Disable Windows 10 automatic updates using Group Policy

[Andy]

The Local Group Policy Editor available on Windows 10 Pro includes policies to permanently disable automatic updates or change the Windows Update settings to decide when patches should be installed on the computer.

Disable updates
To disable automatic updates on Windows 10 permanently, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and click the top result to launch the Local Group Policy Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path:
   

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update

4. Double-click the Configure Automatic Updates policy on the right side.
   
   
   
   
5. Check the Disabled option to turn off automatic updates permanently on Windows 10.
   
   
   
   
6. Click the Apply button.
7. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, the system will stop downloading updates automatically. However, the ability to check for updates manually will continue to be available on Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and clicking the Check for updates button to download the most recent patches.

If you want to enable automatic updates on the device again, you can use the exact instructions outlined above, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option.

Limit updates
Alternatively, the Local Group Policy Editor lets you device how to disable automatic updates.

To manage Windows Update automatic downloads with Group Policy, use these steps:

1. Open Start.
2. Search for gpedit.msc and select the top result to launch the experience.
3. Navigate to the following path:
   

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update

4. Double-click the Configure Automatic Updates policy on the right side.
   
   
5. Check the Enable option to turn on the policy.
6. Under the "Options" section, select the option to prevent updates from downloading and installing automatically on Windows 10:
   • 2 - Notify for download and auto install.
   • 3 - Auto download and notify for install.
   • 4 - Auto download and schedule the install.
   • 5 - Allow local admin to choose setting.
   • 7 - Auto Download, Notify to install, Notify to Restart.
7. Quick tip: The best option to disable automatic updates is the 2 - Notify for download and auto install option, but you can make a different selection. If you choose option number 2, updates won't download automatically. Instead, in the Windows Update settings page, you will now see an "Install now" button to manually trigger an update.
   
   
   
   
8. Click the Apply button.
9. Click he OK button.

Once you complete the steps, automatic updates will be permanently disabled on Windows 10. However, when new updates become available, you will be able to install them manually from the Windows Update settings page.