3 methods of Turning off Windows update on Windows
Predecessors of windows (Windows 8.1 and Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP and earlier) had the ability to turn off windows update from the control panel. Not anymore with Windows 10. Gone are the days when User have the option to choose either to:
- Install updates automatically (Recommended)
- Download Updates but choose when to install them.
- Check for update but let you choose whether to download and install them.
- Never check for updates (Not Recommended)
These option at the disposal of Users gave them total control of how they want update to be installed with their paid for internet connection. Not anymore with Windows 10 Updates and Security Settings, Users only gets the choice to install:
- Automatically (recommended) or
- Notify to schedule restart.
Oops the Users total control on how to install updates is gone with Windows 10. Microsoft explained sometime 2015 they would provide updates in two styles for its two usage streams. The Home User and the Enterprise User.
Options available to Enterprise Users
Microsoft say Enterprise Users (Corporate Institutions, Government Institutions, Universities, ATMs, etc.) will have the option to delay updates so they can install when they are less busy with the computer(s). Microsoft say they would push updates less frequently to theses category of Users to minimise downtime.
Options available to Home Users
The Home Users (Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Professional and Windows 10 Home and Pro Insider Versions) however Microsoft says Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Professional would not get any control of a sort, their systems would download and install updates as and when they are made available.
Windows 10 Home and Pro Insider Versions would receive updates for testing which after a few days of testing without problems gets released to the Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Professional and accordingly the Enterprise Users.
A work around worth a dive
1. Via Administrative Tools
But that is not the end of the road, User can still turn off the Update utility through Control Panel –> Administrative Tools –> Services –> Windows Update –> (Right Click and Choose) Properties –> Windows Update Properties –> Under General tab select Disabled from Startup type. Done.
2. Via Group policy
Group policy users (Windows 10 Pro Version) can do this via running gpedit.msc by using Windows key and R –> gpedit.msc and enter key –> Computer Configuration –> Administrative Template –> Windows Components –> Windows Update –> Right click on Configure Automatic Updates –> Select Edit –> Choose Disabled –> Select Apply –> Select OK. That’s it No more update worries.
3. Via Services
Another alternative is by disabling the update service. The video below would guide you through this option.
There is hope at the corner
On 3rd November, 2016, Microsoft announced theirs Unified Update Platform (UUP) which would address some of the problems Users have with updates.
Note: We don’t recommend that you don’t receive update since some update are of great importance. Only disable updates when it slows down your computer as it runs in the background or it happens too often or you have a lower bandwidth plan. In all cases, do check for updates and install them at least twice every quarter of the year.
More Information
- How To Manage and Delay Windows Updates longer in Windows 10
- How to turn Off Windows update using Group Policy Windows 10
- Turning off Windows update in Windows 10