How to Disable Windows Update in a Registry
By Lysis
The Windows Update process is a software application that runs in the background of the Windows operating system. The application downloads files from the Microsoft website and can install them on your computer automatically. Some administrators prefer to manually download and install new updates to save resources on the computer. The Windows Update can be disabled using the registry, which is the location for all Windows configurations and settings. Using the \"Regedit\" application, you can disable Windows updates.
Step 1
Click the Windows \"Start\" button and select the \"Run\" option. Type \"regedit\" into the text box. Press the \"Enter\" key, and the Windows operating system starts the registry editor.
Step 2
Navigate to the \"HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\" directory in the registry editor. In this directory is the key that disables the Windows Update process.
Step 3
Click the Windows \"Edit\" button in the main menu bar. In the list of options, click the \"New\" option and then the \"DWORD\" menu item. This opens a dialog box where you name the key and set the value.
Step 4
Enter \"NoWindowsUpdate\" in the text box for the key name. Press the \"Enter\" key when you are finished. This value is displayed in the registry directory.
Step 5
Double-click the new \"NoWindowsUpdate\" key. Set the value to 1. The value of 1 disables the automatic updates from the Windows Update application.
Step 6
Close the Windows registry and reboot the machine. Once this value is set, the Windows Update process no longer runs.
Tips
- Set the \"NoWindowsUpdate\" key to 0 to set the Windows Update process to return to automatic downloads and installation for updates.
Warnings
- Microsoft releases essential software and security updates using the Windows Update application. Ensure you manually download and install these updates to keep the computer secure.
Writer Bio
Lysis is the pen name for a former computer programmer and network administrator who now studies biochemistry and biology while ghostwriting for clients. She currently studies health, medicine and autoimmune disorders. Lysis is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in genetic engineering.