Turning off Windows Update in Windows 10 isn’t super complicated, but it does involve digging through some system settings—and kind of annoying because Windows likes to override stuff, of course. If updates pop up at the worst possible time or you’re just tired of waiting for reboots all the time, this guide should help you get a bit of control back. Just keep in mind, while it’s tempting to disable updates for ease, missing out on security patches can be risky—so you’ll wanna check for updates manually now and then.
How to Turn Off Windows Update in Windows 10
Open the Services Console
The first thing to do is open the Services window where all the background Windows services are listed. To do this, hit Windows + R to bring up the Run box, then type services.msc and hit Enter. This is where Windows keeps a bunch of stuff ticking, including Windows Update.
It might seem old school, but honestly, this method stays reliable—at least on most setups. Plus, when Windows decides to re-enable updates after a restart, you can just tweak this again, so no worries there.
Find the Windows Update Service
Scroll through the list until you spot “Windows Update.” It’s alphabetically pretty easy to find, and it’ll probably say “Running” if updates are active. If it’s already stopped, that means you’re good, but it might just be inactive until the next restart.
On some machines, this service can be a little tricky to find if you have a weird setup or multiple Windows versions, but normally it’s straightforward.
Open its Properties and Disable
Right-click “Windows Update” and pick “Properties.” Here’s where the magic happens. Why? Because changing the Startup type to “Disabled” stops Windows from trying to run the update service automatically. Seems simple, but Windows любит make things harder than they should.
Set it to Disabled, then hit the Stop button below to halts any ongoing updates—at least until you decide to turn things back on. Click Apply and OK to confirm.
Important note:
This basically halts updates, but it’s not a permanent fix unless you keep this service disabled. Windows might re-enable it after major updates or restarts, so you might have to revisit this if you wanna keep it off long-term. Also, remember, manually checking for updates is your new chore if you wanna stay somewhat safe—because of course, Windows has to make it harder than necessary.
Tips for Managing Windows Updates
- Set a weekly reminder to manually check for updates, especially security patches.
- Use Windows Security and keep an eye on Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update for quick checks.
- If you’re switching updates off, be ready to re-enable them for big security patches or feature updates.
- On some setups, a tool like Winaero Thread or manual registry tweaks can help, but be careful—don’t just randomly poke around the registry without backing up!
- Stay informed on Windows update news, because sometimes blocking updates can cause more trouble than it’s worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just pause updates instead of turning them off?
Yeah, you can. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, then click “Pause updates” for a limited time. This is less drastic and keeps things easier to reverse.
Will turning off updates slow down my PC?
Not really, but you’re missing out on performance patches or fixes that could help in the long run. It’s not a huge hit unless you’re running some crazy custom setup.
How do I check for updates manually?
Just go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and hit “Check for updates.” Easy enough, but it’s a manual chore now.
Is it safe to disable updates?
Depends. Yeah, it keeps updates from bugging you, but without security patches, your system’s vulnerable. Not recommended long-term unless you’re super vigilant.
Can I pick which updates to install?
Most of the time, Windows just installs the important ones. Optional updates might give you a choice, but they usually pop up only if you go to the update settings manually or use tools like GWX Control Panel.
Summary
- Open the Services window (
services.msc). - Find and right-click Windows Update.
- Open Properties, set Startup type to Disabled.
- Stop the service if it’s running.
- Remember to check for updates manually now and then.
Wrap-up
Knowing how to shut off Windows Update gives some breathing room, especially if updates cause issues or restart nags. But don’t forget, leaving your system out of the update loop can open security holes—so keep an eye on those patches and check manually every now and then. It’s all about balance. On one side, you get control; on the other, security. Usually, a good manual check every month is enough—just like going to the doctor for a quick check-up.