How to Disable Automatic Updates in Windows 11

Windows 11 updates are useful, but they can also run at the worst time. The system may start downloading files in the background, use disk and CPU resources, slow down the internet, or keep the Windows Update loader active while you are trying to work, play, or use an older PC.

The best solution is not to remove updates forever. A safer approach is to stop automatic background downloads and install updates manually when the computer is idle.

The Best Method: Make Windows Ask Before Downloading Updates

This method is best for Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education. It stops Windows from silently downloading updates in the background and makes it notify you first.

Press Win + R, type:

gpedit.msc

Press Enter.

Go to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience

Open Configure Automatic Updates.

Set it to Enabled.

Under Configure automatic updating, choose:

2 - Notify for download and auto install

Click Apply, then OK, and restart the PC.

After this, Windows Update should no longer download updates automatically in the background. You will still see update notifications, but you decide when to download and install them.

This is the cleanest option because it does not break Windows Update. It only changes automatic behavior.

For Windows 11 Home: Use a Metered Connection

Windows 11 Home does not normally include Group Policy Editor, so the easiest built-in option is to mark your internet connection as metered.

Open Settings.

Go to Network & internet.

Choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.

Open your active network.

Turn on Metered connection.

Then go to:

Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options

Make sure Download updates over metered connections is turned off.

This tells Windows not to freely download large updates while using that connection. It is not a perfect “off” switch, but it usually reduces background update downloads and helps prevent sudden slowdowns.

Turn Off Delivery Optimization

Delivery Optimization can use your PC to download or upload update files for other devices. If you want less background network activity, turn it off.

Open:

Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization

Turn off:

Allow downloads from other PCs

This does not disable Windows Update itself, but it stops one extra background process that can use your internet connection and system resources.

Pause Updates When You Need Full Performance

For short-term control, use the built-in pause option.

Open:

Settings > Windows Update

Find Pause updates and choose the available pause period.

This is useful before gaming, editing video, working on a slow laptop, or using mobile internet. It is temporary, but it is safe and easy to reverse.

Should You Disable the Windows Update Service?

You may see advice online telling you to disable the Windows Update service in services.msc. It can work for a while, but it is not the best long-term method. Windows can re-enable update components later, and disabling the service may also affect Microsoft Store updates, driver updates, security fixes, and system maintenance.

Use this only if you understand the risk and plan to update manually.

To do it:

Press Win + R, type:

services.msc

Find Windows Update.

Open it, click Stop, and set Startup type to Disabled.

If you need updates again, change Startup type back to Manual or Automatic, then start the service.

For most users, the best setup is simple:

On Windows 11 Pro, use Group Policy and set updates to Notify for download.

On Windows 11 Home, enable Metered connection and turn off downloads over metered connections.

For everyone, turn off Delivery Optimization downloads from other PCs.

This keeps Windows Update available, but stops it from constantly working in the background, eating bandwidth, and slowing down the system when you need performance.

Final Thoughts

The goal is not to block Windows 11 updates forever. The goal is to stop automatic background downloading and take control of when updates happen. With the right settings, Windows 11 becomes much quieter: fewer background downloads, less disk activity, less internet usage, and fewer random slowdowns.