By default, Windows 11 continues to download and install various updates automatically. You may not notice this is happening until you go to turn off your device, with a restart required for most updates to be applied. However, you might prefer to have more control over which updates are installed on your PC, and when downloads take place. Whether you just need a brief break from updates or something more permanent, here are four ways to turn off automatic updates in Windows 11.
Stop Windows 11 automatic updates temporarily in Settings
This is by far the simplest method, but it’s also the most limited. If you’re getting bombarded with updates right now but don’t want to have to check manually long-term, it’s worth trying: However, this setting completely disables updates for seven days, or until you resume them. There’s no option to continue installing them manually, unlike the other methods explained in this article.
Disable Windows 11 automatic updates via Windows Services
If you’re looking for something a little longer term, using Windows Services is worth considering: Automatic updates will now be disabled, but you can still install them manually via Settings. If you ever want to turn them back on, just repeat this process, choosing ‘Manual’ or ‘Automatic’ instead.
Set up a metered connection to stop Windows 11 automatic updates
A metered connection is essentially any internet connection which has a limit on the amount of data you can use. As you might expect, creating a metered connection in Windows 11 means updates won’t download automatically in the background. Here’s how to set one up: Without setting any limit for the metered connection, your regular browsing experience shouldn’t be affected. However, other background processes that rely on the internet may also be turned off.
Turn off Windows 11 automatic updates by editing the registry
The fourth and final method involves making changes to the registry. As such, it’s important to proceed with caution and follow these steps carefully: As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to disabling automatic updates in Windows 11. All are reversible, meaning you can easily turn them back on if the manual update process is wearing thin.
Related articles for further reading
Windows 11: Everything you need to know How to get the Google Play Store in Windows 11 How to downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10
As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
