Windows 10 update prevent download

Understand the limitations of this method. While disabling the automatic update service will temporarily halt any Windows 10 cumulative updates, the service will re-enable itself after a certain amount of time.

Here are the directions:. Do you prefer a one-click solution to disable the Windows automatic update feature? Step 1. Step 3. The tool will detect the status of the Windows Update service automatically.

If Windows Update is currently enabled, click the switch to stop the service. Step 4. Step 5. In the "Service status" section, you should see the service has been stopped. The Group Policy feature is not available in the Home edition. So, only when you run Windows 10 Professional, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Group Policy Editor to change the settings to prevent Windows 10 from automatically updating. The group policy editor will notify you of new updates without automatically installing them.

Note: If you need to update your Windows version later, you can repeat the steps above, then select Enabled to turn on this feature, so that you can continue to download the updates. Understand that this method won't work for Ethernet connections. You can only disable automatic updates by using this method on a Wi-Fi connection. If your computer is connected to WiFi, you can try this to stop Windows 10 automatic updates. Extra Tips: Editing the registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don't do it correctly.

Right-click it, and choose Run as administrator. Grant it administrative access upon request. Right-click DefaultMediaCost , and choose Permissions. In the new dialog box, click Advanced. In the next window, click Change next to the Owner field at the top.

In the object name field, enter your Windows user name, or the Microsoft account that you use to log in. Then click Check Names to validate. Back in the Permissions window, locate your user name in the top pane. Back in the Registry Editor, locate Ethernet key in the right pane, and double-click it. Further reading: Windows Akhil Arora Email Akhil. You have to perform a check for updates before Windows Update notices your changed setting. It involves disabling the Windows Update system service in the Windows services administration tool.

To prevent Windows from automatically downloading updates on any PC, just set its connection as metered. Browse All iPhone Articles Browse All Mac Articles Do I need one? Browse All Android Articles Browse All Smart Home Articles Customize the Taskbar in Windows Browse All Microsoft Office Articles What Is svchost.

Browse All Privacy and Security Articles Browse All Linux Articles Browse All Buying Guides. Best iPhone 13 Pro Case. Best Bluetooth Headphones for Switch. Best Roku TV. Best Apple Watch. Best iPad Cases. Best Portable Monitors. Best Gaming Keyboards. This doesn't take a long while. Also, if you later have second thoughts about your decision and fear for the security of your computer, you can unblock Windows Updates by pressing the same button.

Since Windows 10 updates are stopped, the operating system will no longer upgrade itself by force. To do this, you have to manually check for updates and allow it to work.