If you’re looking to disable Windows Update in Windows 10, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will walk you through the steps to turn off automatic updates. While it’s usually a good idea to keep your system updated, sometimes you might want to pause updates for various reasons. This guide will show you how to do it safely.
How to Disable Windows Update in Windows 10
In this section, we’ll go through the steps necessary to disable Windows Update in Windows 10. Each step will be broken down into easy-to-follow instructions so you can get it done quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Open the Services App
First, you need to access the Services app on your computer.
To do this, press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type “services.msc” and hit Enter. This will open the Services window.
Step 2: Find Windows Update Service
Now, you’ll need to locate the Windows Update service in the list.
Scroll down to find “Windows Update” in the list of services. Once you find it, double-click on it to open its properties.
Step 3: Stop the Windows Update Service
The next step is to stop the service from running.
In the properties window, click the “Stop” button to halt the Windows Update service immediately. This will prevent any new updates from being downloaded and installed.
Step 4: Change the Startup Type
To ensure that Windows Update doesn’t start automatically again, you’ll need to modify the startup type.
In the same properties window, find the “Startup type” dropdown menu and select “Disabled”. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
Finally, it’s a good idea to restart your computer to make sure the changes take effect.
After restarting, check the Services app again to confirm that Windows Update is disabled.
Once you complete these steps, automatic updates will be disabled on your Windows 10 computer. This means that you won’t receive any new updates unless you manually turn the service back on.
Tips for Disabling Windows Update in Windows 10
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
- Backup System: Always backup your system before making changes to services.
- Monitor Security: Keep an eye on security updates and manually install important ones.
- Periodic Checks: Periodically check for updates to ensure you’re not missing critical patches.
- Alternative Tools: Use third-party tools to manage updates if you find the built-in options lacking.
- Documentation: Keep a record of the changes you make, so you can revert them if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to disable Windows Update?
While it’s generally safe, you should be cautious. Disabling updates can leave your system vulnerable to security threats.
Can I enable Windows Update again?
Yes, you can easily re-enable it by following the same steps and setting the startup type back to “Automatic.”
Will I miss important updates?
Yes, disabling updates means you must manually check for and install critical updates to keep your system secure.
Does this affect other services?
No, disabling Windows Update only affects the update service. Other system services will continue to function normally.
Can I pause updates instead of disabling them?
Yes, Windows 10 allows you to pause updates for up to 35 days without fully disabling the service.
Summary
- Open the Services app.
- Find Windows Update service.
- Stop the Windows Update service.
- Change the startup type to Disabled.
- Restart your computer.
Conclusion
Disabling Windows Update in Windows 10 can be a helpful solution when you need more control over your system updates. However, it’s essential to remember that keeping your system updated is crucial for security and performance. While this guide has shown you how to disable updates, consider regularly checking for essential updates manually to keep your computer safe. If you decide to re-enable Windows Update later, the same steps can be followed in reverse. For further reading, check out other articles on managing Windows 10 settings and keeping your system optimized. Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, you can make informed decisions about your update preferences.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.