‘How to Stop Windows 10 Update’ Completely Guide

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Error

Windows 10 updates are crucial for maintaining the security, stability, and performance of your operating system.

However, there are instances where these updates can encounter errors, leading to frustration for users. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop Windows 10 update errors, you’re not alone.

In this detailed guide, we will explore the reasons behind Windows 10 update errors, their significance, and effective solutions to prevent and resolve them.

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Error

Understanding Windows 10 Update Errors

Windows 10 update errors are messages or notifications that appear when there is a problem with the installation, configuration, or download of Windows updates.

These errors can manifest in various forms and codes, and they can disrupt the update process, leaving your computer vulnerable to security threats and missing out on important features and improvements.

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The Significance of Windows 10 Update Errors

Windows 10 updates are essential for several reasons:

  1. Security: Updates often include critical security patches that protect your system from vulnerabilities and potential threats.
  2. Performance: Updates may include bug fixes and performance improvements, ensuring that your computer runs smoothly.
  3. New Features: Some updates bring new features and enhancements that enhance your computing experience.
  4. Compatibility: Updates can improve the compatibility of your system with software and hardware.

Given their importance, encountering update errors can hinder your computer’s overall functionality and expose it to risks. Therefore, knowing how to stop Windows 10 update errors is essential.

Common Windows 10 Update Errors

Before we explore how to stop these errors, let’s look at some common Windows 10 update errors:

  1. 0x80070002: This error indicates that Windows Update failed to find files required for the update.
  2. 0x80070005: It signifies an access denied error, typically related to permission issues.
  3. 0x8024200D: This error often occurs when Windows Update encounters an issue with a particular update.
  4. 0x800f081f: It points to a corrupted or missing system file.
  5. 0xc1900223: This error may appear when the update download is incomplete.

Methods to Completely Stop Windows 10 Update

The methods listed below are solutions that can help you completely stop Windows 10 Update and are safe to utilise.

These solutions do not require any technical knowledge; only a basic understanding of the device is required, after which you may follow the instructions and resolve the issue.

 1. Stop Windows 10 Updates

Metering your network connection is the first method on the list. This method only works if you’re connected to the internet via Wi-Fi.

You will have a limited data plan after designating it as a metered connection, and you will no longer be able to install Windows Update. This strategy, on the other hand, will not function if you use ethernet connections.

The steps outlined below will assist you in doing so:

Step 1: Select Settings from the Start menu.

Step 2: Select Network & Internet from the drop-down menu. Select it by clicking on it.

Step 3: Select Wi-Fi and then the name of your Wi-Fi connection.

Step 4: Next, select Set as metered connection.

 2. To Stop Windows 10 Updates, Disable The Windows Update Service

The next option is to turn off the Windows Update service. Stopping the Windows 10 update can be accomplished by disabling the Windows Update service. You can do so by following the steps outlined below:

Step 1: To open the run box, press the Windows logo key and the ‘R’ key at the same time.

Step 2: Type services.msc into the search box and hit Enter.

Step 3: Double-click on Windows Update after searching for it.

Step 4: Select Disabled in the Startup Type section of the Windows Update Properties.

Step 5: To save the changes, simply click the Apply and Ok buttons.

Step 6: It’s worth noting that if this is your first time deactivating it, you’ll need to click on the Recovery tab in the Windows Update Properties box and select Take No Action in the First Failure area.

Step 7: To save the changes, click Apply and Ok.

Step 8: Restart your computer and verify that it has stopped. If not, we’ll continue on to the next step.

 3. Stop Windows 10 Update by Modifying Group Policy Settings

Changing Group Policy Settings is the next option on the list. By altering the group policy settings to disable Windows Update, you will be notified of the newest updates without having to install Windows Update.

To update Group Policy Settings, follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1: To open the Run box, press the Windows logo key and the ‘r’ key at the same time.

Step 2: When it appears, type gpedit.msc and hit Enter.

Step 3: Next, navigate to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, and finally Windows Update.

Step 4: Double-click Configure Automatic Updates at the bottom of the page.

Step 5: To disable the feature, click Disabled in the left pane, then Ok and Apply.

