How to Stop Windows 11 Automatic Updates

The Problem

Windows 11 will restart for updates in the middle of a render, a match, or a client demo. Pausing or controlling updates is reasonable when you need stability today and can patch on your own schedule.

Step 1: Pause Updates (Up to 5 Weeks)

This is the easiest and safest method. It temporary halts everything.

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Navigate to Windows Update on the left sidebar.
3. Next to "Pause updates," click the drop-down menu.
4. Select how long you want to pause them (from 1 week up to 5 weeks). Note: Once the time expires, you must install the pending updates before you can pause them again.

Step 2: Disable the Windows Update Service

If you want to stop updates indefinitely, you can disable the core service. Warning: We do not recommend this for everyday users, as missing security patches leaves your PC vulnerable.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down the list until you find Windows Update.
3. Right-click it and select Properties.
4. Change the "Startup type" from Manual/Automatic to Disabled.
5. Click the Stop button under Service status.
6. Click Apply and then OK.

Step 3: Metered Connection Trick (Wi-Fi Only)

Windows will generally not download large updates if it thinks you are paying for data by the gigabyte.

1. Open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Click on the Wi-Fi network you are connected to.
3. Scroll down and toggle Metered connection to On.

Technician's Advice: Only disable updates if you know exactly what you are doing. If you use Method 2, set a calendar reminder to turn the service back on once a month so you can safely patch your PC manually.

Updates frozen at 0% or rolling back? That needs repair steps, not a permanent pause—see fix Windows update stuck.