How to Stop Windows 11 Automatic Updates

The Problem

Windows 11 is designed to keep your system secure by aggressively pushing updates. However, these updates can happen at the worst possible times, cause unexpected reboots, or occasionally introduce new bugs that break your workflow.

Method 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.

Method 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.

Method 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.