 4. Stop Windows 10 Update by Changing Device Installation Settings

Changing the Device Installation Settings is the fourth way to halt the Windows 10 update. The instructions below will show you how to change the device installation settings:

Step 1: Open Control Panel by typing it into the Search box.

Step 2: Select the system from the drop-down menu. Then, on the left pane, select the final option, Advanced system settings.

Step 3: Next, select Device Installation Settings from the Hardware tab.

Step 4: Click Save Changes after selecting No.

Step 5: Finally, click Ok.

If this approach fails, move on to the next option.

5. Put a Halt 

Pausing automatic updates is another way to block Windows 10 updates.

Step 1: From the Start menu, select

Step 2: Select Update and Security from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select Windows Update from the drop-down menu.

Step 4: Finally, select Advanced settings.

Step 5: In the Pause Updates menu, select ‘On.’

Note: Because this method uses a defined time period, the updates will be paused for only 35 days. You must repeat the steps to suspend further updates in order to proceed.

 7. Disable the Installation 

The following way is to prevent a downloaded update from being installed.

As previously stated, if the system has already begun installing updates, DO NOT INTERRUPT as this could result in major problems. Allow the download to finish. After that, you may undoubtedly terminate the installation.

To prevent a download update from installing, follow these steps:

Step 1: Go to the start button in the first step. In the Search field, type Security Maintenance and press Enter.

Step 2: Expand the Maintenance option from the Control Panel Home window.

Step 3: In it, look for Automatic Maintenance and select Stop maintenance to halt updates.

You can also restart it by clicking the Start Maintenance button.

8. Use Group Policy to Control Updates

The second technique is to use Group policy to limit updates. We’ve already tried the approach “Change or disable updates using Group Policy,” as suggested above. Alternatively, we can use this method. The steps below will assist you in doing so:

Step 1: To open the Run box, press the Windows logo key and the ‘r’ key at the same time.

Step 2: Once it’s opened, type msc and hit Enter.

Step 3: Select Administrative Templates from the Computer Configuration menu. Navigate to Windows Components, then Windows Update.

Step 4: Double-click Configure Automatic Updates at the bottom of the page.

Step 5: To disable the function, click Enabled in the left pane, then Ok and Apply.

The ‘Notify for download and auto install’ option is the most recommended because it is the closest thing to turning off downloads.

9. Using the Registry to Disable Updates

Another way to halt Windows 10 updates is to disable them using the Registry. To disable updates via the Registry, follow the instructions outlined below.

Step 1: Type regedit into the search bar and select Registry Editor.

Step 2: Select ‘HKEY LOCAL MACHINE’ from the left pane. Then move to the software section. There, select Policies, then Microsoft, and finally Windows.

Step 3: Next, right-click the Windows folder and select New to Key from the context menu. Simply give it the name WindowsUpdate and hit the Enter key.

Step 4: Right-click it again and select New > Key, then name it AU and press the Enter key.

Step 5: Right-click in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. After that, give the entry the name NoAutoUpdate and hit the Enter key.

Step 6: Double-click the new entry and convert the 0 to a 1 in the Value Data field. Now press the OK button.

Step 7: Reboot your computer.

10. Using the Registry to Control Updates

The Registry is the next mechanism on the list for limiting updates. You can either try to limit updates instead of disabling it. The steps below will assist you in doing so:

Step 1: Type regedit into the search bar and select Registry Editor.

Step 2: Select ‘HKEY LOCAL MACHINE’ from the left pane. Then move to the software section. There, select Policies, then Microsoft, and finally Windows.

Step 3: Next, right-click the Windows folder and select New to Key from the context menu. Simply give it the name WindowsUpdate and hit the Enter key.

Step 4: Right-click it again and select New, then Key, then name it AU and press the Enter key.

Step 5: Right-click in the right pane and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value. Give this entry a name, such as AU choices, and then press the Enter key.

Step 6: Double-click the newly created entry. Replace 0 with any of the following numbers: 3,6,9,12

Step 7: Look at the numbers to see what they mean:

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Conclusion

Windows 10 updates are essential for the security and performance of your computer. However, encountering update errors can be frustrating.

