Disabling the Windows Update Service on Windows 10
Windows 10 can check for and install updates automatically while the PC is online. The source says some updates can slow a PC down. This guide turns off the Windows Update service from the Services window. The service then stays off until y
Before You Start
Prerequisites: Administrator access to the PC.; A plan for security updates. With this service disabled, Windows will not install updates, including security patches.; A note of the current **Startup type**, so you can restore it later.
Step-by-Step
- Press the Windows key and R together.
- Type `services.msc` and press Enter.
- Find Windows Update in the list, then right-click it.
- Choose Properties.
- On the General tab, set Startup type to Disabled.
- Click Stop.
- Open the Recovery tab.
- Set all three failure options to Take no action.
- Click Apply.
- Click OK.
- Restart your computer.
## Overview
Windows 10 can check for and install updates automatically while the PC is online. The source says some updates can slow a PC down. This guide turns off the Windows Update service from the Services window. The service then stays off until you change the setting back.
## Why this works
Windows Update runs as a Windows service. Stopping the service and setting its startup type to Disabled tells Windows not to start it, including after a restart. The Recovery settings tell Windows to take no action if the service fails. Without that change, Windows could try to restart the service automatically.
## Security note
Security note: With the Windows Update service disabled, Windows does not install updates, including security patches. Your PC may stay open to known vulnerabilities for longer. To revert, open Services, open the properties of Windows Update, set Startup type to Automatic or Manual, click Start, and restart your computer.
## What to expect
After the restart, Windows Update should not start on its own. Services Manager should show the service as stopped, with a startup type of Disabled.
## Verify
Open Services Manager again. Windows Update shows Disabled as its startup type and does not show a running status.
## Common mistakes
- Disabling the service and forgetting that security updates stop too.
- Setting the Startup type but not clicking Stop, so the service keeps running until the restart.
- Setting the Recovery options but skipping the restart.
- Leaving the service disabled after you finish troubleshooting.
## When not to do this
If you only need a short break from updates, look for a pause option in Windows Settings instead of disabling the service. Disabling the service is a broad change, so use it only when you understand the trade-off.
## Notes
- Disabling updates can leave your PC without security patches. Weigh this risk before you follow the steps.
- To resume updates, set Startup type back to Automatic or Manual, then start the service.
- The source calls this a permanent change. In practice, it stays in effect until you change the setting back.
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