Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest version of the operating system. While there are a number of improvements and additional features as compared to its predecessor, Windows 10, the update pipeline is relatively untouched.
By default, Windows 11 enables automatic updates and for good reason. However, if you’re on a slower or limited internet connection, getting your browsing speeds affected by Windows downloading updates all the time isn’t a great idea.
In this article, we’re talking about four ways to disable automatic Windows updates on Windows 11.
Also read: Should I upgrade to Windows 11? 7 taking points
Stop Windows 11 update settting your internet connection as metered
Setting your internet connection as metered stops Windows from downloading updates automatically. There are two different approaches here to take depending upon whether you’re using WiFi or ethernet.
When on WiFi
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Wifi Settings. Click on the corresponding setting.
Step 2: Select your active Wi-Fi connection.
Step 3: Scroll down an enable the Set as metered connection toggle.
When on Ethernet
Step 1: Press Windows key + I to bring up the Run prompt. Type regedit and press enter
Step 2: Navigate to the following directory.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\NetworkList
Step 3; Right-click on the DefaultMediaCost folder and click on Permissions.
Step 4: Click on Add.
Step 5: Type your username in the Enter the objects to select field and click on Check Names button. Next, click on the OK button.
Step 6: Select the user you just added in the Group or user names list and check the Allow checkbox for Full Control permissions. Click OK when done.
Step 7: Now double click on Ethernet on the right side pane and change its value to 2.
Now as long as you stay on the same network, Windows updates will be disabled.
How to pause Windows 11 updates temporarily?
If you’d rather pause updates temporarily, follow these steps.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Windows update settings. Click the corresponding search result.
Step 2: In the Pause updates dropdown, select the time period you want.
Disable the Windows Update service to stop Windows 11 update
You can disable Windows updates by disabling the background service used to check for and download said updates as well.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Once open, type services.msc and hit enter.
Step 2: Find the Windows Update service and disable it using the Start/Stop button.
Windows updates will now be disabled until you restart the service manually.
Stop Windows 11 update by changing the registry
The final method involves changing the registry to disable Windows updates.
Step 1: Press Windows key + R to open the Run prompt. Type regedit and hit enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the following path
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
Step 3: Right-click the blank space on the right and select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
Step 4: Name the entry NoAutoUpdate and set the value to 1.
Now restart your PC and Windows update will be disabled until you remove this registry key.
Also read: Windows 11 Print Screen not working for screenshots: 5 Fixes
