With the development of the Internet, the constant updating of the operating system has become commonplace. Now developers can fix and refine the system throughout the entire period of its support. But frequent Windows 10 updates are not always convenient. That is why it would be nice to be able to turn them off.
Reasons for disabling automatic updates
The reasons can be very different, and only you can decide how much you need to disable updates. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that important fixes for system vulnerabilities are delivered along with improvements to certain features. And yet, situations where self-updates should be disabled occur quite often:
- paid Internet - sometimes the update is quite large and it can be expensive to download if you pay for traffic. In this case, it is better to postpone the download and download later under other conditions;
- lack of time - after downloading, the update will begin to install during the shutdown of the computer. This can be inconvenient if you need to quickly complete the work, for example, on a laptop. But even worse here is that sooner or later Windows 10 will require you to restart your computer, and if you don’t, then after a while the restart will be forced. All this distracts and interferes with work;
- security - although the updates themselves often contain important system changes, no one can ever foresee everything. As a result, some updates may open your system to a virus attack, while others will simply break it immediately after installation. A reasonable approach in this situation is to update some time after the release of the next version, having previously studied the reviews.
Disable Windows 10 Automatic Updates
There are many ways to turn off Windows 10 updates. Some of them are quite simple for the user, others are more difficult, and still others require the installation of third-party programs.
Disable through the update center
Using the update center to disable it is not the best option, although it is offered as an official solution by the developers from Microsoft. You can indeed turn off the automatic download of updates through their settings. The problem here is that this solution will somehow be temporary. The release of a major Windows 10 update will change this setting and bring back system updates. But we will study the shutdown process anyway:
After these changes, minor updates will no longer be installed. But this solution won't help you get rid of downloading updates forever.
Disable Windows 10 Update Service
Since Windows Update is a system service, we can completely rid ourselves of updates by simply disabling this service. In versions of Windows 10 Home or Home Premium, this is done like this:
Unlike the previous option, operating system updates will be permanently disabled. Well, or until the moment when the user independently turns on this service.
Instructions for Windows 10 Pro
The professional version of the system has elements that are not in the home version. This allows you to use the Local Group Policy Editor to disable Windows Updates. The result will be exactly the same as when disabled by another method:
Disabling Windows 10 Updates by Editing the Registry
Disabling through the registry will also allow you to disable updates once and for all. But it is worth remembering that you make any changes to the registry at your own risk, and inattention can harm your computer. You need to create a new parameter in the registry and configure it:
Restrict updates using metered internet
Windows Updates should not be downloaded with limited connection traffic. Automatically, this feature does not always work correctly, but we can enable this setting to restrict updates manually:
Video: Disable Windows 10 updates
Disable Windows Restart for Update
As mentioned above, Windows 10 may force a reboot to complete the update. It is worth limiting this feature of the operating system if you want to work comfortably. There are various ways to set up a reboot so that it does not happen on its own. The simplest one is to increase the number of notifications before restarting:
We limit the reboot through the "Task Scheduler"
If Windows 10 is about to reboot, this task appears in the corresponding service. So do the following:
Unfortunately, just disabling this task is not enough. In the future, Windows 10 can reactivate it without the knowledge of the user. To fix this, do the following:
Setting the time to restart
If your main problem is not the fact of a forced reboot, but the fact that it happens at an inconvenient time, you can independently set up a schedule for such work. To do this, use the time setting when the user is active behind the device. Once configured, the update will not be performed at the specified time. The setup itself is done as follows:
Disabling automatic reboot through the local group policy editor
In Windows 10 Professional, this element can also be configured through the Group Policy Editor:
Thus, we prevented the computer from restarting if there are active user sessions.
For other versions of Windows 10 that do not have a local group policy editor, you can configure the same through the registry. The instruction almost completely corresponds to the guide on disabling updates through the registry, there is only one difference: the DWORD value that we created in the AU directory should be called NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers 
Create the setting NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers with value 1
Disable Windows Store Software Updates
The Store in Windows 10 can start downloading updates for installed programs on its own. In some situations, this is convenient, but sometimes undesirable for the user. To disable these updates, follow these steps:
After that, your programs will not be updated and you will be able to work in older versions. You can return the ability to download updates by simply moving this slider back.
