How to Disable Windows 11 Updates

Automatic updates in Windows 11, while essential for security and performance, can sometimes disrupt your work. If you’d prefer to control when updates are installed or even disable them entirely, there are several ways to do so. This guide walks you through the steps to fully disable updates in Windows 11.

1. Disabling Updates via “Windows Services”

This is one of the most reliable ways to stop automatic updates:

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. Find the Windows Update service and double-click it.
  4. In the window that opens, set Startup type to Disabled and click Stop.
  5. Click “Apply” and “OK” to save your changes.

With this change, Windows 11 will no longer automatically download or install updates.

2. Using Group Policy Editor (for Windows 11 Pro)

This method is available for Windows 11 Pro, Education, and Enterprise editions only:

  1. Press Win + R and type gpedit.msc.
  2. Go to: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update.
  3. Find Configure Automatic Updates and double-click it.
  4. Select “Disabled” and save the changes.

This method provides more control over updates and is suitable for corporate versions of the system.

3. Disabling Updates Through the Registry Editor

Be cautious when using the Registry Editor, as incorrect changes can cause system issues:

  1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R and typing regedit.
  2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
  3. If the WindowsUpdate key doesn’t exist, create it by right-clicking on Windows and selecting New → Key.
  4. Create a new AUOptions value and set it to 2 (Notify before download and install).

Now, updates won’t install automatically, and the system will prompt you before downloading any updates.

4. Setting a Metered Connection

Enabling a metered connection is a temporary way to pause automatic updates:

  1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
  2. Select the internet connection you’re currently using.
  3. Find the Set as metered connection option and turn it on.

This method is ideal if you need to temporarily pause updates, especially useful with limited data plans.