There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with your Windows PC automatically updating, ensuring your computer remains secure and up-to-date. It’s akin to having a personal assistant managing the intricacies of your digital life. However, this elation can quickly dissipate when an automatic update crashes your system or causes your PC to lag like a snail on a leisurely stroll. While these updates are designed to deliver essential security patches, bug fixes, and performance enhancements, they can sometimes do more harm than good—especially if your RAM or system capabilities are unable to keep pace. Instead of feeling grateful for a well-maintained PC, you may find yourself frustrated and questioning the very purpose of your device.
So, how can you prevent Windows from imposing updates at the most inconvenient times? Fortunately, the solution is quite straightforward. Among the various methods available, one of the most effective is to disable the Windows Update Service manually. Here’s how to do it:
Steps to Disable Windows Update Service
Step 1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard. This action opens the Run box, providing quick access to system settings.
Step 2. Type services.msc and press Enter or OK to bring up the Services window, which lists all the background processes running on your PC.
Step 3. Scroll through the list until you find Windows Update and double-click on it to open its properties.
Step 4. In the Startup type dropdown menu, select Disabled. Then, click Apply and OK to save your settings.
And there you have it! You are not obliged to let Windows dictate your update schedule, especially when it risks crashing your system or hampering your productivity. However, it’s important to remember that disabling updates means you will not automatically receive new security patches. Therefore, it’s wise to check for updates manually from time to time to keep your system protected. Should you wish to re-enable updates, simply follow the same steps and select Manual or Automatic under the Startup type.
