Compared to some of the previous versions, there is an unfortunate lack of options to simply disable automatic updates on Windows 10. The highest of feelings is to get a short message, if your operating system is planning a restart for installation purposes. However, even this process often starts at the most inconvenient times. The download of a comprehensive system update can slow down Windows 10 noticeably.
Deactivating automatic updates can be very practical from time to time. However, we would generally advise against this step, since you should better stay up-to-date to protect yourself against malware. Unless, of course, you have been struggling with a Windows 10 update error for quite some time. Or you are the proud owner of Windows 10 Pro and can delay the automatic Windows update.
For everyone else, in this post we’ll go into detail about the 3 best methods to disable automatic updates on Windows 10. Try the variant that seems easiest to you, and follow the handy step-by-step guide.
How do I Disable Automatic Updates on Windows 10?
- Turn off the Automatic Update Service in Properties
- Set Internet Connection as Clocked
- Delay all Automatic Updates as Windows 10 Pro User
Let’s start with the first tutorial, which will lead to success in almost all cases and let you disable automatic updates on Windows 10:
(1) Turn off the Automatic Update Service in Properties
Attention: Before you start with the measures, you should be aware of what deactivating the updates of Windows 10 means. Your activated operating system will be dropped from all updates in the future. If you want to start the update process manually at regular intervals, this no longer works via the settings. You first have to undo the steps you are about to perform.
The journey begins in the Start menu. If you have trouble displaying your taskbar, take a quick look at our detailed guide.
- Directly in the Start menu or via the Windows 10 search function (Windows logo key + S), enter either services.msc or simply services in the text field. With a right click, you can run the application as administrator.
- A new window will open showing all local services on your computer. Find the entry with the name Windows Update from the list. You may have to switch to the Standard tab.
- A click with the right mouse button opens the properties. Here you will find the option to disable automatic updates on Windows 10.
- Change the setting of the Startup type drop-down menu from Manual to Disabled.
- Confirm the changes with OK. Done.
However, in some situations, Windows takes advantage of the moment and re-enables automatic updates on its own. You may know Microsoft’s persistence if you’ve tried to disable Cortana in the past. All this is usually done under the guise of protection against malicious cyberattacks that use backdoors. In this case, another method that creatively circumvents the problem helps:
(2) Set Internet Connection as Clocked and Disable Automatic Updates
Due to the size of some updates, Windows 10 by default specifies that no automatic download starts for clocked Internet connections. Clocked here means a paid Internet connection. This means, for example, a mobile stick that does not use a flat rate. This is because the maximum data volume would quickly be reached with constant synchronization attempts.
Users of Windows Home follow these steps to disable automatic updates on Windows 10 using this method:
- Open the Windows settings via the gear icon in the Start menu, or by pressing the Windows logo key + I combination.
- In the Network and Internet settings, select the tab on the left that corresponds to your current Internet connection. Usually you click on WiFi and then again on the active network.
- Further down, flip the switch at Set as clocked connection so that it shows On.
- The changes will be applied automatically. If in doubt, you can perform a quick reboot.
Don’t worry, this adjustment does not cause any additional costs for your provider. This setting only affects your operating system and ensures that automatic updates are disabled.
(3) Delay all Automatic Updates as Windows 10 Pro User
If you are the proud owner of Windows Pro, then you have another option to disable automatic updates on Windows 10:
- Open the Windows settings as described before (Windows logo key + I).
- This time, click directly on the Update and Security category. The Windows Update submenu should already be selected.
- Further down you will find the Advanced Options.
- Under Suspend Updates, you can now choose to forgo all updates for up to 5 weeks. This applies from the time you set the change.
If you have missed exactly this function, it can be worthwhile to upgrade to Windows 10 Pro or even Windows 11. In the store of keyportal.com, you can find low-priced offers for all relevant versions. For companies we can recommend Windows 10 Enterprise, an operating system specially designed for professional requirements. Feel free to look around if you want to easily disable automatic updates on Windows 10 in the future.
