How to disable automatic updates using Registry
On Windows 10 Pro, you can also disable automatic updates using the Registry in at least two different ways.
Disabling updates
To permanently disable updates on Windows 10 modifying the Registry, use these steps:
Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. before proceeding.
5. Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.
6. Right-click the newly created key, select New, and click the Key option.
7. Name the new key AU and press Enter.
8. Right-click on the right side, select New, and click the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
9 . Name the new key NoAutoUpdate and press Enter.
10. Double-click the newly created key and change its value from 0 to 1.
11. Click the OK button.
12. Restart your computer.
After you complete the steps, Windows Update will stop trying to install updates automatically on Windows 10.
If you must check, download, and install a new update manually, you can perform this task from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update by clicking the Check for updates button like when using the Group Policy.
Limiting updates
Also, you can use the Registry to customize the Windows Update policy settings to prevent updates from installing automatically.
To customize Windows Update settings to block updates with the Registry, use these steps:
5 .Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.
6. Right-click the newly created key, select New, and click the Key option.
7. Name the new key AU and press Enter.
8. Right-click on the right side, select New, and click the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
9. Name the new key AUOptions and press Enter.
10. Double-click the newly created key and change its value (number only) to:
11. Click the OK button.
12. Restart your computer.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will stop installing updates automatically. However, you'll receive notifications as soon as new quality updates are available, but they won't download until you trigger the install manually.
You can always use the same instructions to restore the original settings, but on step No. 4, right-click the WindowsUpdate key, select the Delete option, and then reboot the device to complete applying the settings.
Updates for software are essential to enhance the overall experience and, more importantly, to safeguard your device and files against attacks and malware. It's never advised to use an unpatched computer, but there are many scenarios when disabling updates could make sense.
For example, when you want to delay the installation of a new cumulative update until you're sure it doesn't contain any problems. You want to update your system manually proactively, or you're working with a device with critical software and equipment that may stop working if new updates are applied.
How to disable automatic updates using Group Policy
Limiting updates
On Windows 10 Pro, you can also disable automatic updates using the Registry in at least two different ways.
Disabling updates
To permanently disable updates on Windows 10 modifying the Registry, use these steps:
Warning: This is a friendly reminder that editing the Registry is risky and can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly. It's recommended to make a You do not have permission to view the full content of this post. Log in or register now. before proceeding.
- Open Start.
- Search for regedit and select the top result to launch the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows - Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and then click the Key option.
5. Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.
6. Right-click the newly created key, select New, and click the Key option.
7. Name the new key AU and press Enter.
8. Right-click on the right side, select New, and click the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
9 . Name the new key NoAutoUpdate and press Enter.
10. Double-click the newly created key and change its value from 0 to 1.
11. Click the OK button.
12. Restart your computer.
After you complete the steps, Windows Update will stop trying to install updates automatically on Windows 10.
If you must check, download, and install a new update manually, you can perform this task from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update by clicking the Check for updates button like when using the Group Policy.
Limiting updates
Also, you can use the Registry to customize the Windows Update policy settings to prevent updates from installing automatically.
To customize Windows Update settings to block updates with the Registry, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for regedit and select the top result to launch the experience.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows - Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and then click the Key option.
5 .Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.
6. Right-click the newly created key, select New, and click the Key option.
7. Name the new key AU and press Enter.
8. Right-click on the right side, select New, and click the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
9. Name the new key AUOptions and press Enter.
10. Double-click the newly created key and change its value (number only) to:
- 2 — Notify for download and auto install.
- 3 — Auto download and notify for install.
- 4 — Auto download and schedule the install.
- 5 — Allow local admin to choose settings.
11. Click the OK button.
12. Restart your computer.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will stop installing updates automatically. However, you'll receive notifications as soon as new quality updates are available, but they won't download until you trigger the install manually.
You can always use the same instructions to restore the original settings, but on step No. 4, right-click the WindowsUpdate key, select the Delete option, and then reboot the device to complete applying the settings.
Updates for software are essential to enhance the overall experience and, more importantly, to safeguard your device and files against attacks and malware. It's never advised to use an unpatched computer, but there are many scenarios when disabling updates could make sense.
For example, when you want to delay the installation of a new cumulative update until you're sure it doesn't contain any problems. You want to update your system manually proactively, or you're working with a device with critical software and equipment that may stop working if new updates are applied.
How to disable automatic updates using Group Policy
Limiting updates