How to deactivate automatic updates in Windows 10

Windows 10 offers a wide range of features and to enhance user experience and improve system performance. One of these features includes updates, which ensures that your operating system is up to date with the latest patches, security fixes, and new features. While this automatic update feature is crucial for keeping your system secure, some users may prefer to have more control over when updates are installed. In this article, we will guide you through the process of deactivating automatic updates in Windows 10.

Step 1: Access the Windows Update Settings
To automatic updates, you first need to access the Windows Update settings. This can be done in several ways, including through the Start menu, the Settings app, or the Control Panel. Here, we will guide you through the process using the Settings app:

1. Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon in the left-hand column).
2. In the Settings app, click on “Update & Security.”

Step 2: Configure Windows Update Settings

1. In the Windows Update section, click on “Advanced options.”
2. Under “Choose when updates are installed,” click on the drop-down menu and select “Notify to schedule restart.”
3. This will ensure that you receive a notification when updates are available, allowing you to choose the appropriate time for installation.

Step 3: Deactivate Windows Update Service

The previous step will prevent Windows from automatically installing updates, but it won’t stop the Windows Update service entirely. To completely disable the Windows Update service, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” (without quotation marks) and click OK.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and locate “Windows Update.”
4. Right-click on “Windows Update” and select Properties.
5. In the Properties window, change the Startup type to “Disabled.”
6. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

By deactivating the Windows Update service, you have disabled the automatic update feature entirely. However, remember that it is crucial to stay updated to ensure system security. Therefore, make sure to manually check for updates and install them periodically to keep your system protected.

Step 4: Additional Considerations

While disabling automatic updates in Windows 10 provides more control over when updates are installed, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks involved. By not updating your system regularly, you may miss out on critical security patches, leaving your computer vulnerable to potential threats. Therefore, it is recommended to manually check for updates periodically and install them as soon as possible to maintain system security.

Additionally, for Windows 10 Home Edition users, it’s important to mention that disabling automatic updates is not officially supported. However, by following the steps mentioned above, you can still gain some level of control over the update process.

In conclusion, deactivating automatic updates in Windows 10 can be done by accessing the Windows Update settings and choosing the “Notify to schedule restart” option. To completely disable the Windows Update service, further steps are required. However, it is crucial to remember the importance of regularly updating your system for security purposes.