How to Turn Off Automatic Updates for Windows 10

Prevent your Windows 10 device from automatically updating

by
Luis Chavez
Luis E. Chavez Saenz
Writer
Luis Chavez is a former Lifewire writer and a System Administrator with 5+ years' experience writing about technology for end users.
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Luis E. Chavez Saenz
Updated on June 02, 2021
reviewed by
Jon Fisher headshot
Jon Fisher
Lifewire Technology Review Board Member
Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA certified technologist with more than 6 years' experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.
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Article reviewed on Nov 06, 2020
Jon Fisher

Windows 10 is set to automatically update when Microsoft releases new updates. To pause new updates, go to your Windows Update and Security settings, and select a date to update Windows.

We do not recommend disabling the Windows Update service since Microsoft periodically patches critical errors and security updates.

How to Modify Windows 10 Update Settings

Adjust the Windows Update and Security settings to pause updates.

  1. Right-click the Start menu and select Settings.

    Windows 10 - Start menu > Settings

  2. In the lower-left corner, select Update & Security.

    Selecting "Update &Security" in Windows Settings.

  3. Under Windows Update, select Advanced Options.

    advanced options

  4. To pause updates, select a date in the Pause updates drop-down menu. Updates are paused until your chosen date.

    Windows Settings - Pause updates

    This setting only disables updates for 35 days. After 35 days, you'll need to select a new date under Pause updates to disable it again.

  5. Enjoy a Windows 10 device with updates temporarily disabled.

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