Properly disable automatic Windows updates. How to disable Windows updates a reliable way Disable system notifications

Basic settings Windows is set up in such a way that after you connect the Internet, the system will begin to search for and download new components for the computer automatically. This is done in order to improve the compatibility of the device with new programs, file types, and so on. In addition, this allows you to install the most "fresh" version on your computer. operating system, connect to the Internet and download everything you need. So you don't have to constantly buy new package windows. It is enough to install it from the disk that was left after buying a laptop or computer.

Although this procedure is generally useful, many users decide to disable windows automatic search for new versions of programs for the OS and their further download. The reasons for this may be as follows:

  1. Installing too "fresh" drivers that conflict with the hardware of the computer (video card, processor), resulting in critical errors.
  2. The growth in the number of installed packages for downloading a Windows update is a decrease in free disk space.
  3. Failures leading to a decrease in the performance of Windows.
  4. Decreased Internet connection speed (especially for those users who have an Internet connection with a small channel).
  5. Updates are downloaded over the Internet, so if you use Internet traffic, then this can cost you a lot of money.
  6. The inability to quickly turn off, turn on or restart the device until updates are installed (which can sometimes take a very long time).
  7. If you are using a non-licensed copy of Windows, then it is logical that you may be afraid of not passing the activation check while trying to update the operating system.
  8. You install Windows to friends or acquaintances who are not good at computers and do not want to scare them with a pop-up window that you need to update Windows.

There are still a huge number of reasons why you may need to disable the search for new Windows versions. Nevertheless, it would be foolish to disassemble them all, so let's move on to the main thing and consider two main ways to disable the unnecessary Windows Update feature.

Completely disable updates

For this:

After that, in the service control window, you will see that "Windows Update" is disabled. If necessary, you can enable the search here, returning the original parameters.

Disable automatic search for updates

This method will help disable the search for automatic Windows updates, while leaving the user the ability to download them manually. In any other case, it will be enough to disable "Windows Update" in the previous way, through the services.

In order to disable automatic search new parameters and drivers, you need:


After that, the Update Center will close, and all the changes made will take effect. To manually start searching for them and then installing them, you will have to go back to this menu, and then click the "check for updates" button.

Whether this procedure is necessary is up to each individual to decide. It is highly recommended not to approach this thoughtlessly. Especially for inexperienced computer users. After all, disabling the search for updates can lead to a decrease in computer performance, the occurrence of critical errors, or an increased risk of infection with malicious files.

By default, Windows 7 automatically downloads and installs updates all the time. The operating system downloads updates from the Microsoft server every time you access the Internet from your computer. In theory, automatic updates are useful, as they are designed to patch system “holes”, modify files and optimize Windows work, but in practice there are a number of reasons why you should disable Windows updates. These are constantly annoying update notifications or downloading updates at the most inopportune moment.

For example: you are watching a movie or playing an online game and then the next update starts to download. All your traffic begins to be consumed by downloading these updates, since Windows updates have a higher priority than your browser or game and everything starts to slow down! And for some, because of updates, even Windows flies ...

You can only disable automatic windows update 7. You will still be able to download updates manually. To do this, go Start -> Control Panel ->system and safety -> Windows Update . Click "Settings" in the left menu.

In the window that opens, select "Do not check for updates (not recommended)" and uncheck all the boxes below. Click "OK".

Windows 7 automatic updates are now disabled. To manually download updates, you can go to Windows Update at any time and click the Check for Updates button.

Now let's permanently disable Windows Updates in Services. To do this, click Start -> Control Panel -> system and safety -> Administration -> Services .

Scroll to the bottom of the list and open the Windows Update service. In the window that opens, select the startup type "Disabled" and click the "Stop" button. To save the changes, click "OK".

Windows 7 update is now completely disabled. If necessary, updates can be enabled in a similar way.

In all Windows versions there is an important function - updating. Like most programs, Microsoft uses this opportunity to make timely changes to the system, improve its operation or eliminate vulnerabilities.

Despite the presence positive moments in this function, for most users it is superfluous or simply interferes more than it benefits. Many active PC users experience problems with updates and prefer to disable them.

Reasons and ways to disable

The main reasons for disabling updates in Windows 7 are:

  • Microsoft refused to update Windows 7, that is, updates will not be released, except for critical ones, if vulnerabilities are found;
  • During the update, the computer is under heavy load, since installing files requires resources;
  • The Internet channel is heavily loaded, that is, during the download, the speed is significantly limited and comfortable surfing is difficult;
  • During the installation or download of updates, you cannot turn off the computer;
  • If you are using a pirated Windows, you may experience problems as new ways to combat piracy are gradually released;
  • Limited traffic.

