Not sure what version of Windows you’re running?
Right-nudge the Start button, and chooseSettings.
it’s possible for you to alsoleft-clickthe Start button and search forSettings.
ChooseWindows Updatefrom the menu on the left.
SelectAdvanced optionsfrom the right side.
All things considered, this is the safest way to go.
Changes you make to Windows 11’s Windows Update options are saved automatically.
you’re free to kill the configs window when you’re finished customizing the configs.
Active hours:Change this if Windows is rebooting your system while you’re using it.
The automatic option will choose the active hours based on your activity.
Windows will resume updates after the pause period is up.
Windows Insider Program:This lets you receive early versions of major updates to Windows 11.
This is the fastest way to get the newest features as they become available, before everyone else.
This is accessible from the main Windows Update screen.
Select Start and then choose the configs icon.
ChooseWindows Updatefrom the menu on the left, assuming it’s not already selected.
Changes to Windows Update prefs in Windows 10 are saved automatically once you make them.
I recommend checking this option so other Microsoft programs you have installed will get automatic updates, too.
(Updates for your Windows Store apps are handled in the Store.
OpenSettingsfrom the Store and then toggle on or off theUpdate apps automaticallyoption.)
Doing so lets you wait several days or months before these updates will automatically install.
Deferring upgrades isn’t supported in Windows 10 Home.
Pick the automatic option and Windows will choose the active hours based on your activity.
Depending on the version of Windows 10 you’re running, you might also see the options listed below.
Choose the branch readiness level:Windows Update lets you choose when to install updates.
Participating in theUpdates from more than one placeprogram helps speed up the Windows Update process in Windows 10.
SelectSystem and Security, or justSecurityin Windows Vista.
ChooseWindows Updatefrom theSystem and Securitywindow.
SelectChange settingson the left.
you’re free to customize the time that downloaded updates are installed.
ChooseOKto save the changes.
Feel free to close any open windows related to Windows Update.
This will let those users install updates, too.
There will be no more updates.
For your archives, here’s how it worked back when they did still send updates.
Open Control Panel, usually viaStart, and then its link on the right.
If you’re viewing Control Panel in theClassic View, you won’t see this link.
Instead, double-clickAutomatic Updatesand then skip to Step 4.
Click theAutomatic Updateslink near the bottom of the window.
These four options you see in theAutomatic Updateswindow control how Windows XP gets updated.
ClickOKto keep your changes.
Turn off Automatic Updates:This option completely disables Windows Update in Windows XP.
You won’t even be told that updates are available.
you could, of course, still visit the Windows Update website yourself and check for any new patches.
And on that thought…we also do not recommend turning off automatic updating.
Bottom line: keep it simple by keeping it automatic.
