Windows 11 updates, which Microsoft sends to your system on a regular basis, are intended to keep your operating system up to date. They are, for the most part, beneficial. However, as long-time Windows users are aware, updates can occasionally go wrong, so some prefer to delay updates for a week or two to ensure that no problems are delivered with the update.
You do not need to permanently disable Windows 11 Update if you want to prevent the system from downloading a specific update. Instead, you could pause updates for up to seven days.
Windows Update exists to help users keep their computers up to date with the most recent patches, service packs, and other updates. The ease of use is determined by how Windows Update is configured.
Depending on your version of Windows, this could mean downloading but not installing the updates, notifying you but not downloading them, or even disabling Windows Update completely.
How to Change Windows Update Settings in Windows 11
Pause Windows 11 Updates
- Select Settings from the Start menu.
- Launch Windows Update.
- Open Windows Update and check to see if you’re up to date.
- You can also check for updates by clicking on the Check for updates button. Otherwise, you’ll be told you’re current.
- A Pause updates option is located directly below. There is a button on the right labeled Pause for 1 Week that will allow you to do just that.
- If you want to pause for more than a week, click on that button again, and you can do so for up to three weeks.
Manually Disable Windows Update
- Do right-click on the start icon.
- Go to run and type Services services.msc and hit ok.
- So once you do that a new window will appear.
- Scroll it down and look for the windows update right-click.
- Go to properties and select disabled then apply and ok.
- In this manner, you can disable it
Change the Settings of the Group Policy Editor
- Press the Windows logo key + R, type gpedit.msc, and click OK.
- Go to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “Windows Components” > “Windows Update”.
- Double-click “Configure Automatic Updates”.
- Select “Disabled” in Configured Automatic Updates on the left, and click Apply and “OK” to disable the Windows automatic update feature.
Note: If you need to update your Windows version later, you can repeat the steps above, then select Enabled to turn on this feature, so that you can continue to download the updates.
Set Up a Metered Connection
- Open the Windows Settings application (Win + I).
- Click on the ‘Network & Internet’ section.
- Open ‘Wi-Fi’ and click the ‘Manage known networks’.
- Select network and in ‘Properties‘ toggle the ‘Set as metered connection’ option to ‘On’.
If you connect to the Internet through an Ethernet cable you will not be able to set up a metered connection.
Conclusion
No matter what version of Windows you use, updates are required to fix security vulnerabilities, resolve issues, and improve the overall experience. However, in some cases, you may need to disable this feature.
For example, if you want complete control over Windows 11 updates, if you want to avoid issues because bugs are common in most rollouts, or if you are using a critical app or equipment and do not want to encounter any compatibility issues.
While it is possible, at least prior to Windows 11, we do not recommend completely disabling Windows Update. At the very least, choose an option where you’re notified of new updates, even if you decide not to have them automatically downloaded or install.
And on that thought, we also do not recommend turning off automatic updating. Letting Windows Update check, download, and automatically install updates is a very good way to make sure you’re protected from being exploited by security issues after they’re discovered.
