run command window and press OK or Enter.

Step 2: Choose Computer Configuration, then Administrative Templates, next Windows Components, and finally, Windows Update.

Step 3: Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates.

Step 4: Select Disabled and then click OK to finish.

3. Disable Windows 10 Updates Based on Microsoft's Instructions

Step 1: Enter "regedit" into the Search box on the Taskbar and press Enter.

Step 2: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and then navigate to Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU. Double-click on NoAutoUpdate.

Step 3: In the Value data field, enter 1 and press OK.

Once completed, the Data column of NoAutoUpdate will show as 0x00000001(1).

If you want Windows 10 to resume automatic updates, change the Value data from 1 to 0.

4. Disable Windows 10 Update Using Administrative Tools

Step 1: Type "Update" in the Search box. Then select Windows Update settings or Advanced Windows Update options.

Step 2: Choose the Notify to schedule restart mode and then deselect the options for Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows and Defer upgrades.

Additionally, Windows 10 has added a new feature that allows for peer-to-peer synchronization updates (P2P), saving bandwidth and time over direct downloads from the Internet.

To disable this type of update, click on the link Choose how updates are delivered. Change the mode from On to Off.

5. Disable Windows 10 Updates by Setting a Metered Connection for WiFi

Step 1: Open the Start Menu and select Settings.

Step 2: In the Settings window, select Network & Internet.

Step 3: Click on Wi-Fi, then on Manage known networks.

Step 4: Click on your WiFi network name and then choose Properties.

Step 5: Scroll down to Metered Connections and turn on Set as metered connection.

Note: This is a temporary method to halt Windows 10 updates in case you have used up your monthly data allowance.