How to stop automatic updates on any version of Windows-10:
Note: editing registry must be done with extra care.
From Start menu run Regedit as Administrator.
Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New, and then click the Key option.
Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.
Right-click the newly created key, select New, and click the Key option.
Name the new key AU and press Enter.
Right-click on the right side, select New, and click the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
Name the new key AUOptions and press Enter.
Double-click the newly created key and change its value (number only) to:
1 - Disable automatic updates
2 — Notify for download and auto install.
3 — Auto download and notify for install.
4 — Auto download and schedule the install.
5 — Allow local admin to choose settings.
These options work similar to the Group Policy settings, and number 2 is the best option
to disable Windows Update on Windows 10 permanently.
Click the OK button.
Restart your computer.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will stop installing updates automatically.
However, you’ll receive notifications as soon as new quality updates are available,
but they won’t download until you trigger the install manually.
You can always use the same instructions to restore the original settings,
but on step No. 4, right-click the WindowsUpdate key, select the Delete option, and then
reboot the device to complete applying the settings.
Updates are essential, however sometimes it makes sense to delay automatic updates.
For example, when you want to delay the installation of a new cumulative update until
you’re sure it doesn’t contain any problems. You want to update your system manually
proactively, or you’re working with a device with critical software and equipment that may
stop working if new updates are applied.
Good stuff, save for later.
>>How to stop automatic updates on any version of Windows-10:<<
How long before MS bypasses that fix?
I did the Cortana reg hack to shut her up — a few updates later she was back “helping” me.
1. To a void bad press (might seem oxymoronic here). M$ has suffered for years from a bad reputation of being unsecure, so having machines update automatically has slowly changed that reputation.
2. Get everyone on the same version asap to allow for mass adoption of new features. Really just clever marketing here, but nothing malicious.
The "Feature Updates" have really been problematic and can be avoided for up to 1 year on Pro or higher versions of Windows. Feature updates are the 4 character patches such as 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, 2004, 20H2, etc. If you went the cheap route and bought Home edition, you can't opt out. You can always purchase a higher edition license, but that will require a full reinstall of Windows. The feature updates have become much more stable from 2004 onward unless you have some strange non-brand name 3rd party hardware drivers installed. Poorly written hardware drivers are the #1 cause of problems after an update.
Bottom line is, don't disable auto updates if you use the internet. If your PC is never connected to a network, then by all means feel free to disable auto-updates.
Thanx for that.
this might also be useful. I haven’t used it in a while.
There is a program called “win updates stop”. And it works. It allows you turn the updates on and off very quickly.
Unfortunately, that procedure works for a while until MicroThief changes the settings to default. The only way I’ve been able to stop W10 from updating is using a program called “StopUpdates10.” That’s done it for me “knock on wood.”