Easily Stop Windows 10 Updates for your Desired Time Period

Controlling Windows 10 Updates

Windows 10 has a reputation for pushing updates at inconvenient times. While automatic updates are important for security, there are legitimate reasons to pause them temporarily. This guide shows you how to control when your system updates.

Why Pause Updates?

  • Testing compatibility: Ensure new updates don’t break critical software
  • Limited bandwidth: Avoid large downloads during important work
  • Stability: Wait for bug fixes before installing major updates
  • Time constraints: Prevent interruptions during presentations or projects

Method 1: Official Pause Feature (Up to 35 Days)

This is the easiest and safest method, available in Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Steps to Pause Updates

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings
  2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update
  3. Click Advanced options
  4. Under Pause updates, select a date up to 35 days in the future
  5. Updates will be paused until the selected date

Extending the Pause

Once the pause period expires:

  1. Let Windows check for updates (but don’t install)
  2. You can pause again for another 35 days

Note: This method is limited in Windows 10 Home edition, which only allows pausing for 7 days.

Method 2: Registry Method (Extended Pause)

For longer pause periods or more control, you can use the Windows Registry. Warning: Modifying the registry incorrectly can cause system issues. Back up your registry before proceeding.

Creating a Registry Backup

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter
  2. Click File > Export
  3. Save the backup file to a safe location

Pausing Updates via Registry

  1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter
  2. Navigate to: 
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
  3. If the WindowsUpdate or AU keys don’t exist, create them:
    • Right-click parent key > New > Key
  4. Right-click AU > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
  5. Name it NoAutoUpdate
  6. Double-click and set the value to 1
  7. Click OK and close Registry Editor
  8. Restart your computer

Re-enabling Updates

To allow updates again:

  1. Return to the same registry location
  2. Set NoAutoUpdate to 0 or delete the value
  3. Restart your computer

Method 3: Metered Connection

Windows avoids downloading updates on metered connections to save data. You can designate your network as metered:

For Wi-Fi Networks

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi
  2. Click your connected network
  3. Turn on Set as metered connection

For Ethernet Networks (Windows 10 1903+)

  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet
  2. Click your connection
  3. Turn on Set as metered connection

Limitation: This method may still download critical security updates.

Method 4: Windows Update Service

Temporarily disable the Windows Update service (not recommended for extended periods):

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter
  2. Find Windows Update in the list
  3. Double-click it
  4. Set Startup type to Disabled
  5. Click Stop if the service is running
  6. Click OK

Warning: This prevents all updates including critical security patches. Use cautiously and re-enable soon.

Method 5: Group Policy Editor (Pro/Enterprise)

For precise control over update behavior:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter
  2. Navigate to: 
    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
  3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates
  4. Select Disabled or configure as needed
  5. Click Apply and OK

Advanced Options

In the same location, you can configure:

  • Specify deadline before auto-restart: Control restart timing
  • No auto-restart with logged on users: Prevent forced restarts
  • Configure Automatic Updates: Choose manual or scheduled updates

Method 6: Third-Party Tools

Several tools can help manage Windows updates:

  • Windows Update Blocker: Simple toggle for update service
  • StopUpdates10: Comprehensive update control
  • O&O ShutUp10: Privacy and update settings manager

Caution: Download third-party tools only from trusted sources.

Best Practices

  1. Don’t pause indefinitely: Security updates are crucial
  2. Schedule updates: Use Active Hours to set a convenient update window
  3. Pause during critical periods: Only pause when necessary
  4. Check for updates manually: Periodically check for important updates
  5. Keep backups: Always maintain system backups before major updates

Setting Active Hours

Tell Windows when you typically use your PC to avoid restart interruptions:

  1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
  2. Click Change active hours
  3. Set your typical work hours (up to 18 hours)
  4. Windows will avoid restarting during this time

Re-enabling Updates

After pausing updates, remember to:

  1. Use your preferred method to re-enable updates
  2. Manually check for updates: Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates
  3. Install important security updates immediately
  4. Review update history for failed or problematic updates

Troubleshooting

Updates Still Installing

  • Check if pause period has expired
  • Verify registry changes were saved correctly
  • Restart Windows Update service if disabled
  • Some critical security updates may override pause settings

Can’t Access Group Policy Editor

Group Policy Editor is not available in Windows 10 Home. Use registry or built-in pause features instead.

System Issues After Registry Changes

  1. Restore your registry backup
  2. Open the exported .reg file
  3. Confirm the import
  4. Restart your computer

Conclusion

While Windows 10 updates are important for security and performance, you have several options to control when they install. Choose the method that best fits your needs, but remember to re-enable updates after your critical period ends. Keeping your system secure should always be a priority.