Windows 11 comes with regular updates designed to improve performance, fix bugs, and strengthen security. While updates are important, sometimes they arrive at the worst possible moment—like when you’re in the middle of a presentation, working on a deadline, or gaming with friends. If you’ve ever felt frustrated with unexpected restarts or forced installations, you’re not alone.
In this guide, we’ll break down practical ways to stop or control Windows 11 updates. Whether you want to pause them temporarily, disable them completely, or simply manage them on your own terms, this article has you covered.
Why Would You Want to Stop Windows 11 Updates?
Before jumping into the how-to part, let’s quickly look at why someone might want to stop updates.
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Interruptions during work: Automatic restarts can ruin your productivity.
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Limited data plans: Large updates consume tons of bandwidth.
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Stability issues: Some updates cause more problems than they fix.
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Customization: You may prefer installing updates manually at a convenient time.
Does this mean updates are bad? Not at all! They’re essential for security. But sometimes, you just need control.
Methods to Stop Windows 11 Updates
Now let’s dive into the actual solutions. You can stop updates in several ways depending on whether you want a temporary pause or a permanent fix.
1. Pause Updates via Windows Settings (Quick & Easy)
This is the simplest way for most users.
Steps:
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Windows Update.
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Click Pause updates for 1 week.
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If needed, keep clicking to extend the pause (up to 5 weeks).
This method is great when you just need a short break from updates.
2. Disable the Windows Update Service (More Permanent)
Windows Update runs as a background service. Stopping it disables updates entirely.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and hit Enter. -
Scroll down to Windows Update.
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Right-click → Properties.
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Set Startup type to Disabled.
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Click Stop, then Apply.
That’s it! Updates won’t run until you re-enable the service.
3. Use Group Policy Editor (For Windows Pro Users)
If you’re on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you have access to Group Policy Editor.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
gpedit.msc, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Windows Update → Manage end-user experience
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Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
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Choose Disabled or customize the update settings.
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Click Apply → OK.
This gives you more fine-tuned control compared to the Settings app.
4. Metered Connection Trick
Windows avoids pushing big updates over a metered network. You can use this to your advantage.
Steps:
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Open Settings → Network & Internet.
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Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
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Click on your active connection.
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Toggle Set as metered connection to On.
Boom—updates won’t download automatically anymore.
5. Registry Editor Hack (Advanced Users Only)
This method requires caution. Changing registry values incorrectly can harm your system.
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
regedit, and hit Enter. -
Navigate to:
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HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
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If the AU key doesn’t exist, create it.
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Inside AU, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named
NoAutoUpdate. -
Set its value to 1.
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Restart your PC.
This disables automatic updates completely.
6. Block Updates with a Third-Party Tool
Several tools exist that make blocking updates easy, such as:
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StopUpdates10
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Windows Update Blocker
These apps give you one-click options to disable or enable updates without messing with registry or services.
7. Schedule Restarts Instead of Disabling Updates
If you don’t want to block updates completely, you can at least control when your system restarts.
Steps:
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Go to Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options.
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Under Active hours, set the time when you usually work.
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Windows won’t restart during that period.
8. Disable Automatic Driver Updates
Sometimes updates include drivers that may break hardware. Here’s how to stop that:
Steps:
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Press Windows + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter. -
Go to Hardware tab → Device Installation Settings.
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Select No (your device might not work as expected).
9. Use Command Prompt or PowerShell
Tech-savvy users can disable updates with a simple command.
Command Prompt:
PowerShell:
Things to Keep in Mind Before Stopping Updates
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Security risks: Without updates, your PC may become vulnerable.
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New features: You’ll miss out on new tools and improvements.
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Bug fixes: Some issues might never get resolved.
Think of updates like vaccinations—sometimes uncomfortable but necessary for long-term health.
Best Practice: Control, Don’t Completely Disable
Instead of permanently disabling updates, consider using pause, scheduling, or metered connection. That way, you stay safe but also avoid disruptions.
Conclusion
Stopping Windows 11 updates isn’t rocket science. From quick pauses to permanent blocks, you’ve got multiple methods depending on your comfort level. While it’s tempting to turn them off completely, remember that updates are crucial for security and performance. The best approach is balance: control when and how updates happen, so they work for you, not against you.
FAQs
1. Can I permanently stop Windows 11 updates?
Yes, by disabling the Windows Update service, registry tweaks, or third-party tools. But it’s not recommended for security reasons.
2. Will stopping updates affect my PC’s performance?
Not directly. However, missing security patches or bug fixes may cause performance or stability issues later.
3. Can I stop updates only for specific apps or drivers?
Yes. You can disable automatic driver updates or hide specific updates using Microsoft’s “Show or Hide Updates” troubleshooter.
4. Is it safe to use third-party update blockers?
Mostly yes, but only download from trusted sources to avoid malware.
5. What’s the easiest method for beginners?
Using the Pause updates option in Settings is the simplest and safest method for non-technical users.