How do I disable automatic updates in Windows?

Disabling Automatic Updates in Windows

If you are looking to disable automatic updates in Windows, there are a few steps you must take in order to do so. Automatic updates can be a nuisance, as they tend to happen at inopportune times, such as when you are in the middle of something important. It is possible to disable automatic updates in order to stop them from happening; however, it is important to note that Microsoft highly recommends allowing automatic updates to run, as they often contain important security updates and bug fixes that keep your computer safe and running well.

1. Open the Control Panel

The first step in disabling automatic updates in Windows is to open the Control Panel on your computer. This can be done easily by clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Control Panel” from the list.

2. Select System and Security

Once you have opened the Control Panel, you will need to select “System and Security” from the various options. This will open a new page with additional options.

3. Choose Windows Update

In the list of options under System and Security, you will need to choose “Windows Update.” This will open the Windows Update window.

4. Select the Change Settings link

In the Windows Update window, you will need to select the link on the left side of the window labeled “Change settings.” This will open a new window with more options.

5. Choose Notify to Install Updates

In the new window, you will be presented with various options for how Windows will handle updates. The easiest way to disable automatic updates is to choose the option “Notify to Install Updates” and then click the “OK” button at the bottom of the window. This will disable automatic updates and you will be notified whenever a new update is available.

As mentioned before, it is important to note that Microsoft recommends keeping automatic updates enabled in order to ensure the security of your computer. Disabling automatic updates increases the risk that your computer could be affected by a virus or other malicious software if an important security update is not installed. If you wish to keep your computer safe, it is strongly recommended that you keep automatic updates enabled.