Stop Windows 10 Update Permanently: Easy Guide

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys! Are you tired of those constant Windows 10 updates that always seem to pop up at the most inconvenient times? I get it; sometimes, you just want to work (or play!) without your computer suddenly deciding it's update time. Well, you're in the right place! I am going to walk you through several ways to permanently stop Windows 10 updates. Yes, you heard that right – permanently! So, buckle up, and let's dive in!

Why Stop Windows 10 Updates?

Before we get started, let's quickly touch on why you might want to stop these updates in the first place. While updates are generally a good thing – they bring security patches, bug fixes, and new features – they can also be a major pain. Here are a few common reasons:

  • Interrupted Workflow: Nothing's worse than being in the middle of something important and having your computer restart for an update.
  • Bandwidth Issues: Large updates can eat up a lot of bandwidth, especially if you have a limited data plan.
  • Compatibility Problems: Sometimes, updates can cause issues with older hardware or software.
  • Privacy Concerns: Some users are wary of the data collection that comes with certain updates.

Now, let's be clear: stopping updates altogether isn't usually recommended. Security updates are crucial for protecting your system from threats. However, if you know what you're doing and have a good reason to do so, here's how you can take control.

Method 1: Using the Services App

The Services app is a powerful tool in Windows that allows you to manage various system services. We can use it to disable the Windows Update service. Here’s how:

  1. Open the Services App: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the Services app.
  2. Find Windows Update: Scroll through the list of services until you find “Windows Update.” It’s usually near the bottom.
  3. Open Properties: Right-click on “Windows Update” and select “Properties.”
  4. Stop the Service: In the Properties window, under the “General” tab, find the “Service status” section. If the service is running, click the “Stop” button.
  5. Disable the Service: Next to “Startup type,” click the dropdown menu and select “Disabled.” This will prevent the service from starting automatically.
  6. Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

By disabling the Windows Update service, you're essentially telling your computer to ignore any new updates. Keep in mind that this will also prevent you from manually checking for updates through the Settings app. This method is pretty straightforward, but it's not foolproof. Windows might try to re-enable the service on its own, especially after a major update. If that happens, just repeat these steps to disable it again. This is a reliable way to permanently stop the updates.

Method 2: Using the Registry Editor

For those who are comfortable with a bit more technical stuff, the Registry Editor offers a more permanent solution. But fair warning: messing with the registry can be risky, so make sure to follow these steps carefully! A small mistake in the registry can cause system instability, so proceed with caution and consider backing up your registry before making any changes.

  1. Open Registry Editor: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type regedit and press Enter. Click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control.

  2. Navigate to the Windows Update Key: In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

    If you don't see a key named “WindowsUpdate,” you'll need to create one.

  3. Create the WindowsUpdate Key (If Necessary): Right-click on the “Windows” key, select “New,” and then “Key.” Name the new key “WindowsUpdate.”

  4. Create the AU Key (If Necessary): Right-click on the “WindowsUpdate” key, select “New,” and then “Key.” Name the new key “AU.”

  5. Create the NoAutoUpdate DWORD Value: Right-click in the right pane of the “AU” key, select “New,” and then “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name the new value “NoAutoUpdate.”

  6. Modify the NoAutoUpdate Value: Double-click on “NoAutoUpdate” to open its properties. In the “Value data” field, enter 1 and click “OK.” This tells Windows not to automatically check for updates.

  7. Create the TargetReleaseVersion DWORD Value: Right-click in the right pane of the “AU” key, select “New,” and then “String Value.” Name the new value “TargetReleaseVersion.”

  8. Modify the TargetReleaseVersion Value: Double-click on “TargetReleaseVersion” to open its properties. In the “Value data” field, enter the Windows 10 version you want to stick with (e.g., 2004, 20H2, 21H1, or 21H2). Click “OK.” You can find your current version by typing winver in the Run dialog.

