For whatever reason, there are a large number of Windows users out there who are refusing to upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft is in the middle of a long battle against these users and frequently tries to force you to upgrade to Windows 10.
Avoiding Windows 10 is as easy as declining every update on your Windows 7 computer.
However, if you’ve already upgraded to Windows 10, then you’ve probably noticed that Microsoft automatically installs background updates all the time – and then prompts you to restart your computer to complete the installation.
Want to avoid the unnecessary driver updates and registry scans? Today, we’re explaining how to prevent Windows 10 from automatically updating your PC.
Why Is It Automatic?
An up-to-date operating system is a secure operating system. That’s why Microsoft likes to automatically update its OS. When it automatically installs background updates, it knows its users are protected.
For whatever reason, some people don’t like that. Some people would rather install updates at their own pace. Microsoft has decided those users aren’t worth the trouble, which is why automatic updates are a thing.
Fortunately, there’s a way to disable these updates and install them when – and how – you like.
Option 1) Schedule Restart Times
One possible solution is to schedule update restart times. Microsoft lets you choose the best time to restart your PC.
To schedule restarts, go to the Start menu and type in Windows update settings, then look for the “Select a restart time” option. You can choose to restart at a specific time in the future. Or, let Microsoft restart your PC at a time it feels your PC will not be used.
Oddly enough, Microsoft might actually be getting rid of this feature with its Anniversary Update this summer. It’s throwing out scheduled restart times with “active hours”, which lets you designate 10 hour time periods during which your computer cannot be restarted.
This gives you a little more control over update times, but it still doesn’t totally disable updates.
Option 2) Meter your Internet Connection
Metering your internet connection limits the amount of data your PC can download. That means it won’t force-download OS updates.
To meter your Wi-Fi connection, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Advanced options and then turn Set metered connection on.
Oddly enough, you won’t be able to meter your Ethernet connection through this menu. So if you have a cable hooked up to your PC for internet, then Microsoft just assumes you have unlimited internet.
In any case, this is a good solution if you tether your PC’s connection to your phone and don’t want Microsoft download several gigabytes of updates while you sleep.
Even with a metered connection, you can download manual updates by going to Settings > Windows Update > Download.
Option 3) Disable Automatic Driver Updates
There’s no straightforward way to prevent Windows 10 from automatically updating itself. However, you can stop it from automatically updating drivers for your devices – which can remove a significant chunk of its upgrades.
To do that, right-click on Start and go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > System Properties.
Under the Hardware tab, click Device Installation Settings and click “No”, then save changes.
That’s it!
Unfortunately, if you’re looking for a way to flat-out disable Windows 10 updates, that’s not an option. Microsoft wants its users to stay protected and updated at all times – whether you like it or not.
