One of the most controversial features of Windows 10 is the new way the operating system handles updates. This can be extremely frustrating for Windows 10 users as they are often forced to restart their machine at an inopportune time. We explain three tricks that you can use to stop forced Windows 10 updates .
Why stop forced Windows 10 updates
Updates to the operating system, drivers, and applications can often cause unexpected behavior on the computer on which they are installed. One way to protect yourself is to make a backup before installing updates on your system.
Unfortunately, when automatic updates are installed without your approval, you cannot take this precautionary measure and you face the possibility of having to resort to an older backup.
Therefore, there are valid reasons to disable automatic updates in Windows 10.
Disable Windows Update Service
Windows Update is essentially a Windows service and can be disabled in a similar way to other services.
You just need to follow these steps to stop Windows 10 updates like this:
- Press the Win + R key combination to open the Run tool. Type " services.msc " and hit Enter.
- Select the Windows Update service from the list of services.
- Click on the "General" tab and change the "Startup Type" to " Disabled ."
- Restart the PC.
When you want to activate automatic updates again, you just have to follow the same procedure, except select the "Automatic" option in "Startup type".
Configure a network connection as a measure
If you use WiFi to connect your Windows 10 PC to the Internet, you have the option to configure a connection as a measurement. This way only the automatic installation of priority updates is maintained.
For this you only need to follow the following steps:
- Open the Windows setup application with the Win + I key combination.
- Click on the " Network and Internet " section.
- Open "Wi-Fi" and click "Manage known networks."
- Select your network and in "Properties" change the option " Set as measured connection " to "Activate".
For some reason, Microsoft only offers this option if you are using a WiFi connection. If you connect to the Internet through an Ethernet cable, you will not be able to establish a connection as a measurement.
Modify group policies
You can make changes in Group Policy Editor if you are using a different system version of Windows 10 Home.
If you opt for this solution, the security updates will continue to install automatically. For the rest of the updates, you will be notified that they are available, and you can install them whenever it suits you. This is the way Windows updates worked in the past.
Here's how to update Group Policy Editor to prevent automatic Windows 10 updates:
- Launch the Run command with the Win + R key combination. Type " gpedit.msc " and hit Enter to open the group policy editor.
- Scroll down through "Computer Configuration" to " Administrative Templates ."
- Select "Windows Components" and then " Windows Update ".
- Choose the option to the right of "Allow immediate installation of automatic updates."
- Select the option that says " Disabled ".
- Click "Apply" and "OK."
Windows should notify you if it finds updates, but they should no longer install automatically.