Stopping a Windows 10 update in progress can seem tricky, but it’s absolutely doable with a few steps. Here’s a quick overview: you’ll need to temporarily disable the Windows Update service, then restart your computer, and finally, you’ll need to delete the downloaded update files. This will effectively halt the update process and give you back control over your system updates.
How to Stop an Update in Progress on Windows 10
These steps will guide you through the process of halting an ongoing Windows 10 update to regain control over your system.
Step 1: Open the Services App
First, open the Services app by pressing Windows + R, typing "services.msc," and hitting Enter.
The Services app is a powerful tool that lets you manage various system services, including Windows Update. This is your gateway to stopping the update.
Step 2: Find and Stop the Windows Update Service
Next, find the "Windows Update" service, right-click on it, and select "Stop."
Once you stop this service, the update process will pause, giving you a window to take further action.
Step 3: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer to ensure that the Windows Update service has fully stopped.
A restart is essential to make sure that the service is completely disabled and no further updates are being downloaded or installed.
Step 4: Delete Downloaded Update Files
Navigate to C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionDownload, and delete all files in this folder.
Deleting these files ensures that the partially downloaded update will not resume, effectively halting the update process.
Step 5: Disable Automatic Updates Temporarily
Go back to the Services app, right-click on "Windows Update" again, and select "Properties." Set the Startup type to "Disabled."
This extra step will prevent Windows from immediately trying to download the update again.
After completing these steps, the ongoing update will stop, and Windows will not immediately try to restart it.
Tips for Stopping an Update in Progress on Windows 10
- Backup Your Data: Always back up important files before making significant changes to your system.
- Use Safe Mode: If the update process is causing instability, consider performing these steps in Safe Mode.
- Check Internet Connection: Disable your internet connection temporarily to prevent new updates from downloading.
- Monitor System Health: Use system monitoring tools to ensure that stopping the update doesn’t cause other issues.
- Stay Informed: Regularly check Windows Update settings to stay informed about pending updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an update is in progress?
You can usually tell by checking Windows Update settings in the Settings app or looking at system performance.
Can stopping an update harm my computer?
It’s unlikely, but always back up important files to be safe.
What if the update process starts again?
Follow the steps to disable automatic updates temporarily to prevent this.
Do I have to delete update files?
Yes, deleting the downloaded update files ensures the update process does not resume.
Can I manually restart the update later?
Yes, you can manually restart the update at any time through the Windows Update settings.
Summary
- Open the Services app.
- Find and stop the Windows Update service.
- Restart your computer.
- Delete downloaded update files.
- Disable automatic updates temporarily.
Conclusion
Stopping an update in progress on Windows 10 might seem daunting, but it’s manageable with the right steps. By stopping the Windows Update service, restarting your computer, and deleting the downloaded files, you can halt an unwanted update. This gives you more control over when and how updates occur, providing peace of mind and stability to your system.
Remember, it’s important to keep your system updated for security reasons. However, sometimes you may need to delay an update for various reasons, and knowing how to stop an update in progress can be a lifesaver. If you find these steps cumbersome, look into tools that help manage Windows updates more efficiently. Your control over your system doesn’t have to stop here—keep learning and adapting to ensure your Windows 10 experience remains smooth and trouble-free.
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.