Windows 10 does not provide a recommended permanent “turn off all updates” switch for home users. However, you can safely pause updates, limit downloads on metered internet connections, and reduce update bandwidth so Windows does not unexpectedly use your data or restart at an inconvenient time.
Before making changes, remember that Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Keeping the computer protected is more important than blocking every update, especially if your PC is connected to the internet.
The Safest Way: Pause Windows Updates
Pausing updates is the best option when you need temporary control without disabling Windows Update completely.
- Click Start.
- Open Settings.
- Select Update & Security.
- Click Windows Update.
- Choose Pause updates for 7 days.
You can select the option again to extend the pause period, up to the limit available in your Windows 10 version.
To choose a specific date:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Advanced options.
- Under Pause updates, choose a date.
After the pause period ends, Windows requires you to install the latest available updates before you can pause updates again.
Set Your Wi-Fi Connection as Metered
A metered connection tells Windows to reduce background data use. This can help prevent large updates from downloading automatically over limited mobile data, hotspots, or expensive internet connections.
Set Wi-Fi as Metered in Windows 10
- Open Settings.
- Click Network & Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi.
- Click the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
- Turn on Set as metered connection.
Windows may still download important updates or security-related files in some situations, but metered mode can reduce automatic update downloads.
Set an Ethernet Connection as Metered
If you use a wired internet connection, you may also be able to mark it as metered.
- Open Settings > Network & Internet.
- Select Ethernet.
- Click the connected network.
- Turn on Set as metered connection, if the option is available.
This is useful if your PC uses a limited broadband connection or mobile-data router through Ethernet.
Limit Windows Update Download Bandwidth
If you do not want to block updates but want them to use less internet speed, use Delivery Optimization settings.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Delivery Optimization.
- Select Advanced options.
- Under download settings, set a lower limit for background downloads.
You can also turn off downloads from other PCs:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Delivery Optimization.
- Turn off Allow downloads from other PCs.
This does not stop Windows Update, but it can reduce bandwidth use and prevent your computer from sharing update files with other devices.
Stop Automatic Restarts After Updates
For many people, the bigger problem is not the download—it is an unexpected restart.
Set Active Hours
Active Hours tells Windows when you normally use the computer.
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Change active hours.
- Set your usual start time and end time.
Windows will try not to restart the PC during those hours to finish an update.
Schedule a Pending Restart
If Windows has already installed an update and needs to restart:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Look for the restart notification.
- Select Schedule the restart.
- Choose a convenient time.
Should You Disable the Windows Update Service?
You may find guides that suggest disabling the Windows Update service through the Services app. This is not recommended for most users.
Completely disabling updates can:
- Leave your PC exposed to security threats
- Prevent important fixes from installing
- Cause compatibility issues with apps and drivers
- Create problems when you later upgrade Windows
- Make troubleshooting harder
Use the built-in pause and metered-connection controls first. They are safer and easier to reverse.
Should You Use Group Policy to Delay Updates?
Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions offer more update-management controls through Group Policy. These settings are mainly intended for advanced users and organisations.
If you use Windows 10 Pro:
- Press
Windows + R. - Type
gpedit.mscand press Enter. - Go to:
Computer Configuration
> Administrative Templates
> Windows Components
> Windows UpdateFrom there, you may see policies for configuring update notifications, scheduling, and restart behaviour.
Avoid changing policies unless you understand the setting and can reverse it. Group Policy is not included in standard Windows 10 Home editions.
Why You Should Not Permanently Block Updates
Windows updates can include:
- Security fixes
- Bug fixes
- Driver improvements
- Reliability updates
- Protection against newly discovered threats
Delaying an update for a few days can be sensible if you have limited internet data or want to avoid early bugs. Blocking security updates for months can put personal files, accounts, and online banking information at risk.
Important: Windows 10 Is No Longer in Regular Support
Microsoft ended regular support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. That means standard Windows 10 systems no longer receive the usual ongoing security updates through the normal support lifecycle.
If your hardware supports it, moving to Windows 11 is the best long-term option. Some users and organisations may also have access to Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates programme, depending on eligibility and region.
Do not treat pausing or blocking updates as a long-term security strategy on an unsupported operating system.
What to Do Instead of Disabling Windows Updates
Choose the option that matches your situation:
| Situation | Better option |
|---|---|
| You have limited mobile data | Set the connection as metered |
| You need uninterrupted work time | Set Active Hours and schedule restarts |
| You want to wait before installing an update | Pause updates temporarily |
| Updates are using too much bandwidth | Limit Delivery Optimization downloads |
| Your PC cannot run Windows 11 | Check eligibility for Extended Security Updates or plan a hardware upgrade |
| A specific update caused a problem | Uninstall that update and pause updates briefly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I permanently turn off Windows 10 updates?
Windows 10 does not offer a recommended permanent off switch for updates. You can pause updates temporarily and limit downloads with metered connections, but permanently disabling updates is not advised.
Does a metered connection stop Windows updates?
A metered connection can reduce or delay many background update downloads. However, Windows may still download some important updates.
How do I stop Windows 10 from restarting automatically?
Set Active Hours in Windows Update settings and schedule restarts when prompted.
Is it safe to pause Windows updates?
Pausing updates for a short period is generally safer than disabling Windows Update completely. Install updates when the pause ends, particularly security updates.
Should I still use Windows 10 in 2026?
Windows 10 reached end of support in October 2025. You should plan to move to Windows 11, use an eligible Extended Security Updates option, or replace unsupported hardware to reduce security risk.
Final Thoughts
The safest way to stop Windows 10 from automatically downloading updates is not to disable the update system completely. Instead, pause updates temporarily, set your connection as metered, limit update bandwidth, and control restart times.
Because Windows 10 is now out of regular support, keeping your PC secure should be the priority. If possible, plan an upgrade to Windows 11 or explore Microsoft’s official extended-security options.
