How to turn off Windows auto update in Windows 10?

Turning Off Windows Auto Update in Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Do I Need to Turn Off Windows Auto Update?

Before we dive into the solution, let’s quickly discuss why you might want to turn off Windows auto update in Windows 10. Windows auto update is a feature that allows Windows to automatically download and install updates for your device. While it’s convenient, it can also be a security risk if not managed properly. Malware and viruses can be spread through updates, and Windows auto update can also cause system crashes and instability if not configured correctly.

How to Turn Off Windows Auto Update in Windows 10

To turn off Windows auto update in Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the Settings App

• Click on the Start button and select Settings.
• Alternatively, you can type Settings in the Search bar and select Settings from the search results.

Step 2: Go to the Update & Security Section

• In the Settings app, click on Update & Security.
• This will take you to the Windows Update section.

Step 3: Click on the Update Options

• In the Windows Update section, click on Update options.
• This will take you to a new page where you can configure your update settings.

Step 4: Turn Off Windows Auto Update

• Scroll down to the Automatic updates section.
• Click on the Turn down automatic updates button.
• Select Turn off from the dropdown menu.
• Click OK to confirm.

Important Notes:

• Turning off Windows auto update will prevent Windows from automatically downloading and installing updates for your device.
• This may cause system crashes and instability if not configured correctly.
• You can also turn off Windows auto update by going to the Control Panel and selecting Windows Update.

Alternative Method:

If you prefer to turn off Windows auto update without using the Settings app, you can also do so by:

• Opening the Command Prompt: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type cmd, and press Enter.
• Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
• Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Type wuauclt /troubleshoot and press Enter to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Significant Changes:

• Windows 10 (version 1903 and later) has a new Windows Update feature called Windows Update for Business. This feature allows you to control the update process and schedule updates for your device.
• Windows 10 (version 1803 and earlier) has a Windows Update feature called Windows Update for Home. This feature allows you to control the update process and schedule updates for your device.

Conclusion:

Turning off Windows auto update in Windows 10 is a simple process that can help prevent system crashes and instability. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily turn off Windows auto update and take control of your device’s update process. Remember to always be cautious when managing your device’s update settings, and consider using the alternative method to turn off Windows auto update if you prefer.