By following the steps outlined in this guide on how to stop Windows 10 update errors, you can minimize the likelihood of encountering such issues and ensure that your operating system remains up to date and functioning optimally.

Remember to regularly check for updates, maintain adequate disk space, and keep your drivers and software compatible to prevent update errors effectively.

FAQs on the “How to Stop Windows 10 Update” Error

1. Can I stop Windows 10 updates permanently?

No, Windows 10 updates cannot be permanently stopped. However, you can delay, pause, or disable automatic updates for a certain period.

Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs updates to keep your system secure and running smoothly, but you have some control over when and how updates are applied.

2. How can I temporarily pause Windows 10 updates?

  • To temporarily pause updates:
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Click Pause updates for 7 days. You can do this multiple times, up to a maximum of 35 days.
    • To resume updates, go back to Windows Update and select Resume updates.

3. How do I stop Windows 10 updates using the Windows Update Service?

  • You can disable the Windows Update service to stop updates:
    • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
    • Scroll down to Windows Update in the list of services.
    • Right-click Windows Update, select Properties, and change the Startup type to Disabled.
    • Click Stop under Service status, then click Apply and OK.
    • Note: This method temporarily disables updates, but the service may be re-enabled after a certain time.

4. How do I disable automatic updates using Group Policy (Windows Pro and Enterprise)?

  • If you’re using Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can disable automatic updates through Group Policy:
    • Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Local Group Policy Editor.
    • Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
    • Double-click Configure Automatic Updates, select Disabled, and click Apply > OK.
    • This stops automatic updates, but you will need to manually check for updates in the future.

5. How can I stop automatic updates using the Registry Editor?

  • For advanced users, you can modify the registry to stop automatic updates:
    • Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
    • Navigate to:
      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
    • If the WindowsUpdate and AU keys do not exist, create them.
    • Right-click in the right pane, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it NoAutoUpdate.
    • Set its value to 1 to disable automatic updates.
    • Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.

6. How do I pause Windows updates for a longer period?

  • To pause updates for more than 7 days:
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Click Advanced options.
    • Under Pause updates, select a date in the dropdown menu. You can pause updates for up to 35 days.

7. Can I stop a Windows 10 update that’s already in progress?

  • If an update has already started, stopping it can cause system instability or corruption. However, you can try to stop the update process by:
    • Pausing updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and pause updates.
    • Stopping the Windows Update service: Press Win + R, type services.msc, and stop the Windows Update service.
    • Restarting the computer: In some cases, restarting may stop the update if it’s still downloading. Be aware that this may not always work, and some updates may continue after restarting.

8. Can I control which updates to install on Windows 10?

Windows 10 does not allow you to selectively choose which updates to install, as it automatically installs security patches and updates. However, with Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise, you can delay feature updates for up to 365 days and quality updates for up to 30 days.

9. How do I disable automatic driver updates?

  • To disable automatic driver updates in Windows 10:
    • Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced system settings.
    • In the System Properties window, go to the Hardware tab and click Device Installation Settings.
    • Select No (your device might not work as expected) and click Save Changes.

10. What happens if I disable Windows 10 updates?

Disabling Windows 10 updates can leave your system vulnerable to security risks, as you won’t receive the latest patches and fixes from Microsoft. Additionally, some new features and improvements may not be available if you stop updates for too long. It’s recommended to keep your system up to date for optimal performance and security.

11. How do I schedule Windows 10 updates at a convenient time?

  • To schedule updates at a convenient time:
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
    • Click Change active hours to set the hours during which you typically use your device. Windows will try to avoid restarting your computer for updates during this time.
    • You can also choose Restart options to schedule a specific time for the update to take place.

12. Can I use third-party tools to stop Windows updates?

Yes, third-party tools like StopUpdates10 or Windows Update Blocker allow you to control or block Windows 10 updates. However, using such tools is not recommended by Microsoft and could leave your system unprotected. If you use these tools, ensure you manually check for critical updates from time to time.

By using these methods, you can pause, delay, or disable Windows 10 updates temporarily, giving you more control over when updates are applied to your system. However, it’s essential to regularly update Windows for security and performance reasons.