How to Stop Automatic Updates in Windows 11

The safest way to stop automatic updates in Windows 11 is to pause them: open Settings > Windows Update, select Pick a date next to Pause updates, and choose a date up to 35 days away. You can extend the pause again before it ends. Windows 11 Pro can also turn automatic updates off with Group Policy, but skipping updates for long leaves your PC open to security problems.

Scope: These controls apply to Windows Update on a PC you administer. They do not promise that every Microsoft app or service will stop updating. On a work or school PC, contact IT if settings are managed. Microsoft documents that update deadlines can override automatic-update and restart preferences, including active hours.

How to Pause Updates in Windows 11

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update at the bottom of the left column.
3. Find Pause updates under More options and select Pick a date.

4. Choose the date you want updates to resume. You can pick a date up to 35 days away.

While updates are paused, your PC won’t download updates that need a restart or restart on its own to install them. Any update that was in progress when you paused is canceled. When the pause ends, Windows checks for and installs the latest updates. To end the pause early, select Resume updates.

Extend the pause

1. Go back to Settings > Windows Update before the pause ends.
2. Pick a new end date on the Pause updates calendar.

The new date can be up to 35 days from today; the days you already paused aren’t added on. Microsoft says you can keep extending the pause this way, 35 days at a time. If you do nothing, updates resume on the end date. These rules come from Microsoft’s Pause updates in Windows guide.

Stop Updates From Restarting Your PC at a Bad Time

If the real problem is surprise restarts, you don’t need to block updates.

1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
2. Select Active hours and set them to the hours you normally use the PC.
3. When an update is waiting, select Schedule the restart on the Windows Update page and pick a time that suits you.

Windows won’t restart for updates during active hours. To restart on your own terms, see how to reboot Windows 11. You can also turn off Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available on the Windows Update page so optional feature updates don’t arrive early.

Delay Updates With a Metered Connection

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
2. Select your network’s properties.
3. Turn on Metered connection.
4. In Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options, make sure Download updates over metered connections is off.

Microsoft’s metered-connection guide says Windows Update still downloads priority updates. This limits downloads on that network; it does not block every update.

Stop Automatic Driver Updates

If Windows Update keeps replacing a driver that works better in its older version:

1. Select Start, type Change device installation settings, and open it.
2. Select No (your device might not work as expected).
3. Select Save Changes.

The prompt concerns manufacturer apps and custom icons. Do not rely on it as a guaranteed way to block Windows Update drivers. On Windows 11 Pro, the more reliable option is to enable the Do not include drivers with Windows Updates policy described in Microsoft’s update-policy documentation, under Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update. You can still update drivers yourself from Device Manager or the PC maker’s site.

Turn Off Automatic Updates With Group Policy (Windows 11 Pro)

The Local Group Policy Editor is included with Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education, not Home.

1. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience.
3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
4. Select Disabled, then select OK.

With this policy disabled, available Windows Update updates must be downloaded and installed manually. You can still check for updates on the Windows Update page. Managed-device deadlines can override this behavior; see the scope note above. For a middle ground, select Enabled instead and choose Notify for download and auto install, so Windows asks before downloading. To undo either change, set the policy back to Not Configured.

Pause Windows 10 Updates or Decline the Windows 11 Upgrade

On Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. Select Pause updates for 7 days, or use Advanced options > Pause updates to choose a resume date. Select Resume updates to end the pause. After the pause limit, install pending updates before pausing again. This delays updates generally, including security fixes; it is different from declining only a Windows 11 upgrade. See Microsoft’s Windows 10 update FAQ.

For a Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise PC you administer, open gpedit.msc and go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update. Older templates use Windows Update for Business. Open Select the target Feature Update version, select Enabled, set the Windows product to Windows 10 and target feature version to 22H2, and select Apply > OK. Restart and check Windows Update. This selects the Windows 10 feature release rather than disabling all update services. To undo your local change, return the policy to Not Configured and check again. Microsoft explains the product and target-version fields and target-version policy limits.

Home lacks the Local Group Policy Editor. Use its pause controls for a temporary delay; do not install an unofficial policy editor or treat disabling Windows Update as a dependable permanent block. On a managed PC, contact IT. These controls do not downgrade an existing Windows 11 installation, restore Windows 10’s regular support, or enroll the PC in ESU. Check ESU eligibility if remaining on Windows 10, and maintain a plan for security updates.

Why You Shouldn’t Turn Off Updates for Good

• Updates fix security holes that attackers use.
• Microsoft only supports recent versions of Windows 11, so a PC that falls far behind stops getting fixes.
• If an update causes a problem, you can uninstall it in Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I disable the Windows Update service instead?

This guide uses the documented pause and policy controls rather than treating a disabled service as a permanent guarantee. If you previously disabled the service and now cannot check for updates, undo that change before troubleshooting Windows Update. Keep a plan for installing security fixes.

How long can I pause Windows 11 updates?

Up to 35 days from the day you set it. You can extend the pause by picking a new end date, again up to 35 days from that day, and repeat that as needed. Updates resume on their own if you let the pause run out.

Will pausing stop driver updates too?

Microsoft describes pausing as delaying updates that might require a restart. Avoid treating it as a universal block on every driver or security component. To exclude drivers from Windows quality updates on Pro, use the driver policy above.

Is there a way to turn off updates on Windows 11 Home?

Not permanently through Settings. Home users can pause and extend the pause, set a metered connection, and use active hours to avoid restarts.