Jump to Key Sections
Windows updates are essential for keeping your operating system secure and up to date. However, there may be instances where you want to temporarily or permanently disable Windows updates, such as when you need to prevent automatic restarts or if a specific update is causing compatibility issues on your system. In this tutorial, we will guide you through the steps to disable Windows Update on Windows 10 permanently using the Windows Registry Editor.
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type "regedit" and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
If the Windows key does not exist, you may need to create it. To do so, right-click on the "Microsoft" key, select New, and then click on Key. Name the new key "Windows."
Step 3: Right-click on the Windows key, select New, and then click on Key. Name this new key "WindowsUpdate" (without spaces).
Step 4: Right-click on the WindowsUpdate key, select New, and then click on DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name this new value "AUOptions" (without spaces).
Step 5: Double-click on the AUOptions value and set its value data accordingly:
- 0: Windows updates are enabled and will be downloaded and installed automatically.
- 1: Windows updates are disabled; you will need to manually check for and install updates.
- 2: Windows updates are disabled, and you will not receive notifications about new updates.
Step 6: Click OK to save the changes.
Step 7: Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Prevents automatic installations that may interfere with ongoing work. | 1. Disabling updates can leave your system vulnerable to security threats if not managed carefully. |
| 2. Gives you control over when and how updates are applied. | 2. Disabling updates can lead to software and driver compatibility issues. |
| 3. Useful for certain scenarios where specific updates cause problems or conflicts. | 3. Disabling updates may result in missing out on critical patches and new feature enhancements. |
Video Tutorial: How to enable Windows 10 update permanently using regedit?
How do I force Windows Update to stop permanently?
As a tech blogger, I can provide guidance on how to stop Windows Update permanently, but I must advise against it. Disabling Windows Update for an extended period can leave your system vulnerable to security risks and may prevent the installation of critical updates and patches.
However, if you still want to proceed, here are the steps to stop Windows Update permanently:
1. Open the Run dialog by pressing the "Windows key + R" simultaneously.
2. In the Run dialog box, type "services.msc" (without quotes) and hit Enter.
3. The Services window will open. Scroll down and locate "Windows Update" in the list.
4. Right-click on "Windows Update" and select "Properties" from the context menu.
5. In the Properties window, go to the "General" tab.
6. Locate the "Startup type" section and change it from "Automatic" to "Disabled."
7. Click on the "Apply" button, and then click "OK" to save the changes.
8. Close the Services window.
Please note that by disabling Windows Update permanently, you are responsible for regularly checking for updates manually and ensuring your system’s security. It’s strongly recommended to enable Windows Update and set it to automatically install updates to keep your system protected and up to date.
How to remove Windows Update from registry?
To remove a Windows Update from the registry, you can follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Registry Editor
– Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
– Type "regedit" and click OK. This will open the Registry Editor.
Step 2: Navigate to the Windows Update section
– In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\Auto Update
Step 3: Delete Windows Update information
– Under the Auto Update key, you will find various subkeys. Look for the specific update you want to remove. The update information is usually denoted by a long name or a KB number.
– Right-click on the specific update key and select Delete. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Step 4: Restart your computer
– After deleting the update from the registry, close the Registry Editor.
– Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Please note that modifying the registry can have unintended consequences and may cause system instability if not done correctly. Therefore, it is advisable to create a backup of your registry before making any changes and proceed with caution. Additionally, removing updates from the registry may not completely uninstall the update from your system, and remnants may still be present. It is always recommended to use the appropriate Windows Update settings or tools to manage updates effectively.
How to permanently disable Windows Update using cmd?
As a tech blogger, I understand that there might be instances where users want to disable Windows Update through the command prompt (cmd) in a permanent manner. However, I must emphasize that disabling Windows Update can have repercussions for the security and performance of your system. It is generally recommended to keep Windows updated to benefit from the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. That being said, if you still wish to proceed, here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Launch the Command Prompt as an administrator: Right-click on the Start button, select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
2. To stop the Windows Update service, run the following command:
"`
net stop wuauserv
"`
This command will halt the Windows Update service, preventing it from running until it is manually restarted or enabled again.
3. Next, you need to disable the Windows Update service using the following command:
"`
sc config wuauserv start= disabled
"`
This command sets the Windows Update service startup type to disabled, which means it won’t start automatically even after a system reboot.
Please note that permanently disabling Windows Update can leave your system vulnerable to security threats and prevent you from receiving important updates. It is essential to maintain a proactive approach towards system updates and security. You should only consider disabling Windows Update if you have a specific, well-informed reason to do so and are prepared to take on the associated risks.
Remember, periodically re-enabling and updating Windows is crucial to ensure your system’s stability, security, and compatibility with the latest software and hardware advancements.
How to disable automatic driver updates Windows 10 through registry?
Disabling automatic driver updates in Windows 10 through the registry involves modifying the Group Policy settings. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
4. Right-click on the "Windows" folder and select New > Key. Name the new key as "DeviceInstall".
5. Right-click on the newly created "DeviceInstall" key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Name the new DWORD as "DeviceInstall_Disable". Double-click on it to modify its value.
7. Set the value data to "1" and click OK.
8. Close the Registry Editor.
This method prevents Windows 10 from automatically downloading and installing driver updates. However, it’s important to note that disabling automatic driver updates may prevent your system from receiving important driver updates, which could potentially affect the performance or compatibility of your hardware.
It’s advisable to use this method only if you are confident in managing driver updates manually or if you have a specific reason to disable automatic updates, such as a compatibility issue or a specialized driver requirement. Make sure to regularly check for driver updates from your hardware manufacturer’s website and install them manually as needed.
How to disable AutoRun in registry?
AutoRun is a feature in the Windows registry that allows certain actions to be performed automatically when a removable media, such as a USB drive or a CD/DVD, is inserted into a computer. Disabling AutoRun can be beneficial for security purposes as it prevents potentially malicious code from executing without user consent. Here’s how you can disable AutoRun in the Windows registry:
1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type "regedit" (without quotes) and hit Enter. This will open the Windows Registry Editor.
3. In the Registry Editor, navigate to the following location:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
4. If the "Explorer" key does not exist under "Policies," you can create it by following these steps:
– Right-click on the "Policies" key.
– Select New > Key.
– Name the new key "Explorer" (without quotes).
5. With the "Explorer" key selected, right-click on the right-hand side of the editor window.
6. Choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
7. Name the new DWORD value "NoDriveTypeAutoRun" (without quotes).
8. Double-click on the "NoDriveTypeAutoRun" value to modify it.
9. In the "Value data" field, enter the hexadecimal value "FF" (without quotes) to disable AutoRun for all drives.
10. Click OK to save the changes and close the Registry Editor.
Note: Disabling AutoRun should be done with caution, as it may affect the functionality of certain legitimate applications that rely on this feature. It is recommended to have updated antivirus software installed on your computer.
Remember to exercise caution when working with the Windows registry, as making incorrect changes can cause system instability or other issues.