Feb 28 2015

Hello everyone, how to disable automatic updates in Windows 7, many of you have probably encountered this problem.

Today I will tell you how to turn off annoying Microsoft updates.

What are Windows updates?

Microsoft's Windows operating system is not perfect. During the operational period, all sorts of errors, bugs, lags, vulnerabilities and so on arise. To remove them, specialists from Silicon Valley are improving the software and releasing updates to correct these shortcomings.

Windows updates contain many useful things that can help better protect your computer, increase its performance, fix some errors, and so on.

But there were also cases that after installing updates, the computer began to work with errors, was not stable, turned off, and so on. Of course, updates are different for different software. It is advisable to deal with each separately before updating.

Whether or not to install updates is up to everyone. Weigh all the pros and cons, make a decision for which you will be responsible.

In the update center, basic operations and settings with updates are performed. You can enter it in different ways, let's look at some of them. You may be interested in the information.

Computer properties

Find the My Computer icon on the desktop, right-click on it and go to properties.

In the lower left corner, open Windows Update.

Control Panel

Go to Start Menu >>> Control Panel.

We find system and security.

Windows Update >>> Enable or disable automatic updates.

Execute or program launch window

Open the Run window - press the keyboard shortcut (Win+R), write the command “Control /name Microsoft.WindowsUpdate” and click OK.

Disabling Windows 7 updates

After we have entered the Windows Update Center using any of the methods described above, we proceed to setting up the settings.

Select not to check for updates (not recommended).

Turn off via computer control

Find the Computer icon, right-click on it and go to Management.

Open Services and Applications >>> Services tab.

We go to the middle window with a list of services, use the slider on the right to go to the very bottom of the list, find Windows Update and go into it.

If the service is running, then you need to turn it off, go into it.

Set the startup type to Disabled, the state to Stop, click Apply and OK.

How to disable automatic updates in Windows 7 | website

All these actions are reversible; the changes made can be returned and you can continue to use the updates.

In custody

Today we learned how to disable automatic updates in Windows 7, what updates are and why they are needed. You perform all actions with updates at your own peril and risk.

You may have questions related to updates. You can ask them below in the comments to this article, and also use the form with me.

You can also ask any questions related to computer topics on the page.

Thank you for reading me on

The basic Windows settings are set in such a way that after you connect to 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 device’s compatibility with new programs, file types, and so on. In addition, this allows you to install the latest version of the operating system on your computer, connect to the Internet and download everything you need. Therefore, you do not need to constantly buy a new Windows package. It is enough to install it from the disk that was left after purchasing a laptop or computer.

Despite the fact that this procedure is generally useful, many users decide to prevent Windows from automatically searching for new versions of programs for the OS and then downloading them. The reasons for this may be the following:

1. Installing too “fresh” drivers that conflict with the computer’s hardware (video card, processor) resulting in critical errors.
2. An increase in the number of installed packages for downloading Windows updates means a decrease in free disk space.
3. Failures leading to a decrease in Windows performance.
4. Reduced 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, this can cost you a pretty penny.
6. Inability to quickly turn off, turn on, or restart the device until the update installation is completed (which can sometimes take a very long time).
7. If you are using an unlicensed copy of Windows, then logically there may be a fear of not passing the activation check when trying to update the operating system.
8. You are installing Windows for friends or acquaintances who are not computer savvy and do not want to scare them with a pop-up window saying that they need to update Windows.

There are still a huge number of reasons why you may need to disable the search for new versions of Windows. However, it would be stupid to sort them all out, so let’s get to the main point and look at two main ways to disable the unnecessary Windows Update feature.

Completely disabling updates

For this:

After that, in the service management window, you will see that “Windows Update” is disabled. If necessary, you can enable the search here by 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 services.

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

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

Whether this procedure is necessary is for everyone to decide separately. 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, critical errors, or an increased risk of infection with malicious files.

I'm tired of this endless update of Windows 7! Downloads and installs every day. Internet speed slows down, computer slows down, and reboots without asking. And this system doesn’t care whether I’m watching a movie, writing a term paper, or making an important report for management. And updates are installed for 2 hours, and do not allow you to turn off your PC or laptop.

And most importantly - there is almost no sense! Yes, vulnerabilities are eliminated, but you will not notice the difference at all BEFORE the update and AFTER it. Unless it eats up traffic and takes up space on the local C drive again. In general, complete hemorrhoids.

Therefore, if you are also tired of this option, turn it off! Especially for those who do not know how to disable updates on Windows 7, detailed instructions with screenshots are provided below.