Disable automatic driver downloads
The next thing Windows 10 can download without users knowing is hardware drivers and their updates. You can also disable this action:
Prohibition of peer-to-peer distribution of updates
Windows 10 uses a p2p update download system. This means that you download updates not only from Microsoft servers, but also through a network of other users. This means a heavy load on your network, as update files will be distributed from your computer. You can turn it off like this:
These actions will be enough to prevent other users from receiving Windows 10 updates using your Internet traffic.
Programs to disable Windows 10 updates
If you do not feel like disabling updates manually, there are many reliable and convenient programs. Most of them are simple utilities whose only task is to turn off Windows updates.
A simple program that comes in two flavors. In one it will require installation into the system, and in the other it will work as a utility. The portable version is, of course, more convenient, as it can work from a flash drive. It's easy to use:
After rebooting in Windows Update, you should be able to see that everything went well. 
If you see an error in the update center, then the shutdown was successful
Windows Update Blocker utility
Another simple program made for the same purpose. After downloading, do the following:
Video: A quick way to disable Windows 10 updates permanently
Turn off update notifications
In another situation, the updates themselves will not bother you, but annoying messages about the need to install them will be pretty distracting. They can also be disabled:
Windows 10 is a good operating system made by professionals. But, unfortunately, it is not flexible enough to allow you to configure important functions. In this way, they try to protect users from rash actions, which can sometimes include disabling updates. But now that you know why you should turn them off and how to do it, you are experienced enough to get around this limitation in any way that suits you.
By default, Windows Update runs all the time, so unless you manually disable it, you will always receive system updates or notifications to download and install them. The system is updated automatically with standard settings, but there are times when you need to start this process yourself. You can do this in many ways, both with and without an Internet connection.
Is it worth updating the system
System updates are needed so that Windows 10 does not lose its relevance and does not conflict with programs installed by the user. Each system update fixes any bugs found before, or optimizes the OS so that it can support more and more third-party applications.
Installing new additions to the initial version of Windows 10 is worth it, but keep in mind that there are times when the new version fixes the errors made earlier, but at the same time causes others. Each update provided to users is tested by Microsoft, but even such a large company is not always able to foresee all possible consequences. Of course, when Microsoft developers notice that they have released an update that is not entirely correct, they roll it back or replace it with another more refined one.
In order not to get into the raw version of the update, it is recommended to install it not on the day of release, but about two weeks later. So the likelihood that it will cause any new problems will decrease dramatically.
Updates that should not be installed
The unique update code can be used to identify its purpose and release date. If you switched to selective installation of updates, you can decide for yourself which ones will be downloaded. From the experience of installers, the following versions should be skipped, as they cause some problems:
- Windows update KB971033 - kills the activation of unlicensed Windows by changing the activation mechanism;
- KB2982791, KB2970228, KB2975719 and KB2975331 - crash, blue screen, Stop 0x50 in Win32k.sys;
- security update KB2993651 - BSOD, disabled or incorrect operation of Windows Update, windows of some applications may become invisible or incorrectly displayed behind other windows;
- security updates KB2965768, KB2970228, KB2973201 and KB2975719 - windows of some applications may become invisible or incorrectly displayed behind other windows;
- Windows update KB2859537, KB2872339, KB2882822 - programs from exe do not start, error 0xc0000005, only on unlicensed Windows, because core files are replaced;
- security update KB2862330 - BSOD, even on MSDN images;
- Security Update KB2864058 - Problems launching applications that use Visual C++ libraries.
Some more updates, sorted by month:
- April, 2015 - KB3045999;
- May, 2015 - KB3022345;
- June, 2015 - KB3068708 - blue screen, permanent reboot;
- August, 2015 - KB3060716 and KB3071756 - BSOD with error 0x0000007b;
- September, 2015 - KB3080149 - BSOD;
- October, 2015 - KB3088195 - BSOD code 0x80070490;
- November, 2015 - KB3101746;
- December, 2015 - KB3108381 - some applications crash;
- January, 2016 - KB3121212 - there may be problems who has the system activated via KMS server;
- Feb, 2016 - KB3126587 and KB3126593 - Windows won't start;
- March, 2016 - KB3140410 - BSOD;
- May, 2016 - KB3153171 - BSOD with 145 error.
How long do they take to install and how much do updates cost?
The time it takes to install an update will depend on its size, workload, and computer performance. Some updates install in the background and do not require any additional action, while others require a computer restart to fully install.
