On Windows 10, you can’t find any option to disable automatic updates as Microsoft has made it mandatory for the users to update their Operating System. They set the new operating system to automatically receive new updates by default to ensure that your device stays up to date with the latest security patches and improvements. This approach is convenient for many users, but it’s not one that everyone wants.

If you’re running Windows 10 Pro or higher, it’s possible to take control and prevent the Operating System from downloading and installing updates automatically using the Local Group Policy Editor or the Registry but if you are on Windows 10 Home, there isn’t much you can do about it.

In this Windows 10 guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to prevent updates from automatically installing on your computer.

Method 1: You can disable automatic updates if you use Wi-Fi to access the Internet

It seems Interestingly, there is a simple option in Wi-Fi settings, which if enabled, stops your Windows 10 computer from downloading automatic updates. To do that, search for Change Wi-Fi settings in Start Menu or Cortana. Click Advanced Options or on your existing connection, and enable the toggle below Set as metered connection.

Once it is done, Microsoft will stop pushing updates to your Windows 10 computer, as it realizes that you’re on a limited plan (works even if you aren’t).

The problem is that if you have a broadband connection and you use an Ethernet cable to connect to the Internet, this trick won’t work.

Method 2: You can disable automatic updates by using tool released by Microsoft

Microsoft has also released a tool that you can use to hide or disable Windows 10 updates selectively. All you need to do it, download it from company’s website and install it on your computer. Follow the instructions on the website to disable the problematic update.

You can also download that tool by click here.

Method 3: You can disable automatic updates by Using Group Policy Editor – (Trick 1)

In Windows 10, the option to disable automatic updates is invisible by default.

If you run Windows 10 (Professional, Enterprise, or Education ), you can use the Local Group Policy Editor to quickly change the settings to prevent Windows 10 from automatically downloading and installing updates. To open Group Policy Editor, go to Start Menu or Cortana and search for gpedit.msc and press enter. Then follow these steps:

(Note: This option is available in the preview builds of Windows 10)

1) Click on Computer Configuration, and select Administrative Templates on the following page.

2) Now select All Settings and scroll down the list to find the entry that says Configure Automatic Updates.

3) Double click on it and select Enabled radio button from the left upper side.

4) Once you have done that, you should be able to edit the Options pane at the bottom. Click the drop bar and select the second option that says Notify for download and notify for install. This option will not only prevent the OS from downloading updates automatically, which can save your data when using a metered internet connection, but you’ll get a notification when new updates are available.

When new updates are released, you’ll receive a notification in Action Center, but updates won’t download and install until you’re ready and do the following:

1) Open Settings.

2) Click on Update & security.

3) Click on Windows Update.

4) Click the Download button.

5) Click the Restart button to complete the task.

Method 4: You can disable automatic updates by Using Group Policy Editor – (Trick 2)

If you want your Windows 10 Operating System to not even check for updates, there’s a way for that as well, though we don’t recommend you do this. With that being said, this is the way:

1) Go back to Group Policy Editor as mentioned above in Trick 1.

2) Now select All Settings and scroll down the list to find the entry that says Configure Automatic Updates.

3) Double click on it and select Disabled.

That’s it, now your computer will not even check to see what Windows 10 updates are available.

Method 5: You can disable automatic updates by Using the windows registry Editor

Instead of using the Local Group Policy Editor, you can also change the Windows 10 updates using the Windows Registry Editor.

Important warning: Editing the registry is risky, and it can cause irreversible damage to your installation if you don’t do it correctly. It’s recommended that you make a full backup of your computer before proceeding.

To open Registry Editor, go to Start Menu or Cortana and search for regedit and press enter. Then follow these steps:

1) Click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE and then select SOFTWARE and then Policies and then Microsoft and then Windows

2) Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select New and then click Key.

3) Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.

4) Right-click the newly created key, select new and click Key.

5) Name the new key AU and press Enter.

6) Inside the newly created key, right-click on the right side, select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.

7) Name the new key AUOptions and press Enter.

8) Double-click the newly created key and change its value using one of the following options:

2 – “Notify for download and notify for install.”

3 – “Auto download and notify for install.”

4 – “Auto download and schedule the install.”

5 – “Allow local admin to choose settings.”

9) Click OK.

10) Close the Registry to complete the task.

Although you can use any of these available values, your best choice is to change the value to 2 to configure the “Notify for download and notify for install” option. Using this value prevents Windows 10 from downloading updates automatically, and you’ll get a notification when new updates are available.

After tweaking the Registry, when new updates become available, you’ll receive a notification in Action Center, but updates won’t download and install until you’re ready and do the following:

1) Open Settings.

2) Click on Update & security.

3) Click on Windows Update.

4) Click the Download button.

5) Click the Restart button to complete the task.

That’s it, now from your computer automatic updates were disabled. Did these methods work for you in stopping Windows 10 from downloading updates automatically? Did we miss another trick? Let us know via the comments.