From the time Windows 10 was introduced as the new operating system to battle MacOS in a competitive market. However, we all hate that weird moment when the computer consumes the Mbs left for another day over your portable hotspot or smartphone terthered connection. As a matter of fact, you should not worry since we have a solution pill to the automatic windows updates burdening your computer/internet connection.
Solution 1. Disable Windows Update Service
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:
1. Press the Windows logo key + R at the same time to invoke the Run box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Scroll down to Windows Update, and double-click it.
4. In Startup type, select Disabled. Then click Apply and OK to save the settings.
Solution 2. Change the Setting of the Group Policy Editor
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.
- Press the Windows logo key + R then type gpedit.msc and click OK.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
- Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
- Select Disabled in Configured Automatic Updates on the left, and click Apply and OK to disable the Windows automatic update feature.
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.
Solution 3. Meter Your Network Connection
You can only disable automatic updates by using this method on a WiFi connection. If your computer is connected to WiFi, you can try this to stop Windows 10 automatic updates.
1. Click the Start button at the bottom left on your desktop, then click the Settings app.
2. Click Network & Internet.
3. Click WiFi in the left panel, then click the name of your Wi-Fi connection.
4. Click to turn on Set as metered connection.
Note: Remember that for every different WiFi connection you connect to, you always have to set it as a metered connection.
Solution 4. Change the way of Windows 10 Updates Using Registry
Extra Tips: Editing the registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. It’s recommended that you make a full backup of your computer before proceeding.
With a backup at hand, now it’s safe to customize a Windows 10 update without receiving any forced updates on your computer. Here’s how to make the change in Registry:
1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.
2. Type regedit, and click OK to open the Registry.
Browse the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
3. Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and then click Key.
4. Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.
5. Right-click the newly created key, select new, and click Key.
6. Name the new key AU and press Enter.
Inside the newly created key, right-click on the right side, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
7. Name the new key AUOptions and press Enter.
Double-click the newly created key and change its value to 2. It’s for “Notify for download and notify for install”. Click OK.
8. Close the Registry to complete the task.
Using this value prevents Windows 10 from downloading updates automatically, and you’ll get a notification when new updates are available. By this way, you can avoid any auto Windows 10 update effectively.
While we managed to test each and every method on how you wish to turn off all the automatic updates in Windows 10. The above procedures must help you achieve the impossible dream of stopping crazy updates popping up.