How to Pause Windows 10 Updates (and Why You Might Want To)
Sometimes, automatic updates in Windows 10 can feel more like a headache than a help. Imagine you’re knee-deep in an important project, and out of nowhere — bam! — your PC prompts a restart. That’s why many people look for ways to hold back these updates. Disabling them isn’t complicated, but it can seem a bit fiddly. Essentially, it involves tweaking some settings through the Services app (services.msc).
Of course, keeping your system up-to-date is vital for security and smooth performance. But there are times when an unexpected restart can be a real nuisance. Pausing updates gives you a breather, though it’s best seen as a temporary fix, not a permanent one. Regular manual checks for updates are still essential to stay protected.
Getting Into the Details
Launch the Run Dialogue
Start by opening the Run box. Press the Windows key plus R simultaneously. The quick launcher window appears, letting you skip going through menus.
Open the Services Window
Type services.msc into the Run box and hit Enter. This takes you straight to the Services management panel — think of it as the control room for all those background processes. It’s your tool for managing how services run on your PC.
Locate the Windows Update Service
Scroll through the list or search for Windows Update. It’s usually easy to find. If you prefer, you can verify its status using PowerShell with this command:
Get-Service -Name wuauservThat way, you know exactly what’s happening with the update service.
Disable the Service
Right-click on Windows Update and select Properties. In the window that pops up, change the Startup type from Automatic to Disabled. Don’t forget to hit OK to confirm.
For a quicker method, you can run this PowerShell commands to stop and disable the service immediately:
Stop-Service -Name wuauserv -Force
Set-Service -Name wuauserv -StartupType DisabledThis will stop the service and prevent it from starting up again automatically.
Finalise the Update Pause
Changing the startup to Disabled tells Windows to ignore automatic updates for now. Just a reminder — it’s not deleting existing updates, only halting new ones until you decide to turn things back on.
When you’re ready to re-enable updates, revert the steps: set Startup type back to Automatic. You can then start the service again via PowerShell with:
Start-Service -Name wuauservAlternatively, go back into the Services app, change the setting, and hit Start.
Managing Updates Like a Pro
While stopping updates can help avoid interruptions, it’s wise to find a good balance. Instead of disabling altogether, consider using the built-in pause feature. Simply go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Pause updates for up to 35 days — much easier than messing around with services! Remember to restart your PC after any changes to ensure they take effect.
If you’re using Windows 10 Pro or similar editions, there’s also the Group Policy Editor. Typing in gpedit.msc opens it up, where you can navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update to set policies like notifications before updates download.
Regularly checking for updates is still important for security, so visit Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update periodically for manual checks.
Q&A on Windows 10 Updates
Can I re-enable updates after turning them off?
Absolutely. Just go back into the Services app, find Windows Update, and switch the Startup type back to Automatic. Or run this PowerShell command:
Set-Service -Name wuauserv -StartupType Automatic
Start-Service -Name wuauservIs pausing updates risky?
Potentially. Updates often include important security patches. If you keep them paused for too long, your system might miss out on critical fixes. It’s best to limit the pause duration and check for updates regularly.
How do I check for updates without getting notifications?
Head to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Alternatively, in PowerShell, you can run:
UsoClient StartScanThis will prompt Windows to search for available updates right away.
Will stopping updates disable all Windows alerts?
No, only the update-related alerts will stop. Security warnings and app notifications will still come through.
Are there other ways to disable updates besides Services?
Yes. If you’re on Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can use the Group Policy Editor. Setting policies to notify before downloads gives you more control over when updates happen.
Quick Summary on Disabling Updates
- Press Windows + R to open Run.
- Type
services.mscand hit Enter. - Find Windows Update.
- Right-click, then choose Properties.
- Set Startup type to Disabled and click OK.
Blocking automatic updates on Windows 10 can help keep your machine running smoothly during busy periods. Just remember, updates aren’t the enemy — they’re there to keep your system safe and up to date. Use the pause function wisely, and check manually now and then to stay secure without constant interruptions.