How to Stop Windows 10 Updates

The safest way to stop Windows 10 updates is to pause them. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Pause updates for 7 days, or open Advanced options and choose a date under Pause updates to delay them for up to 35 days. You can also set your connection as metered to limit downloads, or, on Windows 10 Pro, use Group Policy to require your approval before updates install. Turning off the Windows Update service completely isn’t recommended, because Windows often turns it back on and your PC stops getting security fixes.

Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Regular PCs now only get security updates through Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, so pausing those updates carries more risk than before.

Method 1: Pause updates

1. Open Settings (Windows + I) and click Update & Security.
2. Click Pause updates for 7 days. Click it again to add another 7 days, up to 35 days total.
3. To pick an exact date, click Advanced options and choose a date from the Pause until menu.

When the pause ends, Windows must install the latest updates before you can pause again. To resume early, click Resume updates.

Method 2: Stop updates from restarting your PC at bad times

• Active hours: Click Change active hours and set the hours you usually use your PC. Windows won’t restart automatically during that time.
• Restart options: In Advanced options, turn on Show a notification when your PC requires a restart so you get a warning first.

Method 3: Set a metered connection

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Click Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), then click your network.
3. Turn on Set as metered connection.

Windows then downloads only priority updates automatically. Make sure Download updates over metered connections is off in Windows Update > Advanced options.

Method 4: Require approval with Group Policy (Pro, Enterprise, Education)

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates, choose Enabled, and set it to 2 – Notify for download and auto install.
4. Click OK and restart your PC.

Windows will tell you when updates are available and let you choose when to install them. Group Policy Editor isn’t available in Windows 10 Home.

Method 5: Stop a specific update or driver

• Uninstall a problem update: Go to Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates.
• Stop driver updates: Search Start for Change device installation settings, choose No, and click Save Changes.
• Hide an update: Microsoft’s Show or hide updates troubleshooter can hide a specific update, but it’s an older tool and may not be available anymore.

Why not disable the Windows Update service?

Guides often suggest setting the Windows Update service to Disabled in services.msc. Windows includes a Windows Update Medic Service that can switch it back on, and blocking updates entirely leaves your PC without security patches. Pausing is safer and easy to undo.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I pause Windows 10 updates?

Up to 35 days. After that, Windows installs pending updates before you can pause again.

Can I stop an update that’s already installing?

Don’t turn off your PC during “Working on updates.” It can damage Windows. Let it finish, then uninstall the update if it causes problems.

Does pausing updates stop Microsoft Defender updates?

Defender’s virus definitions may still update during a pause, depending on your version. That’s a good thing for security.

Should I upgrade instead?

If your PC supports Windows 11, upgrading gets you continued free security updates. Check in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.