Windows 10 doesn’t offer a supported way to turn off updates permanently, and after its end of support on October 14, 2025, updates matter more than ever. The only remaining security updates come through the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which for home users runs until October 12, 2027. This guide explains what’s safe to do instead: pause updates for up to five weeks, control when and how updates install, stop feature upgrades, and why disabling the update service is a bad idea. It also covers your options once ESU ends.
Quick Answer
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options and choose a date under Pause updates (up to 35 days). On Pro, you can use Group Policy to require your approval before downloads. Permanently disabling updates leaves your PC exposed and isn’t recommended.
Why You Shouldn’t Disable Updates Permanently
- Security fixes block malware and ransomware that target known flaws.
- Without updates, Windows Defender definitions and drivers can fall behind too.
- Windows repairs its update components automatically, so “disabled” services often turn back on, causing confusion.
- After October 12, 2027, Windows 10 home PCs stop getting security updates entirely, even with ESU.
Method 1: Pause Updates (All Editions)
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Pause updates for 7 days, or click Advanced options.
- Under Pause updates, pick a date up to 35 days away.
When the pause ends, Windows must install the latest updates before you can pause again.
Method 2: Set Active Hours and Restart Timing
- Change active hours on the Windows Update page so restarts don’t happen while you work.
- In Advanced options, turn on Show a notification when your PC requires a restart.
- Use Schedule the restart when an update is waiting.
Method 3: Metered Connection
Windows downloads only some urgent updates on metered connections.
- Go to Settings > Network & Internet, click your connection’s Properties.
- Turn on Set as metered connection.
- In Windows Update Advanced options, make sure Download updates over metered connections is off.
This is a temporary measure, not a long-term plan; critical updates may still download.
Method 4: Notify Before Download (Pro, Enterprise, Education)
- Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
- Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
- Open Configure Automatic Updates, choose Enabled, and set 2 – Notify for download and auto install.
- Click OK. Windows now asks before downloading, and you install updates when ready.
Remember to check for and install updates regularly yourself.
Method 5: Stay on Your Current Version
Windows 10 version 22H2 is the final feature release, so there are no more Windows 10 feature upgrades. To stop a Windows 11 upgrade offer, decline it on the Windows Update page. On Pro, the Group Policy Select the target Feature Update version can pin you to Windows 10 22H2 while still receiving security updates.
What About Disabling the Windows Update Service?
Setting the Windows Update service (wuauserv) to Disabled in services.msc is a common tip, but Windows’ Update Medic and Update Orchestrator services often re-enable it, and it can break the Microsoft Store and Defender updates. If you try it for troubleshooting, set it back to Manual afterward. Third-party “update blocker” tools have similar side effects.
If an Update Causes a Problem
- Uninstall it: Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
- Pause updates while you wait for a fix.
- Use Microsoft’s Show or hide updates troubleshooter to hide a specific driver or update, where available.
Your Options as ESU Ends
- Upgrade to Windows 11 free if your PC meets the requirements. See switching to UEFI for Windows 11 if your PC boots in Legacy mode.
- Replace the PC if it can’t run Windows 11.
- Businesses can buy additional years of ESU.
- If you keep using Windows 10 after ESU ends, keep your browser and security software updated, back up often, and avoid using the PC for banking or sensitive tasks.
If updates stopped because your network is metered, see how to turn off a metered connection in Windows 10.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I stop Windows 10 updates forever on Home?
Not in a supported way. Pause and metered connections are temporary. Staying unpatched is risky.
Is Windows 10 still getting updates?
Only for PCs enrolled in ESU, and for home users that runs until October 12, 2027.
Will pausing updates stop Defender updates?
Defender definitions usually keep updating separately, but pausing can delay some.
Summary
- Pause updates for up to 35 days in Advanced options.
- Use active hours, metered connections or Group Policy for more control.
- Don’t disable the Windows Update service permanently.
- Plan to move to Windows 11 or a new PC as ESU ends.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.