How to Disable or Enable Windows 11/10 Updates Easily (Step-by-Step Guide)

✅ How to Enable or Disable Windows 11/10 Updates Easily

Automatic updates in Windows 11 and Windows 10 often install without user consent. While these updates are important for security and performance, they can sometimes cause unexpected issues. Fortunately, there are multiple methods to control or completely stop these updates—both using third-party tools and built-in Windows settings.

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🔧 Why Disable Automatic Updates in Windows?

1. Avoid buggy or unstable updates.
2. Save bandwidth and data.
3. Maintain system settings without interruption.
4. Delay updates until you're ready to install them.

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📌 Method 1: Use Windows Update Blocker (Free Tool)

Windows Update Blocker is a lightweight, portable tool that allows you to disable or enable automatic updates with one click.

How to Use:

1. Download Windows Update Blocker (compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit systems).

2. 

3. Extract the zip file using any archiver.

4. Double-click the executable file to run.

5. To disable updates, select "Disable Updates" and click "Apply Now".

6. 

7. To re-enable updates, select "Enable Updates" and apply again.

8. 

Tip: A red service status means updates are disabled. Green means they are enabled.

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🛠️ Method 2: Disable Windows Updates via Registry Editor (Advanced)

⚠️ Warning:

Modifying the registry can affect your system. Back up your registry and create a system restore point before proceeding.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

3. Right-click Windows > New > Key, name it WindowsUpdate.

4. Right-click WindowsUpdate > New > Key, name it AU.

5. In AU, right-click the right pane > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.

6. Name it NoAutoUpdate and set its value to 1.

7. Click OK, then Restart your PC.

To re-enable updates, change the value of NoAutoUpdate back to 0.

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💻 Method 3: Use Command Prompt to Control Updates

You can also use the Command Prompt to toggle update settings:

Disable Updates:

cmd

sc config wuauserv start= disabled

Enable Updates:

cmd

sc config wuauserv start= auto

Run these commands in Admin mode (right-click Command Prompt > Run as administrator).

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⚙️ Method 4: Turn Off Windows Update via Services

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

2. Scroll and find Windows Update.

3. Double-click it and set Startup type to Disabled.

4. Click Apply and OK.

To re-enable, repeat the steps and set Startup type to Automatic.

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🏢 Method 5: Disable Automatic Updates via Group Policy

Note: Group Policy Editor is available in Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.

2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience

3. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.

4. Select Disabled, then click Apply and OK.

5. Restart your PC.

To turn updates back on, choose Not Configured instead.

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✅ Conclusion

While Windows 11 and 10 do not offer a direct setting to permanently disable updates, you can still control them using third-party tools like Windows Update Blocker or internal tools like Registry Editor, Command Prompt, Services, and Group Policy Editor.

Always back up your system before making advanced changes to avoid issues. With these methods, you can enjoy better control over when and how Windows updates are installed.

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