You can pause or disable Windows updates, but the method depends on which version of Windows you run and whether you want to stop them temporarily or permanently

Windows updates install automatically by default, but you can change that. The steps differ between Windows 11, Windows 10, and older versions. You can pause updates for up to five weeks, disable them entirely on Pro and Enterprise editions, or use Group Policy on certain versions. Home edition has fewer options — you can pause but not fully disable.

Before you disable updates, understand what you're trading away. Updates patch security holes, fix bugs that crash programs, and add features. Disabling them leaves your computer more exposed to malware and exploits. If you disable updates, you're responsible for manually checking for and installing critical security patches.

Key Takeaways

  • Windows 10 and 11 Home editions let you pause updates for up to five weeks, but not disable them permanently.
  • Windows 10 and 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions can disable updates through Group Policy or Services, but this requires navigating system settings most Home users don't see.
  • Pausing updates is safer than disabling them because updates resume automatically after the pause period ends.
  • If you disable updates, you should manually check Microsoft's security update page monthly and install critical patches yourself.

Pause updates on Windows 10 or 11 Home

Pausing is the safest option if you just need a break from update restarts. Open Settings, go to System (or Update & Security on Windows 10), then select Windows Update. Click Pause for 1 week — you can repeat this up to five times, pausing for up to five weeks total. After five weeks, updates resume automatically.

This method works on Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions. You don't need administrator access beyond what you already have. The pause timer counts down in the same Settings window, so you can see exactly when updates will resume.

Disable updates on Windows 10 or 11 Pro and Enterprise

Pro and Enterprise editions include Group Policy Editor, a tool Home edition lacks. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Find the policy called Configure Automatic Updates, double-click it, and select Disabled. Click Apply and OK.

This stops automatic updates entirely. Windows Update will no longer run in the background or prompt you to restart. You'll need to manually visit Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates whenever you want to install them. If Group Policy Editor doesn't open, your edition doesn't support it — use the Services method instead.

Disable updates using Services on any edition

This method works on Home, Pro, and Enterprise. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Scroll down to find Windows Update. Right-click it and select Properties. Change Startup type from Automatic to Disabled. Click Apply, then Stop under Service status, and click OK.

This disables the Windows Update service, preventing automatic updates from running. You can still manually check for updates in Settings, but they won't install without your action. If you change your mind later, return to Services, right-click Windows Update, select Properties, change Startup type back to Automatic, and click Start.

Stop update restarts without disabling updates

If you want updates to install but hate surprise restarts, you can delay them. Open Settings > System > Windows Update (or Update & Security on Windows 10). Scroll down to Advanced options and select Scheduled restart. Choose a time when you're unlikely to be using your computer — Windows will restart then instead of interrupting you.

You can also set Active hours in the same menu. Tell Windows when you typically use your computer, and it won't restart during those hours. This doesn't stop updates; it just moves the restart to a time you specify.

What happens if you disable updates

Disabling updates means you stop receiving security patches automatically. Microsoft releases patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities every second Tuesday of the month, plus emergency patches when critical threats emerge. Without automatic updates, you won't know about these patches unless you check manually.

If you disable updates, visit Microsoft Security Update Guide (microsoft.com/en-us/msrc) at least monthly to see what patches are available. Download and install any marked as Critical or Important. This is more work than letting updates run automatically, and it's easy to miss a patch. Most malware infections on Windows machines happen because updates were disabled or delayed.

Re-enable updates if you change your mind

If you disabled updates through Group Policy, open gpedit.msc again, navigate back to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Configure Automatic Updates, and select Enabled instead of Disabled. Choose Auto download and schedule the install from the dropdown menu.

If you disabled updates through Services, open services.msc, find Windows Update, right-click it, select Properties, change Startup type to Automatic, click Start, and click OK. Windows will resume checking for updates on its next scheduled check, usually within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will disabling updates make my computer faster?

Possibly, but not noticeably. Updates use some disk space and bandwidth during installation, but the performance gain from disabling them is usually too small to measure. You're trading a tiny speed bump for significant security risk — not a worthwhile trade for most people.

Can I disable updates on Windows 11 Home?

Not permanently. Home edition doesn't include Group Policy Editor or the ability to disable the Windows Update service permanently — Windows will re-enable it. You can pause updates for up to five weeks at a time, but they'll resume automatically. If you need permanent control, you'd need to upgrade to Pro.

What if I only want to disable updates for specific programs?

Windows updates are separate from individual program updates. To stop a specific program from updating, open that program's settings and look for an Updates or Check for updates option — most programs let you disable automatic updates there. Windows system updates are different and can't be selectively disabled.

Is it safe to disable updates if I use antivirus software?

No. Antivirus catches some malware, but it can't protect you from vulnerabilities in Windows itself. Updates patch those vulnerabilities before malware can exploit them. Antivirus is a safety net, not a replacement for updates. Disabling updates while relying on antivirus alone is like locking your doors but leaving your windows open.

How do I know if a critical security patch is available?

If updates are disabled, check Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates manually. You can also visit the Microsoft Security Update Guide at microsoft.com/en-us/msrc and search for your Windows version. Look for updates marked Critical — those address vulnerabilities actively being exploited by attackers.