The probable reasons did not end there, but for clarity they are enough.

There are 4 ways to disable automatic updates in Windows 7:

  • Using the Update Center;
  • Through services;
  • Using the console;
  • Through the firewall.

Most of the features are standard, but a workaround (last option) can also be used.

Using the Update Center

In Windows 7, there is a special tool that is responsible for the entire update system. It is thanks to him that there will be no difficulties in how to disable Windows 7 updates. To use it you should:

  • Click Start and Control Panel;
  • Click on the "Windows Update" tile;

  • Go to the "Settings" section;
  • Select "Do not check for updates".

In addition to the radical disabling of the function, there are transitional positions when you can influence the installation of the software. This is how the check occurs and, if something new has appeared, the user makes decisions. It is also desirable to remove all checkmarks under the main menu.

How to disable windows 7 update through services?

A special module, that is, a service, is responsible for the update procedure. It is an invisible part of the previous method. The service can also be disabled, and the result will be the same, only it is executed without a graphical interface.

  • RMB on "Computer";
  • Click on "Management";

  • Expand the "Services and Applications" category, then select the appropriate section;
  • At the end of the list, find "Windows Update" and double click;
  • "Startup type" - "Disabled" and "Stop".

Here you can also disable the Windows 7 update permanently or set the startup initiation to "Manual". That is, the user will independently update at a certain frequency.

Shutdown using the console

The console always comes to the rescue in difficult situations and it is able to change some parameters that are deep in the system with a short command. Therefore, it is impossible to consider the topic of how to disable the Windows 7 update service and not mention the command line.

To disable a service:

  • Press Win + R and paste cmd;
  • Write the command sc config wuauserv start=disabled;

If you want to change the startup type to manual mode, then replace the last word with demand. All the methods above work on the same principle, only the way to change the parameters differs. There is also an alternative option.

Blocking updates through the firewall

The firewall itself allows you to control traffic outgoing from your computer, so it can be filtered. It is this function that is important to us. Instead of simply disabling updates, you can install some kind of stub. All requests for a specific domain will be redirected to a local address, that is, to nowhere. If the service does not receive a positive response about the availability of data on the server, it will think that everything is in order with the system.

by the most in a simple way stub installation is:

  • Follow to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc;
  • RMB on hosts and open with a text editor;
  • Place the entry "127.0.0.1 https://*.update.microsoft.com" at the end of the list.

Also, if it didn’t work, add “127.0.0.1 microsoft.com” as well, but then even in a browser you won’t be able to access the corporate website. Also, this method is working for most programs that require access to the network, to block them, simply change the domain to the required one.

It should be understood that by disabling updates, you deliberately put your computer at risk, since antivirus signatures, system settings and Windows stability are out of date. It is still better to manually make at least critical updates.

First, we recommend disabling the update center using standard methods, but another way is also available. After completing the procedure, you remain the full owner of the system and no background tasks will load Windows.

If you still have questions on the topic “How to disable updates in Windows 7?”, You can ask them in the comments


Back in the Windows XP operating system, developers introduced a special service that was responsible for periodic updates. They were automatically downloaded via the Internet from Microsoft servers to the user's computer, and the system determined whether to install them at the user's request or automatically. Consider why they are needed, and how to disable Windows 7 updates.

What are they needed for

According to the creators of the system, fresh updates have a positive effect on the operation of its program code. They specifically work to improve and optimize the operation of computer processes in the system. As a result, all efforts are designed to increase performance. The computer should become more responsive, and various flaws and errors should disappear. More often than not, updates also provide new features:

  • improved diagnostic and troubleshooting tools;
  • supported by modern peripheral equipment;
  • new functions are added to the system;
  • patches for the Windows security system and other usefulness are added.

For those who have a licensed Windows system, installing such updates, as a rule, does not threaten anything.

But, based on the bitter experience of many computer owners, these updates are only needed if they are able to bring real benefit. But who among ordinary users will be able to determine in advance the usefulness of the improvements proposed by Microsoft. If some game or program is unstable in this operating system, then it will tell you which updates are needed. But when the computer works reliably, stably and does not give out unexpected glitches, then what's the point of updating if it already works smartly. As the admins joke: “it works - don’t bother”, but it’s better to completely disable Windows 7 updates. Often they can cause a lot of problems. Why take the risk, and if you're lucky.

