How to Disable Automatic Updates in Windows Desktops and Servers

By default, Windows Update is configured to automatically download and install updates. This helps enhance security, fix bugs, and roll out new features. However, these automatic updates can occasionally interfere with your workflow, lead to compatibility problems, or consume bandwidth when you need it most. If you find yourself in such a situation, you might want to turn off automatic updates. In this article, we’ll walk you through several ways to disable automatic updates on both Windows desktops and servers.

Why Disable Automatic Updates?

• Avoid Interruptions: Keep your system running smoothly without unexpected restarts while you're in the middle of something important
• Bandwidth Management: Save on network resources, especially in situations where every bit of bandwidth counts.
• Compatibility Concerns: Avoid potential issues with specific software or hardware after updates.

Important: Turning off updates can leave your system open to security risks. Make sure to check for updates manually and install any critical patches on a regular basis.

Method 1: Steps to Disable Automatic Updates via Settings

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Windows key + I or please search for "Settings" in the Windows Start Menu.
2. Navigate to Update & Security:
   • In the Settings window, please click on "Update & Security".
3. Access Advanced Options:
   • Under Windows Update, click Advanced Options.
4. Pause Updates:
   • Use the "Pause updates" drop-down menu to delay updates for up to 35 days. 

This method does not permanently disable updates, but provides temporary pause.

Method 2: Disable Automatic Updates via Group Policy 

1. Open Local Group Policy Editor:

   • Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

2. Navigate to Windows Update Settings:

   • Please navigate: Computer Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Windows Update

3. Configure Automatic Updates:

   • Double-click on Configure Automatic Updates.
   • Select Disabled to turn off automatic updates.
   • Click Apply and then OK.

4. Restart Computer: Restart the computer for the changes to take effect.

Method 3: Disable Updates via Services

1. Access Windows Services:
   • Please press Windows key + R, then type services.msc & then press Enter.
2. Find Windows Update Service:
   • In the Services, please scroll down & locate Windows Update.
3. Disable the Service:
   • Right-click on Windows Update and select Properties.
   • Set the Startup type to Disabled.
   • Click Apply and then OK.
4. Stop the Service:
   • If the service is currently running, click Stop.

Method 4: Using the Registry Editor 

1. Open Registry Editor:

   • Please press Windows key + R , then type regedit, & press Enter.

2. Navigate to Windows Update Key:

   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Policies\\Microsoft\\Windows\\WindowsUpdate\\AU

3. Modify NoAutoUpdate Value:

   • Please right click the "AU" folder & then select New >> DWORD (32-bit) Value.
   • Please name it NoAutoUpdate & set its value to 1.

4. Restart Your Computer:

   • Restart the Computer for the changes to take effect.

Warning: Incorrect changes to the registry can harm your systems. Please proceed with caution and back up the registry before making any modifications.

Special Considerations for Servers

1. Controlled Update Policies:
   • Use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to manage updates across multiple servers.
2. Avoid Downtime:
   • Schedule updates during maintenance windows to minimize disruption.
3. Monitor Compliance:
   • Please review your server update settings regularly to ensure they align with your organization's policies and compliance requirements.

Re-Enabling Updates

If you decide to re-enable updates, simply reverse the steps outlined in the chosen method. Regular updates are essential for maintaining system security and stability.

Conclusion

Disabling automatic updates on your Windows desktops and servers can provide greater control over system management and help avoid unexpected interruptions. However, it's essential to strike a balance by ensuring that critical updates are applied regularly to protect your systems from security vulnerabilities. Use the methods outlined above thoughtfully & make it a priority to install important updates as they become available.

Related Article

• Manage additional Windows Update settings