How to Stop Auto Update on Windows 10 and Avoid Data Loss

January 18, 2023Ashley Mae

"I have disabled auto update on my Windows 10, but it still installed the latest version, how can I stop updating on Windows?" Microsoft releases updates regularly to fix bugs and improve features. That allows laptops and desktop computers to keep security and patch vulnerabilities. However, updates contain new bugs that negatively affect the experience in many ways. If you suffer the same trouble, follow the guide to get rid of auto-update.

Part 1. How to Stop Windows Update
Part 2. Some Tips You Should Know in Case a Sudden Update
Part 3. FAQs about Stopping Updates on Windows

Part 1. FAQs about Stopping Updates on Windows

Windows updates can lead to unexpected behavior on a PC. That interrupts what you are doing and even damages your documents since the auto-updates are being installed without your approval at all. Fortunately, you can stop updating on Windows 10 by following the methods below.

Method 1: How to Stop Update on Windows via Settings

Step 1:

Click and expand the Windows icon at the bottom left corner, and open Settings.

Step 2:

Go to the Update & Security entry, and press the Windows Update item on the left side. Then click the Pause updates for 7 days button on the right panel.

Step 3:

Then you will see the date that updates will start again. You can always stop Windows updates before that date. Or click Resume updates, hit the Advanced options, and select a proper date from the Pause until drop-down menu.

Method 2: How to Stop Windows Update Service

Step 1:

Press the Windows + R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.

Step 2:

Type services.msc into the box, and press the Enter key. Scroll down to find the Windows Update entry on the Services dialog. Right-click on it and choose Properties.

Step 3:

Pull down the Startup type menu, and choose Disable. Next, click the OK or Apply button to confirm stopping updates on Windows.

You can also select Manual from the Startup type list to update your Windows manually.

Method 3: How to Stop Updates on Windows 10 by Group Policy

Step 1:

Open the Run dialog, and enter gpedit.msc into the box, and click the OK button.

Step 2:

Click and expand the Computer Configuration entry, then expand Administrative Templates, and Windows Components successively.

Step 3:

Then find the Windows Update entry on the right panel. Click and expand it, and click on the Configure Automatic Updates option.

Step 4:

Select Enabled, and then choose Notify for download and auto install option under the Options panel. Hit the OK button to confirm the changes and close the dialog.

Step 5:

Open the Start menu at the bottom left corner, search for Windows Update Settings, and select it from the result. Next, restart your PC to finish the settings. Now, auto-update Windows will be stopped and you can get a notification once there is an update.

Part 2. Some Tips You Should Know in Case a Sudden Update

Windows is running on over 80% of the world PCs. Although updates are essential to keep your PC safe, not every release is reliable. The sudden update can break everything from your document to an internet connection. Here are some tips you should know besides stopping update on Windows:

1. Back up data. Backup is a good habit to protect important data. You can back up your files to an external drive, or cloud storage.

2. Shut down the antivirus software and turn it back on. If you cannot stop updating on Windows 10, you'd better uninstall your antivirus, which scans each file installed on your PC and stalls for time.

3. Disconnect all peripherals. Once the update is done, your PC will restart. The external device that connects to your PC may interrupt the startup.

4. Get a data recovery tool. If you did not back up your data when a sudden update happens, Aiseesoft Data Recovery can help you get data back without technical skills.

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How to Recover Data if You Cannot Stop Updates on Windows

Step 1:

Install Data Recovery

Launch the data recovery software after installing it on your PC if you fail to stop updates on Windows. Select the data types that you want to recover, and click Next. Then check the desired location, and hit the Scan button.

Step 2:

Preview lost data

When scanning finishes, open the proper folder and view all lost files on your PC. Next, select the desired files.

Step 3:

Recover data

At last, click the Recover button. When prompted, choose a location to save the lost files. Wait for the process to complete, and you can open your files as usual.

Part 3. FAQs about Stopping Updates on Windows

How do I stop Windows Update in progress?

To stop Windows update in progress, open the Control Panel, click System and Security , and choose Security and Maintenance. Hit Stop maintenance to stop Windows 11/10 update in progress.

Can I disable Windows 10 update permanently?

Yes, you can disable update permanently on the Local Group Policy Editor dialog or using Windows Update Service. However, that can bring risks to your machine and data since updates fix bugs on PCs.

Can I turn off the laptop while updating?

No, the shutdown will interrupt the update process and damage your data and hardware. However, some actions won't stop updates on Windows, such as turning off the display or entering sleep mode. Bear in mind that hibernate will suspend the update process too.

Conclusion

Following the guide above, you should understand how to stop updates on Windows 11/10. So that you can control the update and trigger it at your convenience. The easiest way to do it is through the Settings panel. You can pick the right way according to your situation. Aiseesoft Data Recovery is an indispensable tool if you encounter a sudden update. If you have other questions about this topic, please feel free to leave a message below.

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