Windows Updates are designed to keep your computer secure and up-to-date with the latest patches and bug fixes. As such, Windows has been configured to automatically install software and security updates so you can focus on enjoying the benefits of having the latest software while letting Windows take care of the rest.
Although automatic updates are the recommended way to stay current, there are some situations where you may want to pause or stop Windows from automatically downloading and installing the latest updates.
In this article, we will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to prevent Windows from automatically downloading and installing updates on your system. Let’s get started.
Step 1: Open the Control Panel
The first step is to open the Control Panel in Windows. To do this, simply type “Control Panel” into the search box next to the Start button and then click on the “Control Panel” icon that appears in the search results.
Step 2: Go to Windows Update
Once you have the Control Panel open, go to the “Windows Update” section. Depending on the version of Windows you have, you may find the “Windows Update” option in either the “System and Security” category or the “Security and Maintenance” category.
Step 3: Change the Settings
Once you are in the “Windows Update” section, you can change the settings for automatic updates. Click on “Change Settings” link at the top of the page. This will open a new window which will allow you to customize the update settings.
Step 4: Disable Automatic Updates
From the “Change Settings” window, you can disable the automatic download and installation of updates by turning off the “Install updates automatically (recommended)” option.
Alternatively, you can choose to have Windows download the updates but not install them. To do this, select the “Download updates but let me choose whether to install them” option.
Step 5: Select a Notification Schedule
You can also choose to be notified when new updates become available. To do this, select the “Notify me but don’t automatically download or install them” option and then select a notification schedule from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: Save Your Changes
Once you have made your selections, click the “OK” button to save your changes. Your settings will now be applied and Windows will no longer automatically download and install updates on your system.
Conclusion
Following these steps will allow you to prevent Windows from automatically downloading and installing updates. Remember to check for updates periodically to ensure that your computer has all of the latest bug fixes and security patches.