Welcome to the definitive tutorial on how to take control of update functions in Windows 10 and the newer Windows 11. With our latest update to this guide, you’ll be fully equipped to manage your system updates according to your personal or professional needs. If you appreciate this piece, How to Permanently Disable Windows 10/11 Updates, please consider sharing it so others can benefit as well.
Understanding How to Halt Windows Updates
With the rollout of Windows 11, Microsoft introduced a reimagined workspace designed to fuel your creativity and efficiency. And while staying current with updates is the default recommendation for security and performance, there may be times when you want to halt these updates.
It’s important to note that Windows 11 updates won’t automatically apply to Windows 10 systems. You would usually check for updates manually via “Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.” However, for those who prefer not to have their system automatically update—perhaps to conserve data or space—we provide actionable steps to disable automatic updates in Windows 11 (and Windows 10).
A Step-by-Step Guide to Disabling Windows Updates
Method 1: Tame the Windows Update Service:
Historically, one straightforward way to stop Windows updates is to manipulate the update services directly.
- Summon the Run dialog by pressing “Windows + R”.
- Input services.msc and hit “Enter” to launch the Services window.
- Within the Services list, locate “Windows Update,” select it, and click “Stop” to halt the service.
- Navigate to the “General” tab and set “Startup Type” to “Disabled.”
Method 2: Fortify Your Settings with Group Policy:
- Activate the Run command with Windows + R.
- Type gpedit.msc and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
- Drill down to “Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage updates offered from Windows Update.”
- Edit the “Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received” policy.
- Set the policy to “Enabled” and specify the version you wish to stay on (e.g., 21H2 for Windows 10).
Method 3: Put Updates on a Temporary Hold:
- Click the start button and navigate to “Settings.”
- Choose “Update & Security” and select “Pause updates for 7 days.”
Method 4: Use the Registry Editor with Caution:
- Invoke the Run window with Windows + R and type regedit.exe.
- Traverse the registry to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdate.”
- If there isn’t an existing “DWORD (32-bit)” value, create one and set it to 1.
If the value is missing, right-click on Windows Update, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it “TargetReleaseVersionInfo,” then assign it the desired version like “21H2.”
Conclusion: Commanding Your Update Preferences in Windows
Thanks for following along this tutorial, How to Permanently Disable Windows 10/11 Updates. If any questions remain, feel free to reach out through our contact section. If you’ve found this guide useful, share the knowledge with friends and colleagues to spread the empowerment.
FAQ on Managing Windows Updates
Q: What’s the most effective way to stop Windows 10 or 11 from updating?
A: Disabling the Windows Update service is typically the most foolproof approach for preventing automatic updates.
Q: Can pausing Windows updates lead to security vulnerabilities?
A: Yes, delaying updates can leave your system vulnerable to new threats, so proceed with caution and ensure you have alternative security measures in place.