Why would you need to disable

There are several reasons for the question of how to disable automatic updates in Windows 7:

  • The user has a pirated version of the operating system. And if you completely disable the update, the risk that the Microsoft server will issue a "red card" and limit the functionality of the operating system for using unlicensed Windows 7 is reduced to zero.
  • There are frequent cases when updated system unexpectedly gives a critical error, which can only be fixed by a full recovery, and it’s obviously too late to wonder how to turn off Windows 7 auto-update.
  • small size system disk, most often it is the "C" drive. And since the packages with fixes are very voluminous, the free space instantly disappears. Therefore, it becomes simply necessary to disable automatic updates on your computer.
  • The need to wait for the computer to turn off after an update in Windows 7. Those who updated faced a situation when they needed to turn off the laptop, and a warning appeared on the monitor screen that this should not be done, because “updates are being installed on Windows 7 1 of 1235 "! And the user must choose either an updated system or a deep sleep. Here you will inevitably think about how to prohibit the system from updating.
  • If the Internet is limited in incoming and outgoing traffic. For such users, the question is also relevant, how to disable automatic updating of Windows 7.
  • If the Internet channel has a low speed, then it is better to disable this service in Windows 7 forever.

If at least one of the above reasons is relevant for your system, then it is better not to look for Windows 7 updates.

Well, now about how to disable updates. There are two ways. Let's consider each of them separately.

Disable completely

Before turning off Windows Update 7, it is necessary to find management service. Consider the sequence of actions:

After this service is completely disabled, the system will not be updated. But if you want to receive Windows 7 updates, if you carry out all the steps again, you can restore full functionality by changing the settings.

Disable only automatic update

If you want to reserve the right to manually download and install updates yourself, you can limit yourself to disabling automatic search.

Let's see how to do it:


Now the system will search for updates, but will not automatically install without the user's permission. The owner of the computer can manually download updates from the Download Center at any time by clicking on the button Check for updates.

Disable system notifications

After the actions taken, the system will not search for updates and install them automatically. But that is not all. Since this is a negative event for Windows 7, it will still remind you of this with a flag with a red cross in the right corner of the monitor.

Let's turn off this reminder of the changes made:

Now the red cross has disappeared and the operating system does not display reminders.

But nothing prevents you from updating manually if you wish. It is enough to start the search for Windows 7 updates again.

Conclusion

Finishing this short description of why you need to update the system and how to disable the update service, we want to remind you that each user can install the update manually, as well as disable the update service completely or partially. We hope these short instructions will help you. They are quite simple, but will keep the computer working for a long time.

Related videos

On all versions of the operating Windows systems updates are provided as they complement the system, fix possible errors and improve performance. Of course, such updates will not harm your computer, they are needed and must be downloaded, however, there are cases in which it is better for users to refuse updates altogether. On the example of Windows 7, the following reasons can be distinguished: you have a pirated version of the system and updates are blocking it, your computer has too little memory and updates will not physically fit on it, you have a very busy schedule and you work with your computer, and automatic updates slow down your performance . In this case, you can choose: disable updates completely or cancel only automatic ones. This article will cover both methods.

How to disable windows 7 update completely

This instruction cancels updates on your computer at all: the system will not search for updates, download them. If you want the updates to still be downloaded, but their installation is up to you, then it is better to prefer the second instruction below. If you do not need updates, then proceed with this one.

  • Go to Control Panel via Start.
  • Set the icon sorting to “Large Icons”. Find the "Administration" item and select it.


  • Among all the services and system parameters, you need the “Services” item. Launch it by double clicking.


  • Almost at the very bottom of the list, you will find the line "Windows Update". This is where you can disable system downloads of updates and their installation. Double click on this service.


  • In the window that appears, in the line “Startup type”, select the value “Disabled”.
    Now click “Stop” on the next line and close the window by clicking “Apply”.
  • Updates are disabled on your computer.


How to turn off automatic updates on Windows 7

A very convenient way, as it allows you to choose the time to download and install Windows updates.

  • Go back to the Control Panel in the way you already know. Sort by "Category". Click on the "System and Security" section.


  • Look for the “Windows Update” tab, it will contain several sections below. Among them, click on “Turn automatic updates on and off”.


In the drop-down list, you can select the item that suits you:

  • Automatically download them, but ask you about the installation time.
  • Ask you for both download and installation.
  • Do not update the system.


  • After selecting the item, uncheck the box “Recommended updates” and click “OK”. Please note that you must be in an administrative account.
  • Updates in Windows 7 are now disabled and configured as you see fit.


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