Windows 10’s constant automatic updates can cause many users trouble – from slow computers, sudden reboots , to unexpected errors after each update. If you want to keep your computer stable, save space and proactively control updates , turning off Windows Update is a reasonable choice. In this article, Softbuzz will guide you through 3 ways about how to turn off win 10 update , easily and absolutely safely.
What is Turn Off Win 10 Update?
Turning off Win 10 update is the action of completely disabling the automatic update feature of the Windows 10 operating system. This helps you avoid unexpected restarts, slow updates, or errors after updating.
What is the most effective way to turn off Windows 10 updates?
You can permanently disable Windows Update in 1 of 3 ways: using Settings , Group Policy Editor or services.msc – all without the need for external software, applicable to both Win 10 Home and Pro.
If you are using a ghost version of Win 10 , a pre-activated version or a computer with a weak configuration , turning off Windows Update is a reasonable solution to maintain stable performance. In this article, I will guide you in detail on 3 ways to permanently turn off Win 10 updates – simple, effective and proven on dozens of computers in the office.
Should I turn off Win 10 Update? Advantages and disadvantages you need to know
Updating Windows 10 helps the operating system to be always secure, stable and support new software. However, for some users, especially those using ghost versions or low-configuration computers, automatic updates bring many inconveniences.
Advantages of letting Windows 10 update itself:
- Regular security patches from Microsoft
- Automatically update drivers, improve system stability
- Helps software and peripherals to be more compatible
Disadvantages of constant updates:
- The machine starts/shuts down slowly, especially when in urgent need of use.
- Risk of being detected as a pirated key if using manual ghost/activation
- Some updates cause software conflicts or driver errors.
When Should You Not Turn Off Win 10 Update?
While disabling Windows 10 updates can help improve performance and avoid unexpected errors, in some cases, you should keep the Update feature running normally , especially if:
- You use your computer for work involving sensitive or highly confidential data
- You are managing an office network system that needs regular patch updates.
- You use software that requires the latest version of Windows to function properly.
In these situations, updating helps reduce security risks and ensure software compatibility.
3 Ways to turn off Windows 10 updates permanently 2025
No need to wait any longer, now I will introduce to you the instructions to turn off Windows 10 Pro update successfully permanently. You can try to turn off Windows Update Windows 10 in one of the following ways or you can turn it off completely in all 3 ways.
Turn off Win 10 Update using Settings (Applies to Home & Pro)
This is the simplest method to help you temporarily disable Windows Update without the need for supporting software. This method is suitable for both Win 10 Home and Pro – especially when you want to delay updates to avoid computer slowdowns, hangs or software errors after the update. How to do:
Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings
Step 2: Select Update & Security → Windows Update
Step 3: Click on Advanced options
Step 4: In the Pause updates section , switch to On to pause updates.
Step 5: In the Choose when updates are installed section , set as follows:
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Branch readiness level section : select Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted)
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Feature update includes : enter 365
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Quality update includes : enter 30
Step 6: Go back to Settings → Privacy → General
Step 7: Turn off all options in Change privacy options
Important Note:
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With Win 10 Home , you can only postpone updates for up to 35 days.
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This is a temporary method , not a permanent disablement.
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Should be combined with using Group Policy or Services if you want to disable it completely.
How to Turn Off Win 10 Pro Update Using Group Policy Editor (Latest 2025)
If you are using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise , Group Policy is a powerful tool to completely disable Windows Update , no third-party software required.
This method is suitable for professional users, technicians, or systems that have been ghosted and no longer need updating.
Step 1: Press Windows + R → type gpedit.msc→ press OK
Step 2: In the Local Group Policy Editor window , access the following path:
Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update
Step 3: Find Configure Automatic Updates → double click
Step 4: Select Disabled → click Apply → click OK
Important Note:
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Only applicable to Win 10 Pro and Enterprise
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Some major updates (Feature Update) may reset this policy → need to check again after each major update
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Should be combined with the method of disabling Services.msc if you want to be thorough.
Turn off Win 10 Update Permanently using Services.msc (Applicable 2025)
This method uses the Services.msc tool to completely disable the Windows Update service running in the background. This method works with both Win 10 Home and Pro, helping you completely avoid the situation of your computer automatically updating. How to do: Step 1: Press Windows + R → type services.msc→ press Enter
Step 2: In the Services window , find the line Windows Update Step 3: Double-click Windows Update to open the configuration dialog box
Step 4: At the Startup type line , select Disabled
Step 5: Click Stop → select Apply → select OK
Note:
- Here’s how to disable updates permanently, without requiring third-party software
- Some Windows updates may automatically re-enable this service → should be checked periodically
- Group Policy can be combined to increase efficiency.
Which one should you use if you are an office worker or a regular user?
If you are not tech-savvy, or only use the computer for office work or basic study, you should choose:
- Turn off with Settings: easy to operate, no external tools required
- Turn off with services.msc: simple but effective in the long term, applicable for both Home and Pro
If you are a technician or are managing multiple computers at the same time, you should use Group Policy Editor in combination with services.msc for the most effective results.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about how to turn off Win 10 Update
Is it safe to turn off Win 10 update?
Yes, if you only use your computer for normal tasks such as office work, web surfing or light gaming. Disabling updates helps your computer run more stably, avoiding automatic updates that cause crashes or errors. However, you should still check periodically to ensure that your computer does not have security holes.
Using Win 10 Home can turn off updates permanently?
Yes. Although Win 10 Home does not support Group Policy Editor, you can still disable updates completely using the other two methods, Settings and services.msc , as instructed in the article. As long as you set it up correctly, the computer will no longer automatically update.
After turning off update, will Windows turn itself back on?
It can happen. Some major Windows updates can reset system settings, including the Windows Update service. So, you should check periodically or remember to reset after automatic updates to keep your computer in a disabled state.
Should I use external software to turn off Win 10 updates?
You can use third-party software, but it is not required. The methods instructed in this article all use Windows’ built-in tools, ensuring safety and avoiding the risk of installing software of unknown origin.
Does turning off Win 10 updates affect software like Office or Photoshop?
No. Software like Microsoft Office, Photoshop, or your browser will still work fine when you turn off Windows Update. However, if the software requires a specific operating system update, you will need to re-enable the update to meet that requirement.
Conclusion:
If you are tired of Windows automatically updating when you don’t want it, slowing down your computer or causing errors, then turning off Win 10 updates is a reasonable choice – especially when you use a ghost version, manually activate it or have a weak computer configuration.
In summary, you can choose:
- Temporarily turn off using Settings : simple, easy to operate
- Disable using Group Policy (Pro/Enterprise) : more thorough
- Completely turn off using Services.msc : effective on all versions of Win 10
Consider carefully what you will be using the machine for and choose the right solution.
If you are interested in other tricks to help your computer run smoother, optimize Windows performance . Here, we regularly update useful tips and tricks for both ordinary users and technicians.
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