  9. Create the TargetReleaseVersionInfo DWORD Value: Right-click in the right pane of the “AU” key, select “New,” and then “DWORD (32-bit) Value.” Name the new value “TargetReleaseVersionInfo.”

  10. Modify the TargetReleaseVersionInfo Value: Double-click on “TargetReleaseVersionInfo” to open its properties. In the “Value data” field, enter 1 and click “OK.”

Close the Registry Editor. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. By modifying these registry keys, you're essentially setting a policy that prevents Windows from automatically updating. This method is more effective than disabling the service, but it's also more complex. Make sure you follow the steps exactly as described to avoid any issues. Remember, backup your registry before proceeding! This is a great option to stop those pesky updates.

Method 3: Using Group Policy Editor

The Group Policy Editor is another powerful tool that allows you to configure various system settings. This method is only available on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. If you're running Windows 10 Home, you'll need to upgrade to use this method.

  1. Open Group Policy Editor: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.

  2. Navigate to the Windows Update Settings: In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to the following location:

    Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update

  3. Configure Automatic Updates: In the right pane, find the setting named “Configure Automatic Updates” and double-click on it.

  4. Disable Automatic Updates: In the “Configure Automatic Updates” window, select the “Disabled” option. This will prevent Windows from automatically downloading and installing updates.

  5. Apply Changes: Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

  6. Specify target Feature Update version: Navigate to the following location:

    Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update\Windows Update for Business

  7. Find the setting named “Select the target Feature Update version” and double-click on it.

  8. Enable and set the version: Select the “Enabled” option. Under options, select the version of Windows you want.

Close the Group Policy Editor. You may need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Using the Group Policy Editor is a more user-friendly way to configure update settings compared to the Registry Editor. It provides a clear interface for managing various policies, including those related to Windows Update. This is another way to permanently disable updates on your system.

Method 4: Metered Connection

This method is a workaround that's particularly useful if you have a limited data plan or simply want to control when updates are downloaded. By setting your Wi-Fi connection as a metered connection, you can prevent Windows from automatically downloading updates. It's not a permanent solution, but it can help you manage updates more effectively.

  1. Open Settings App: Click on the Start button and then click on the gear icon to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Network & Internet: Click on “Network & Internet.”
  3. Select Wi-Fi: In the left sidebar, click on “Wi-Fi.”
  4. Manage Known Networks: Click on “Manage known networks.”
  5. Select Your Network: Click on the name of your Wi-Fi network.
  6. Set as Metered Connection: Toggle the “Set as metered connection” switch to the “On” position.

When a connection is set as metered, Windows will avoid downloading updates and other non-essential data to conserve bandwidth. This can be a useful way to prevent updates from interrupting your work or using up your data allowance. Keep in mind that this method only works for Wi-Fi connections, not Ethernet connections. Also, Windows may still download critical security updates, even on a metered connection.

Method 5: Pause Updates

Windows 10 has the option to pause updates for a certain period. This is useful if you need to avoid updates temporarily, but it's not a permanent solution. You can pause updates for up to 35 days.

  1. Open Settings App: Click on the Start button and then click on the gear icon to open the Settings app.
  2. Go to Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security.”
  3. Pause Updates: Under the “Update settings” section, click on the “Pause updates for 7 days” button. You can click this button multiple times to pause updates for up to 35 days.
  4. Advanced Options: For more control, click on “Advanced options.” Here, you can specify the date until which you want to pause updates.

Once the pause period expires, Windows will automatically download and install any pending updates. If you want to continue pausing updates, you'll need to repeat these steps. This method is great for short-term control, but it's not a substitute for a permanent solution.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Several ways to stop Windows 10 updates permanently (or at least, for a good long while). Whether you choose to disable the service, tweak the registry, use the Group Policy Editor, set a metered connection, or pause updates, you now have the knowledge to take control of your update settings. Remember to weigh the pros and cons before making any changes, and always prioritize security. Happy computing, guys! By choosing any of these methods, you can stop those unwanted updates.