How to Disable Automatic Updates in Windows 11

This article explains how to pause Windows Update from automatically downloading and installing updates for up to 20 years in Windows 11.

Windows Update is a service by Microsoft that provides regular updates and patches for the Windows operating system. These updates usually include security, bug fixes, and performance improvements that help keep your computer running smoothly and protect it from various security threats.

You can not entirely disable Windows Update but can pause the service for up to 20 years, effectively stopping new updates until you are ready to resume updates and check for updates manually.

There could be different reasons someone may want to pause automatic updates in Windows. One possible reason is that some updates can cause compatibility issues with certain hardware or software, leading to system instability or crashes.

Moreover, automatic updates can consume significant bandwidth and slow down the internet connection, especially if you have limited data usage. Additionally, some people may prefer more control over when and which updates to install, as automatic updates can sometimes interrupt important tasks or cause inconvenience if installed inconveniently.

Pause Windows Updates for up to 20 years

As mentioned, you can pause automatically downloading and installing updates on Windows for up to 20 years, effectively disabling it.

Here’s how to do it.

First, open Windows Registry Editor.

Then, navigate to the registry key below.

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings

Next, double-click the FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays (REG_DWORD) name on the Settings key’s right pane to open it.

Then, enter a [Hexadecimal] value 00001c84 to allow pausing Windows Update for up to 20 years.

If you do not see the “FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays” item, right-click a blank area and create a new DWORD (32-bit) registry item.

Then, enter the name “FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays” and enter a [Hexadecimal] value 00001c84 to allow pausing Windows Update for up to 20 years.

After updating the Registry Editor, open the Windows Settings app. Then, select Windows Update on the left menu and click the “Pause for 1 week” button.

Then, use the drop-down options to choose how long to pause Windows updates.

Windows Update is paused until 2044 in this case.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• You can now pause Windows updates for an extended period, granting you more control over your system’s update schedule.
• Pausing updates can help prevent compatibility issues, conserve bandwidth, and reduce interruptions during crucial tasks.
• If you encounter any issues or have additional insights to share, please leave a comment below for further discussion.