If the update is large and the computer is not particularly powerful, then the installation process may take several hours. But usually the procedure takes no more than fifteen minutes. The main thing is not to interrupt the process manually until it becomes clear that it is hung. If you suspect that the procedure has stopped, then give the computer some time to recover, it may not signal progress to the screen, but do everything in the background. If you interrupt the installation, the computer will try to roll back, pretending that it did not try to install any update, but it is not a fact that it will be able to do it. In the worst case, you will have to restore the system manually or reinstall it.
The size of the update also cannot be specified exactly, since it varies from 10 MB to 3-4 GB. Updates of several gigabytes are anniversary and bring serious changes, although not always noticeable to the average user. They rarely appear, more often packages of 5–100 MB are installed. An example of a major update is version 1607, you can read about the changes that it brought to Windows 10 on the official Microsoft website.
User data is not lost or corrupted when updates are installed. You can update the system and at the same time delete data from the hard disk using an application from Microsoft, which provides an additional function that allows you to clean the hard disk.
How to update Windows 10
There are several ways to start the update process manually. Each of them, except for the one described at the very end, will need a stable Internet connection, since all updates will be downloaded from Microsoft servers and other computers. If using one of the suggested methods, you get an error that says that the installation is not possible, try to reproduce the process using any of the other options below.
Through computer settings
To update the system through Windows Update, do the following:
- Open your computer settings. Open your computer settings
- Expand the Update & Security tab.
Go to the Update & Security section - Start the scan process for available updates.
Click on the "Check for Updates" button - Confirm the start of the download if you agree to install the list of found updates.
Confirm the start of installing the list of updates found by the "Update Center" - Wait until the necessary files are downloaded and installed.
Wait for the updates to download and install - Restart your computer. You can do it right away or set a restart time.
Run restart your computer - If the reboot is started, then when you turn off and on the computer, you will see a blue screen, which will display a process completion indicator in percent.
Wait for the updates to be installed by turning the computer on and off
Video: how to check for updates on Windows 10
Through "Command line"
To force a system update, you need to execute two commands in succession in the "Command Prompt", run as administrator:
After completing both steps, restart your computer to complete the update process permanently.
Via Media Creation Tool
The program that is used to install or upgrade to Windows 10 from previous versions of the operating system is also suitable for upgrading to the latest version of an already installed Windows 10:
- Download the Media Creation Tool from the company's official website.
Download Media Creation Tool - Run it and accept the license agreement.
Accept the Media Creation Tool license agreement - At the step with selecting an action, indicate that you want to update this computer.
Indicate that we want to update this computer - After scanning the system, examine the list of updates that are not present in it. By default, all files stored on the hard drive will be saved. But you can change that by clicking on the "Change Saved Components" button and setting your options.
Start installation or choose what data to keep - Wait for the download and installation to finish. The computer will restart at the end of the process.
Wait while Media Creation Tool downloads and installs updates
Through the Windows 10Upgrade program
On the same page where you can download the program for installing and upgrading to Windows 10, there is an "Upgrade Now" button, which only appears if you are logged into the browser with the OS already installed.
Custom installation
If you need to make sure that some versions of updates are never installed, use the official wushowhide.diagcab program.
Video: How to selectively install updates
Installation without internet access
If the computer that needs to be updated does not have Internet access, then you can download the updates from another computer, transfer them to the desired one, and install them manually. You can download updates using the Portable Update program:
Installing CAB and MSU Format Updates
If you download the update you need in CAB or MSU format, you can install it by running one of the commands in the "Command Prompt" launched with administrator rights:
The path to the file in both cases must be separated by quotes.
Switching to Game Mode in Windows 10
The game mode appeared in the system with the release of the Creators Update. You can upgrade to it using any of the above methods. Game mode will allow you to achieve maximum performance by optimizing the processes running on your computer. After you upgrade to the Creators Update, activate it as follows:
Video: How to enable Game Mode in Windows 10
How to update the system edition
There are several system packages, each of which is designed for a specific range of users. Windows can be "Home", "Professional" or "Corporate". If you first installed the "Home" version, and then decided that it was time to switch to the "Professional", then it is not necessary to reinstall the system, just follow these steps:
Video: How to upgrade Windows 10 edition
Stop system update
By default, the system updates automatically. You can stop the update by doing the following:
There are other ways to disable automatic updates, but they are more time consuming. If you want to install some updates and disable others, then use the "Custom installation" instructions above in the same article.
