How to Disable Windows 10 and Windows 11 Updates Permanently

Dec. 7, 2021



When Microsoft announced regular updates forWindows 10computers, many praised the decision as the company was not known for releasing timely updates. Fast forward to now and it seems the much-lauded feature has become a nuisance. The updates have become frequent and the constant prompt to install an update disrupts the user workflow. Not to mention, at times, Windows 10 automatically starts installing an update that adds to the user woes. If this is a constant hindrance for you too, here is how you can disable Windows 10 updates permanently.

There are a couple of ways that can help you disable automatic updates with ease. Here, we have mentioned a standard Group Policy method, a third-party way, a few more ways to disable Windows 10 updates permanently. Continue reading to know more.

Users who want to permanently stop Windows 10 or Windows 11 updates, can tweak the Registry to completely stop updates on their PCs. Just follow the instructions step-by-step.

This is another that might interest you to turn off Windows 10 updates permanently. This method involves the Group Policy Editor. Here’s what you need to do:

Note that if you manually go to the Settings and choose to download an update then it will still work. However, the OS won’t update itself or force you with a prompt to install an update immediately, which is a big relief.

In case you don’t want to manually check for updates and opt forautomatic ones on Windows 10 then simply choose “Not Configured” under the same Group Policy.

If you want to quickly stop Windows 10 updates on your PC without diving into Registry or Group Policy editor then this method is for you. You just need to configure the metered connection settings and Windows 10 or even Windows 11 will stop downloading updates then and there. Here is how to go about it.

However, you will continue to receive security updates for Windows Defender/Security which is a good thing to keep your PC safe and secure.

You can also disable the Windows 10 updates by turning off the Windows Update service. Here’s how:

If the above-mentioned steps don’t work for you, you can use SimpleWall to block Windows 10 updates on your PC. For those who don’t know, SimpleWall blocks internet access from applications and Windows services. The applicationusesWindow’s native Filtering Platform (WFP)to monitor network activity and block applications and services. The approach is pretty simple; don’t allow Windows Update Services to access the internet and you will have no nagging updates. Here are the steps you need to enable SimpleWall to stop Windows 10 updates:

While the above steps will be enough to block Windows 10/11 updates, there are a few things to keep in mind if you don’t want problems in the future.

In case you want to skip the aforementioned steps for now and go for a temporary solution, you can just pause them. All you need to do is:

Stop Windows 11 and Windows 10 Automatic Update on Your PC

Stop Windows 11 and Windows 10 Automatic Update on Your PC

So that’s how you can stop Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates on your PC. The Group Policy and other methods should work on most PCs but if it doesn’t, SimpleWall will have you covered. It will specifically help advanced users as it can block any application from accessing the internet. In the right hands, it can be a powerful tool as it allows users to block tracking services, Microsoft telemetry services, and more.

We hope these methods help you get rid of constant reminders to update Windows. If you encounter any problems, drop your queries in the comments section below and we will be happy to help you out.

Passionate about Windows, ChromeOS, Android, security and privacy issues. Have a penchant to solve everyday computing problems.