The e-mail has to go quickly, the streaming video is in its most exciting place, after the muse’s kiss you are writing a text just like in a rush. This is usually the exact moment when a hint pops up that Windows 10 wants to start an update. Annoying, because if you don’t move it to later, it starts automatically – and it’s often impossible to continue working during installation, including restart(s).
However, you can adapt these updates to your needs.
Disable automatic updates
Windows 10 has a built-in “service” that constantly checks for new updates. If you deactivate this service, no more updates will be started at an inopportune time.
But remember: These updates are for the security of your computer and should be installed as soon as possible. So you should reactivate the automatic updates soon or choose one of the alternatives from the following chapters.
To disable updates on Windows 10:
Right-click the Windows icon at the bottom left of the taskbar (alternatively, press the Windows key and the X key at the same time) and select Computer Management.
Click Services and Applications > Services at the bottom of the left column.
As an alternative to steps 1-2, you can also press the Windows key and R simultaneously and enter the command services.msc in the search field of the pop-up Execute window.
- Scroll down the list of services to Windows Update. Click it with the right mouse button.
- Select Properties.
- On the General tab you will find, among other things, a drop-down menu next to Start Type. Select Deactivated here.
- Confirm with a click on OK. Windows 10 does not automatically check for updates after the next restart.
- You can also reactivate the automatic updates via the drop-down menu.
Attention: You can only disable the automatic updates if you are logged in as administrator. For more information, see the Windows 10 Create, Add, Delete User Account guide: Here’s how!
Postpone automatic updates
Do I always have to install the latest updates now and immediately? No, they don’t have to. Although quick installation is advisable for security reasons, you can delay it. For the latest version of Windows 10 (as of May 2018), this works as follows:
- Click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the taskbar and then on the gear icon to access the settings. Alternatively, press the Windows key + I.
- Select Update and Security. If it is not selected in the first place, click Windows Update in the left column.
- Click Advanced Options in the middle column.
- Under the Select time of installation for updates, you will find four options. The first is the field marked Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted).
- If you switch to Semi-Annual Channel via the drop-down arrow here, you will only receive updates if they are also suitable for professional use in organizations and companies, i.e. if the “teething troubles” have been eliminated. This is the case on average about four months after the start of the updates.
- The next selection field concerns the so-called function updates, which are to play new features and individual improvements on the PC. You can delay them up to 365 days by selecting them with the drop-down arrow.
One field below you can delay the so-called quality updates in the same way. These are safety improvements, so the maximum delay time here is only 30 days.
Under Suspend Updates you will find the fourth option. If you move the slider to Off, the updates will be suspended, but only for a maximum of 35 days.
Setting appropriate times for updates
Downloading an update in the background can affect your Internet speed, but you can usually continue working. The same applies as long as the update is installed. However, it is completely different when a restart is required that unexpectedly separates you from your current work.
However, there is the possibility to store the times in which you usually use your PC. Windows 10 will not restart during these periods. This is how you indicate your peak usage times:
- Go to the Windows Update menu by repeating steps 1+2 from the previous paragraph.
- In the middle column, click Change time of use.
- In the pop-up window, enter the start time and the end time of your usual usage time. The maximum time you can set is 18 hours.
Cancel automatic update
An update comes at a completely unsuitable time? There is no specific menu item or button to cancel it. But you can stop it with a program command and continue it later. And it goes like this:
Type cmd in the search box at the bottom of the taskbar. If the search field in your taskbar is hidden, you can also simply click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner of your screen and then type cmd in your keyboard.
Customize the Windows 10 taskbar: Hide, move and more.
Click Command Prompt. The so-called console opens, a window with a black background.
Enter the command net stop wuauserv here.
Press the Enter key to confirm the command. The update is stopped.
If it does not work, it is necessary for you to log in as an administrator. To do this, right-click the Command Prompt option, select Run as administrator and enter your administrator password.
If you want to continue the update later, start it manually. You will find more details in the box.
Security? Yes! Disruption of the PC session? No!
Updates for an operating system are correct and above all important. The updates fix security vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and install some minor or major improvements. Stupid only if the performance of the computer is impaired by an automatic update. Or even worse: An unexpected restart thwarts your current work, your game, your journey through the Internet. When you tell your PC when you usually sit in front of the computer, the danger of unwanted spontaneous restarts is eliminated. You can also delay or disable the automatic check and installation of updates if necessary.