Possible problems after installing updates
After installing updates and new build versions, you may experience problems with system activation or with applications, processes, games, or devices not working properly.
Build Rollback
If, after updating the assembly, activation has failed, then it must be repeated. If there are other kinds of problems, you need to perform a system rollback:
Removing updates
If the problems arose not due to the installation of a new assembly, but due to a specific update, then this update must be uninstalled:
Video: How to uninstall Windows 10 updates
System updates can both help the system and harm it, so it is worth monitoring incoming packets manually. You should not completely abandon new versions, but it is not recommended to install them all immediately, as soon as they are released.
Today, despite the abundance of various criticisms, Windows remains an advanced operating system, occupying a leading position throughout the world. This year, the company has provided the public with a new OS - Windows 10, allowing users of older systems to upgrade to it (the promotion is open until August 2016).
In general, the "top ten" received positive ratings, unlike its predecessor, but some elements caused some misunderstanding. One such element is the update center, which is best described as "forced".
Moreover, the initial settings assume that updates are installed during the reboot process, which the user is not even notified about. Naturally, no choice is given to the user.
Update System
In Windows 10, it is made so that the restart of the computer system in order to install updates occurs only if it is idle. An obvious measure that was supposed to prevent the system from interfering with the user's work.
It is worth saying that in the vast majority of situations, Windows 10 determines quite well that the computer is not in use. However, for many people who need a PC to run in the background, such a system will not work, as unexpected reboots will create some discomfort.
In all past Microsoft operating systems, the update center was a permanent element that was responsible for downloading and checking for the latest fix packs and device drivers from the Internet, as well as their further integration.
Previously, all of these processes were completely customizable. Even in Windows 8, the user could manually manage system updates through the control panel. You could optionally disable and enable them, and choose to download only the most serious fixes.
In the latest 10 operating system, Microsoft completely removed the ability to opt out of updates. In this case, of course, we are talking about setting up using the built-in interfaces - the control panel and the program " Parameters».
Microsoft is now the sole decision maker to update your system. The only thing that is at the mercy of the user is the ability to postpone the process of installing fixes for a certain period. But even this feature is available only to owners of the Windows 10 Pro version. Owners of other assemblies of the operating system do not have such an opportunity.
Setting
The operating system update center in 10 has finally moved to the standard application " Parameters", which you can go to by clicking on the link from the menu " Start».
Among other settings subsections, it is located on the main screen of the program under the name " Update and Security».
Here you will find a modest amount of customizable elements:
- Enable/disable PC restart when installing fix packs. If you want to avoid a sudden shutdown of the computer, you should change this setting, as a result of which you will receive notifications before restarting the system.
- Enable/disable updates of other Microsoft programs installed on the PC. If you do not want to receive maintenance for various company products, you should disable this option.
- Postponing updates. With this option, it is possible to postpone the system update. However, system security fixes will continue to come.
In addition, the basic functionality of the OS allows you to disable the download and installation of drivers. For this you need:
- Open the Run dialog using the Win + R keyboard shortcut
- Enter the following text in the window:
Rundll32 newdev.dll,DeviceInternetSettingUi
then click on the Enter button. - In the window that appears, first select the item " No, provide a choice", then - " Never install drivers from Windows Update».
- Save changes.
After completing this sequence of actions, you will prohibit the system from searching for drivers on the Internet, and instruct them to install them exclusively from the memory of a personal computer.
Show or hide updates tool for Windows 10
Another way to stop automatic system updates is to use the Show or hide updates tool.
To do this, you should download the program from the Web and run it, which will lead to the start of a system scan, after which you should click on the Hide updates button.
The screen that appears will prompt you to select the fixes you want to hide. You should proceed in a similar way if you want to return some of the updates.
WiFi Limiting
Another method of restricting updates. To do this, you need to set up an Internet connection through a “limited” Wi-Fi channel.
To do this, you need to follow these steps:
- Open menu " Parameters"and go to the subsection" Network and Internet».
- Then, in the wireless connection subsection, go to " Extra options' and enable the option ' Set as metered connection».
Using the Windows 10 Registry
Using the registry, you can completely disable the download of update packages.
To do this, you should perform the following operations:
Thus, there are many options for customizing and limiting the Windows 10 update system, which more than compensates for the modesty of the built-in functionality, which has only a few adjustable options.
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