Windows 10 has undoubtedly been one of the most popular operating systems in recent years. While it has brought several innovations and improved functionalities, it has also been notorious for its automatic updates. Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 10 is programmed to automatically download and install updates, which can be frustrating for users who prefer to control their updates manually. The default setting on Windows 10, which automatically downloads software patches, can cause inconvenience, particularly when the updates consume internet data and hog system resources.
By default, Windows 10 automatically downloads and installs updates in the background without notifying users. This feature is not only annoying, but it also drains internet quota and disrupts productivity whenever the PC is restarted or turned off. Due to these reasons, many users have attempted to disable automatic updates on their Windows 10 PCs. However, most of these workarounds do not work on Windows 10 Home devices, which lack access to the Group Policy Editor.
Thankfully, there is a nifty freeware tool called Windows Update Blocker developed by Sordum that allows users to enable or disable automatic updates in Windows 10 with just one click. This tool offers a one-click solution to completely enable or disable Windows 10 auto-updates. What’s more, it will also prevent upgrades to Update Assistant without requiring users to disable Windows update services manually or change settings in Group Policy Editor. It’s worth noting that this tool is small, portable, and doesn’t require installation.
To disable automatic updates on Windows 10 using the Windows Update Blocker tool, follow these steps:
1. Download the Windows Update Blocker, which is 421KB in size.
2. Extract the downloaded file to the desired location.
3. Run files Wub.exe and let the program make changes.
4. To block automatic Windows Update, select “Disable Service”.
5. Checkmark “Protect Service Settings” to prevent uncontrolled changes.
6. Click “Apply Now”.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your Windows 10 PC will no longer receive automatic updates. You can verify this by opening Windows update in the OS settings, and it will display a message “Error encountered” and “There were some problems installing updates.”
It’s essential to note that disabling Windows updates prevents a system from receiving the latest security patches and makes it vulnerable to potential threats. Therefore, it’s recommended that users weigh their needs and preferences carefully before disabling automatic updates permanently.
Windows Update Blocker also supports Windows 10 Home edition, which otherwise limits access to the Registry and Group Policy Editor. The tool has been tested to support other versions of Windows 10, including Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP (32 & 64-bit). The developers are active in updating the tool regularly to ensure it remains functional.
In conclusion, disabling automatic updates on Windows 10 can be a daunting task for some users, particularly for those who lack access to the Group Policy Editor. However, with the Windows Update Blocker tool, users can enable or disable automatic updates with ease. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding to disable automatic updates permanently, as this can leave the system open to potential threats.