Windows 10: Disable automatic updates - so it'll work

If you want to determine yourself how to install updates on Windows 10, you can deactivate the automatic updates. Then only what you want and when you want it will be installed.

Windows 10: Turn off automatic updates completely

Note: This guide completely disables the Windows Update service. To get important updates for Windows 10, you should turn on the service every 4 weeks and install the latest updates. Permanently deactivating Windows Update is not recommended.

1. Press the [Windows] and [R] keys simultaneously so that the "Execute" command opens.
2. Enter "services.msc" here and confirm with "OK". You will now receive a list of all services.
3. Sort the list above by name and look for the entry "Windows Update".
4. Right-click on the service and select "Properties".
5. Change the "Start type" from Manual to "Deactivated". Confirm the change with the "OK" button.
6. Attention: Important updates are no longer loaded. If you want to use Windows Update again, simply undo the change.

Windows 10: severely restrict automatic updates

There are good reasons why Microsoft doesn't want the updates to be completely disabled. By setting up a clocked connection, you can only partially bypass the update requirement. Then only very important updates are installed automatically.

1. Open the start menu and click on the gear icon at the bottom right.
2. Select the category "Network and Internet" and click on "WLAN" on the left.
3. Select the "Manage known networks" option above and select the network you want.
4. Under "Properties" you can now activate the option "Set as clocked connection".
5. Windows 10 is now stopped to save as much data volume as possible. Only really important updates are still loaded.

Delay automatic updates in Windows 10

1. Click on the start menu at the bottom left and open the "Settings".
2. Under the category "Update and Security" you will find "Windows Update".
3. Click on the "Advanced Options" and switch from "Automatic" to "Notify me about planning a restart".
4. The updates will still be installed, but Windows won't restart on its own.
5. Note: Windows 10 Pro users can also enable the "Postpone upgrades" option. Major upgrades are delayed for several months, but security updates are still installed immediately.

Further questions and answers about Windows 10 can be found on the topic page of our advisory portal