On windows 11, quality updates download and install automatically . As soon as they are available Although this automatic approach allows devices to Receive security updates to patch vulnerabilities, improve performance, and bring enhancements without users’ permission, it Is perhaps one of the most controversial features. It is because Updates contain bugs that can affect users in different ways like they could introduce driver and application Compatibility problems, blue screen of death (bsod), and they always have to restart To complete the installation that can break users’ workflow.
Suppose it seems to have more problems than benefits during updates. In that case, you have a good reason to disable automatic updates using the Settings app or permanently with the Group Policy or Registry.
This Windows 11 guide will take you through the steps to prevent Windows Update from automatically downloading and installing updates on your computer.
Warning: This Is A Friendly Reminder That Editing The Registry Is Risky And Can Cause Irreversible Damage To Your Installation If You Don’t Do It Correctly. It Is My Suggestion To Make A Full Backup Of Your Pc Before Proceeding.
How to disable windows 11 automatic updates using Settings
For temporarily stopping these automatic updates, follow the following steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Then, Click on Windows Update.
- Now, Click on Advanced options.
- On the “Pause updates” section in the advanced options section, use the drop-down menu to select how long to disable updates.
- Once you complete the steps, automatic updates will be disabled until the day you specified. When the computer reaches the pause limit, you will need to install the latest patch available to make the option available again.
- You can always undo the changes with the exact instructions outlined above, but on step No. 5, choose the Select date option. Alternatively, you can accomplish the same effect by clicking the Resume updates button on the Windows Update page.
How to disable automatic updates using Registry
How to disable automatic updates with Registry
You can also disable automatic updates using the Registry in at least two different ways, like when using the Local Group Policy Editor.
To stop Windows 11 updates permanently modifying the Registry, use these steps:
- Click on the Start Menu.
- Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
- Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select the New sub menu and choose the Key option.
- Name the new key Windows Update and press Enter.
Right-click the newly created key, select the New sub menu and choose the Key option.
- Name the new key “AU” and press Enter.
- Right-click, the AU key, select the New sub menu and choose the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
- Name the new critical No Auto Update and press Enter.
- Double-click the newly created key and change its value from 0 to 1.
- Click the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
After you do all the steps, Windows 11 automatic updates will be disabled permanently. However, you will still be able to download updates by clicking the Check for updates button on the Windows 11 update settings page.
If you want to undo the changes, you can use the exact instructions above, but on
Step 4 :- right-click the Windows Update key, select the Delete option, then reboot the computer to apply the settings.
Limit updates-
You can also use the Registry to configure the system settings to decide how Windows 11 get updates.
To customize Windows Update settings to block updates with the Registry, use these steps:
- Open Start.
- Search for regedit and click the top result to open the Registry Editor.
- Navigate to the following path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
- Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select the New sub menu and choose the Key option.
- Name the new key Windows Update and press Enter.
Right-click the newly created key, select the New sub menu and choose the Key option.
- Name the new key AU and press Enter.
Right-click the AU key, select the New sub menu, and set the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.
- Name the new vital Au Options and press Enter.
Double-click the newly created key and change the value (number only) to:
- Notify for download and auto-install.
- Auto download and notify for install.
- Auto download and schedule the install.
- Allow local admin to choose settings.
- Auto-Download, Notify to install, Notify to Restart.
These options work precisely like the Group Policy settings, and option number 2 is the closest to disable Windows Update on Windows 11 permanently.
- Click the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
Once you complete the steps, automatic updates will be disabled. However, when a new update becomes available, you will find the option to install it manually from the Windows Update settings.
You can always use the exact instructions to restore the original settings, but on step No. 4, right-click the Windows Update key, select the Delete option and restart the device.
Whether you use Windows 11 or another OS, updates are essential to fix security vulnerabilities, address problems, and improve the overall experience. However, sometimes, there are good excuses to disable them. For example, when you want to have complete control over system updates. You want to limit the chances of running into issues due to buggy release. Or you are using a critical application or equipment, and you do not want to encounter any compatibility issues.
