Disabling Automatic Updates

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated January 18, 2021)

Windows often does things to try to be helpful. One of these things is to automatically download and apply updates when Microsoft releases them. If you'd rather maintain control on when updates are downloaded and applied, you can change this feature.

Press Win+R and type (without quotes) "gpedit.msc" and press Enter. Windows displays the Local Group Policy Editor window. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Local Group Policy Editor main window.

In the left pane, navigate to "Computer Configuration \ Administrative Templates \ Windows Components \ Windows Update". Now your screen looks like this: (See Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Windows Update options.

Double-click "Configure Automatic Updates" (circled above), and you'll be presented with this screen: (See Figure 3.)

Figure 3. Configuring automatic updates.

Notice that by default this item is "Not configured", which means you'll automatically receive Windows updates when they're released. To change this behavior, click the radio button labeled "Enabled." When you do, the drop-down lists under "Options" become active, and you can then select the option that suits you. (See Figure 4.)

Figure 4. Enabling automatic updates.

Once set, click OK and close the background widow. Your downloads and installations will now behave as you have indicated.

 This tip (55) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Getting Rid of Hidden Thumbs.db Files

A hidden file that the system uses to speed performance of your viewing folders containing pictures is called Thumbs.db. ...

Discover More

Understanding Windows Defender

There are a myriad of computer viruses always looking for new systems to infect. You can mitigate your risk of being ...

Discover More

Understanding User Account Types

Windows supports three different types of user accounts. The type of account associated with a user is determined by how ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Opening HEVC and HEIF Files

HEVC and HEIF are two new popular graphics file formats that are gaining support. Getting your Windows 10 computer setup ...

Discover More

Five Windows 10 Services that are Safe to Disable

Windows 10 is built using services that perform tasks. In this tip you'll discover five services that you can disable safely.

Discover More

Quick Screen Clear

Do you work with a lot of open windows at the same time? If so, you'll love this way to easily focus on only one of those ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 - 2?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips