Windows 10 updates are designed to keep your system secure and optimized, but honestly, they don’t always show up at the most convenient times. I’ve had them pop up mid-presentation, during software installs, and once, infamously, while exporting a client video file. While automatic updates are meant to help, sometimes you just need a little breathing room. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to turn off Windows 10 updates using several tried-and-tested methods. This will help stop Windows 10 updates and help you live your life in peace.
How to Stop Windows 10 Updates Using Settings
This is the simplest and most beginner-friendly method, no technical skills required, just a few clicks in your system settings. Sometimes, knowing exactly how to stop Windows 10 updates is the difference between finishing a project and losing unsaved work. So let’s break it down, method by method.
Step 1: Hover down to the bottom-left corner of your screen and click the “Start” button (yes, the one with the Windows logo). Then click the little gear icon to open Settings.
Step 2: Once you’re in Settings, look for the option called “Update & Security” and give it a click.
Step 3: On the left-hand side, click “Windows Update”. Then on the right, scroll down and click “Advanced options”.
Step 4: Under Pause updates, you’ll see a drop-down menu, just pick a date that works for you.
This lets you stop updates for up to 35 days. After that, you can always go back and pause them again. I used this method during my thesis deadline week, it worked like a charm. No random restarts.
Disable Windows 10 Updates Using Group Policy
If you're using Windows 10 Pro, Group Policy is a great option for those who want a more permanent solution. This method can disable your Windows 10 update entirely (until you decide to enable it again). Here's how:
Step 1: Open the Search bar in Windows 10 and search for “gpedit.msc”. Just press Enter to move ahead. This will launch the Group Policy Editor.
Step 2: Next, navigate to “Computer Configuration”, then “Administrative Templates”, then “Windows Components”, and finally “Windows Update”.
Step 3: Look for the setting named “Configure Automatic Updates” and double-click on it.
Step 4: In the window that pops up, select “Disabled”, then hit OK to lock in the change.
Once this is done, updates won’t bother you unless you manually re-enable them. I’ve used this method to make sure updates didn’t interrupt my work during critical project deadlines. However, it's a good idea to check for security updates manually from time to time.
Disable Windows 10 Updates Using Registry Editor
For those who prefer more technical control, the Registry Editor is an option. But be cautious! This method modifies system files, so make sure you back up your registry first. Here's how:
Step 1: Press Windows + R to bring up the Run box, type in “regedit”, and hit Enter. That’ll open up the Registry Editor (a window will pop up asking you if you would like changes to be made, click Yes).
Step 2: In the Registry Editor, click the little arrow next to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE” to expand it. Next, expand the SOFTWARE folder by clicking its arrow.
Step 3: Scroll down and find the “Policies” folder. Click the arrow to open it up too.
Step 4: Now open the Microsoft folder inside Policies.
Step 5: Inside Microsoft, find and expand the Windows folder. Right-click on the “Windows" folder, go to “New”, and select “Key”. Name this new key WindowsUpdate, make sure there are no spaces.
Step 6: Name this new key WindowsUpdate, make sure there are no spaces.
Step 7: Now right-click on “WindowsUpdate”, go to “New” again, and select “Key”. This time, name it AU.
Step 8: Click on the AU folder you just created, then move over to the big empty space on the right side. Right-click anywhere in that space, hover over New, and select DWORD (32-bit) Value from the menu.
Step 9: You’ll see a new value pop up, name it NoAutoUpdate (make sure it’s spelled exactly like that). Then double-click it, and in the little window that opens, change the Value data from 0 to 1. Hit OK, and you’re all set.
If you want to disable Windows 10 update without relying on third-party tools, this method works well, but proceed cautiously. I’ve used this method myself, but it’s not for the faint-hearted. It works well, but don’t forget to back up your registry before you dive in, as it could wipe your data completely if anything goes wrong.
Use WPS Office to Manage Your Files During System Downtime
Now, while you know how to turn off windows 10 updates, you don’t want your productivity to take a hit. That’s where WPS Office comes in. It’s free, lightweight, and compatible with all your Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files. WPS Office is an excellent free alternative to Microsoft Office, and it works seamlessly with Windows 10. If you’re stuck waiting for updates, you can keep working on your documents without skipping a beat.
Beyond its compatibility and lightweight nature, WPS Office offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to boost productivity. It includes Writer, Spreadsheets, Presentation, and PDF tools, all integrated into a single application. The software provides a variety of templates for documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, streamlining the creation process for users. Additionally, WPS Office is available across multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, ensuring seamless access to your documents wherever you are.
With these incredible features at your fingertips, installing WPS Office is a no-brainer to maintain your workflow during system downtimes. Let’s walk through the steps to download and install it on your device.
Step 1: Begin by heading over to the official website of WPS Office.
Step 2: Click on “Free Download”, then once it’s finished, just open up the setup file to get started.
Step 3: After you click on 'Free Download', you’ll get the installer file. Just go ahead and click on that file to open it up.
Step 4: A window will pop up after you click on the installer file, asking you to agree to the terms and conditions. Take a quick look at them, and if you’re good to go, click on “Install Now” to start the installation process.
Step 5: The installation will begin right away! Just sit back and let it finish. Once it's done, you'll be all set to start using the program.
WPS Office stands out for seamlessly weaving AI into daily tasks, whether it's summarizing, proofreading, formatting, or translating. It’s like having your own mini Jarvis, quietly handling the tedious parts so you can stay focused on the big ideas.
FAQs
Q1: Can I stop Windows 10 updates permanently?
While you can disable updates temporarily or use advanced methods like Group Policy or Registry Editor for longer durations, it’s not recommended to turn off updates permanently due to security risks.
Q2: What happens if I turn off Windows 10 updates?
Disabling updates may prevent your system from receiving important security patches, which could leave it vulnerable to malware or other threats. It’s crucial to manually check for updates periodically.
Keep Things Running Smoothly
Knowing how to turn off Windows 10 updates can save you from frustration and unexpected work interruptions. From using basic settings to digging into Group Policy or Registry tweaks, you’ve got options; just pick the one that matches your comfort level.
And let’s not forget, WPS Office has been a lifesaver for me when Windows decides to update at the worst possible time. It keeps my workflow smooth and my nerves intact. Whether you’re disabling updates or just staying productive during downtime, having the right tools makes all the difference.
