Disable Windows 10 auto update

About the only Windows (any version) I use is in a virtual machine, and that's not that often.

Windows 10 by default has auto download/auto update configured.

When a few months (or longer) goes by and I need a quick test/check done on a Windows box, the system quickly appears to lock up downloading and cramming the updates down my throat.

I wanted to disable the auto download/auto update, but still get notified of Windows update for when I want to download them.

Steps to disable auto update

1. Use the Windows key + r shortcut to open the Run command

2. Type regedit and click the top result to launch the Registry Editor.

3. Navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

4. Right-click the Windows (folder) key, select the New submenu, and choose the Key option.

5. Name the new key WindowsUpdate and press Enter.

6. Right-click the newly created key, select the New submenu, and choose the Key option.

7. Name the new key AU and press Enter.

8. Right-click the AU key, select the New submenu, and select the DWORD (32-bit) Value option.

9. Name the new key AUOptions and press Enter.

10. Double-click the newly created key and change its value (number only) to:

• 2 - Notify for download and auto install. (Recommended)
• 3 - Auto download and notify for install.
• 4 - Auto download and schedule the install.
• 5 - Allow local admin to choose settings.
• 7 - Auto Download, Notify to install, Notify to Restart.

11. Click the OK button.

12. Reboot your computer.

Reference:

Windows Central - How to stop automatic updates on Windows 10 https://www.windowscentral.com/how-stop-updates-installing-automatically-windows-10#disable_automatic_windows_update_regedit