To turn off automatic updates in Windows 10 for a while, select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options. Under Pause updates, pick a date up to 35 days away. Updates won’t download or install until that date.
To stop them for longer, set your connection as metered. On Windows 10 Pro, you can also use Group Policy.
Applies to: Windows 10 Home and Pro. Group Policy needs Pro, Enterprise, or Education. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Before you turn updates off: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Security updates now come only through Extended Security Updates (ESU). Leaving updates off for a long time leaves your PC open to attacks. See how to enroll in Windows 10 Extended Security Updates.
Pause updates for up to 35 days
- Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Select Pause updates for 7 days for a quick pause. Or select Advanced options to pick a longer pause.
- Under Pause updates, open the Pause until list and pick a date.
When the date arrives, updates start again by themselves. You may need to install the latest updates before you can pause again. To end the pause early, select Resume updates.
Stop surprise restarts with active hours
If restarts are the problem, you may not need to turn updates off.
- In Windows Update, select Change active hours.
- Set the hours you usually use your PC, such as 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Windows won’t restart for updates during those hours.
You can also turn on Show a notification when your PC requires a restart in Advanced options.
Use a metered connection
Windows 10 doesn’t download most updates on a metered connection.
- Select Start > Settings > Network & Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi (or Ethernet), then select your network.
- Turn on Set as metered connection.
- In Windows Update > Advanced options, make sure Download updates over metered connections is Off.
Windows may still download a few urgent security fixes.
Turn off automatic updates with Group Policy
This works on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education. It doesn’t work on Home.
- Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and press Enter. - Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. On some versions, open Manage end user experience under Windows Update.
- Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
- Select Enabled, then choose 2 – Notify for download and auto install. Windows tells you about updates but waits for you to install them.
- Select OK and restart your PC.
To block automatic updates completely, select Disabled instead. You’ll need to check for updates yourself.
Why not disable the Windows Update service
Guides often suggest setting the Windows Update service to Disabled in services.msc, or blocking updates in the Registry. We don’t recommend it:
- Windows often turns the service back on by itself.
- It can stop Microsoft Store apps and Microsoft Defender from updating.
- You can forget it’s off and miss important fixes.
Pausing, a metered connection, or Group Policy are easier to undo.
Turn automatic updates back on
- Paused: select Resume updates in Windows Update.
- Metered connection: turn off Set as metered connection.
- Group Policy: set Configure Automatic Updates to Not Configured.
Then select Check for updates.
If an update causes problems
Uninstall it in Windows Update > View update history > Uninstall updates. If your PC won’t work properly, see how to restore Windows 10 to a previous date.
Frequently asked questions
Can I turn off updates permanently on Windows 10 Home?
Not with a built-in setting. You can pause for up to 35 days at a time and use a metered connection.
Is it safe to turn off Windows updates?
For a short time, yes. For months, no. Your PC won’t get security fixes.
Does pausing updates stop an update that’s already downloading?
Yes. Updates in progress are canceled, and Windows downloads them again when the pause ends.
To stop an update that has already started, see how to stop an update in progress on Windows 10.
To keep Windows 10 from moving to Windows 11, see how to stop Windows 10 from upgrading to Windows 11.
On a limited data plan, you can also set a metered connection in Windows 10 so updates wait until you’re on another network.
For help opening the Group Policy Editor, see how to open the Group Policy Editor in Windows 10.
Microsoft’s guide is Pause updates in Windows. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: how to stop Windows 11 from installing.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.