You can delay or block Windows updates using built-in settings, but the method depends on your Windows version and update type
Windows updates install automatically by default, but you have options to pause them or prevent specific updates from running. The most straightforward approach is to use Settings to delay updates for up to 35 days. If you want to block a specific update permanently, you can hide it through Windows Update settings or uninstall it after it arrives. For more control, you can switch to a metered connection, disable the Windows Update service, or use Group Policy Editor if you have Windows Pro or Enterprise.
The method you choose depends on whether you want to pause all updates temporarily, block one particular update, or stop updates entirely. Each approach has trade-offs: pausing updates buys you time but they will resume; hiding an update prevents it from installing again but requires you to identify it first; disabling the service gives you full control but removes automatic security patches.
Key Takeaways
- You can pause Windows updates for up to 35 days through Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Pause updates.
- To block a specific update, right-click it in Windows Update history and select "Uninstall update," or use the "Hide updates" tool if it has not installed yet.
- Marking your internet connection as metered stops automatic updates but does not block them entirely — you can still install them manually.
- Disabling the Windows Update service in Services.msc gives you full control but leaves your computer without automatic security patches.
- Windows Home edition cannot use Group Policy Editor; Pro and Enterprise versions can set update policies there for more permanent control.
Pause updates temporarily through Settings
The easiest way to stop updates for a set period is to pause them directly in Windows Settings. Open Settings, go to Update & Security, then select Windows Update. Click Pause updates for 7 days. You can repeat this up to five times, pausing for a total of 35 days. After 35 days, updates resume automatically.
This method works for all Windows versions and does not require technical knowledge. The pause applies to all updates — you cannot pause only feature updates or only security updates this way. When the pause period ends, Windows will notify you that updates are about to resume, giving you a chance to pause again if needed.
Hide or uninstall a specific update
If one particular update is causing problems, you can prevent it from installing again. First, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history. Find the update you want to block, note its KB number (for example, KB5034765), and then go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options > View optional updates. Uncheck the update you want to skip and click Pause.
If the update has already installed, open Settings > System > Apps & features > Installed updates. Search for the KB number, right-click it, and select Uninstall. Windows will remove it, but the update may reinstall on the next update cycle unless you also hide it through the optional updates menu. For permanent blocking, use the Windows Update Blocker tool (a third-party utility) or disable the update through Group Policy if you have Windows Pro.
Mark your connection as metered to stop automatic downloads
Windows treats metered connections differently — it will not download large updates automatically on a metered network. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if wired), select your network, and toggle Set as metered connection to on. This tells Windows to treat your connection as limited and pause automatic updates.
This approach does not block updates entirely; you can still install them manually whenever you choose. It also does not work if you are using a VPN or if Windows cannot detect your connection type. The metered setting persists until you turn it off, so you will need to remember to disable it if you want automatic updates to resume.
Disable the Windows Update service
For complete control, you can turn off the Windows Update service itself. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find Windows Update in the list, right-click it, and select Properties. Change the Startup type dropdown to Disabled, then click Apply and OK.
With the service disabled, Windows will not check for or install updates automatically. You will need to manually enable the service and run updates yourself whenever you decide to do so. This gives you the most control but also means you are responsible for keeping your system patched with security updates. If you disable this service, mark a calendar reminder to re-enable it periodically and run updates manually.
Use Group Policy Editor for permanent update policies (Windows Pro and Enterprise only)
If you have Windows Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can set update policies that persist across restarts. Press Windows key + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates and set it to Disabled or 2 - Notify for downloads and auto install depending on how much control you want.
Group Policy settings override the Settings app, so changes made here will persist even if someone tries to re-enable updates through Settings. You can also set specific days and times when updates are allowed to install, or configure the system to notify you before installing updates. Windows Home edition does not include Group Policy Editor, so this option is not available for Home users.
Understand the risks of blocking updates
Blocking updates, especially security updates, leaves your computer vulnerable to malware and exploits. Microsoft releases security patches regularly, and delaying them increases the window of time when your system is at risk. If you block updates, plan to unblock them within a few weeks and install them manually, or set a recurring reminder to pause and resume on a schedule that works for you.
Feature updates (major version changes) are less critical than security updates. If you want to block only feature updates and allow security patches, use Group Policy to set Configure Automatic Updates to 3 - Auto download and schedule the install, then set a specific day and time. This lets security updates install automatically while giving you control over when larger feature updates run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blocking updates affect my antivirus or other software?
Antivirus software and other programs may stop working correctly if Windows security patches are not installed. Some applications check for Windows updates before running. If you block updates long-term, you risk compatibility issues and reduced protection against threats.
Can I block updates on Windows Home edition?
Yes, but with fewer options. Windows Home users can pause updates for 35 days, mark their connection as metered, disable the Windows Update service, or uninstall specific updates after they arrive. Group Policy Editor is not available on Home, so you cannot set permanent policies there.
What happens if I disable the Windows Update service and then restart my computer?
The service stays disabled after a restart. Windows will not check for or install updates until you manually re-enable the service through Services.msc or Settings. You will need to turn it back on and run updates yourself.
Can I block only security updates and allow feature updates?
No, Windows does not let you separate them that way. You can pause all updates, hide specific updates by KB number, or use Group Policy to schedule updates for a specific day and time. If you want fine-grained control, Group Policy is your best option.
Is it safe to use third-party update blocker tools?
Third-party tools like Windows Update Blocker can disable updates, but they may conflict with Windows security features or stop working after major updates. Using built-in Windows settings is safer because Microsoft supports them and they integrate with the operating system.