Microsoft has made it mandatory for Windows 10 users to update their computers. The company has set up new operating systems to automatically receive new updates by default. Windows 10 Pro users can choose to delay receiving updates, but if you’re using Windows 10 Home, there’s nothing you can do about it.
(See also: How to make a bootable USB disk for Windows 10)
The company’s move to automatically update all Windows 10 computers has been heavily criticized by users. Not only does it eat up a lot of data on your limited data plan, but we’ve seen automatic updates cause problems on users’ computers. No matter why you want to delay or prevent Windows from automatically updating your computer, there are some simple tips that can help you get the job done.
(See also: How to disable automatic app updates on Windows 10)
If you use Wi-Fi to access the Internet
Interestingly, there is a simple option in Wi-Fi settings that, if enabled, will prevent your Windows 10 computer from downloading automatic updates. To do this, search Change Wi-Fi settings In the Start menu or Cortana. Click Advanced optionsand enable the toggle below Set up as a metered connection.
Once it’s done, Microsoft will stop pushing updates to your Windows 10 computer because it realizes you’re on a limited schedule (even if you don’t).
The problem is, this trick won’t work if you have a broadband connection and are using an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet. There is another method that used to work in preview builds but not anymore, so if you are still in preview Windows 10 builds you can try it by following the steps mentioned after we told you another trick.
Disable select updates
Microsoft has also released a tool that can be used to selectively hide or disable Windows 10 updates. All you need to do is download it from the company’s website and install it on your computer. Follow the instructions on the website to disable problematic updates.
Using Group Policy Editor
In Windows 10, the option to disable automatic updates is not visible by default. You can adjust settings in Group Policy Editor to display this option and prevent your Windows 10 computer from downloading automatic updates. To open the Group Policy Editor, go to the Start menu or Cortana and search for gpedit.msc and press Enter. Then follow these steps:
(Note: This option is available in Windows 10 Preview)
1) Click Computer configurationthen select Administrative templates on the next page.
2) Select now All settings and scroll down the list to find the entry that says Configure automatic updates.
3) Double click on it and select enable The radio button in the upper left corner.
4) Once completed, you should be able to edit Options The pane is at the bottom. Click on the drop-down bar and select the fifth option Allow local administrators to choose settings.
Now the option to disable automatic downloads is available again and you need to select it.
1) Go to control Panel (desktop app) and select Systems and Security.
2) Under it, click Windows Updatethen select Change settings on the next page. You will now see options like this: Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them. Select it and now your computer will check for updates but never download or install them without your permission.
If you want your Windows 10 computer to not even check for updates, there is a way to do that, but we don’t recommend it. With that said, here’s how:
1) Go back to the Group Policy Editor mentioned above.
2) Select now All settings and scroll down the list to find the entry that says Configure automatic updates.
3) Double click on it and select disabled people.
That’s it, now your computer won’t even check to see what Windows 10 updates are available.
Are these methods useful in preventing Windows 10 from automatically downloading updates? Did we miss another tip? Let us know in the comments. Also visit our How To section for more tutorials.