There are 2 ways to turn off the annoying Windows 7 auto-update feature

First, let's look at turning off automatic updates on Windows 7. This is necessary so that the system does not download anything or start installation without your permission.

If you suddenly need to turn on the search for updates, then open the same window and select one of the first three items to choose from (whichever is more convenient).

However, after this, the message “Windows Update is disabled” will constantly pop up at the bottom of the screen (near the clock). Please turn it on."

So that it doesn't get boring:

Ready. You just removed this message, and you won't be bothered by it anymore.

Method 2: Windows Update

For this:

1. Open Start – Control Panel – Administrative Tools.
   
2. Launch the “Services” shortcut.
   
3. Scroll down the window and select “Windows Update” at the very bottom.
   
4. Next, in the “Startup type” field, select “Disabled” and click “Stop”. Save the changed settings by clicking “Apply” and close the window.

Ready. You have just completely disabled the update service on Windows 7 (searching for and installing them).

This procedure is carried out the same way on all computers and laptops running Windows 7. The version (Home, Professional, Ultimate) or bitness (32- or 64-bit) does not affect this.

Why do you need to turn off auto-update in Windows 7?

1. An unlicensed copy of Windows is installed. At the very least, activation may fail during the update. In the worst cases, the computer or laptop does not turn on after a reboot and you have to reinstall the OS (Microsoft developers know how to give surprises 🙂).
2. Limited Internet. If you have a limited amount of traffic, then regular updates will cost a pretty penny.
3. Slow internet speed. Auto-updates greatly reduce loading speed. And if it’s already small for you, then...
4. Low hard drive space. Auto-updates do not take up much space, but over time they can accumulate to 10-20 GB. And if there is little space left on your hard drive, your computer (or laptop) will run slowly.
5. You cannot turn off your PC during auto-update. This is terribly annoying (don't leave it on overnight!).

By the way, as an option, you can disable only auto-update. That is, select the 2nd or 3rd option in the Update Center settings (so that the installation decision is made by you personally).

Automatic updates are an important functional feature of any operating system. Thanks to it, the computer receives important updates on time, making the system more stable and secure. In Windows 7, the function is activated initially. This means that if there is a connection with Microsoft servers, the update service checks for the availability of fresh packages, downloads them and installs them. Usually, all processes proceed virtually unnoticed by the user, but when constant offers to upgrade to 10 appear, this is already overkill.

Theoretically, there is no need to disable automatic downloading of updates. It is useful because it closes security gaps, optimizes the operation of the OS, and adds new features to it (regarding the “tens”). There is also a list of reasons why the auto-update service should be disabled:

1. The user does not like that during the update the Internet speed drops and/or the PC cannot be turned off for a long time.
2. The computer has expensive or limited wireless Internet.
3. Problems after launching the updated OS.
4. Failures during the installation of update packages.
5. There is not enough space on the system volume to accommodate the increase in volume of Windows 7, which grows with each update.

Kinds

Still, before you disable the Windows 7 update, think about whether it is really necessary. In addition to deactivating the service, it can be switched to the following operating modes.

1. Fully automatic - operations proceed without user intervention, only notifying the user that the installation of packages is complete.
2. Searches and downloads the latest fixes on a schedule, and the installation of packages is carried out by the user.
3. Automatic checking and notifying the user about the availability of updates.
4. Self-update is disabled. Everything is done manually.

Options are selected in the Update Center component.

Disconnection methods

The settings of any Windows are stored in its registry. You can access the key responsible for the Update Center settings in several simple and a couple more complex ways. Let's look at them all.

Change Update Center settings

Let's start by setting up the service for ourselves. To access the configuration interface, you need to open the “Update Center” using one of the following methods.

System

1. Through the context menu of My Computer, call up its “Properties”.

1. In the left vertical menu, click on the corresponding link located at the bottom of the window.

1. Go to the “Control Panel”.
2. Open the “System, Security” section.

1. Call the element of the same name.

If control panel items are rendered as icons rather than categories, a link to the item will appear in the main window.

1. So, after getting into the desired window, click “Settings parameters”.

1. Move to the “Important updates” section and select the appropriate option from the drop-down list.

The only way to completely disable receiving updates on a computer with Windows 7 is to stop the service.

Disabling the service

Management of services in the “seven” occurs through:

• direct editing of registry keys, which is very inconvenient;
• third-party programs for configuring the OS (we’ll skip this option);
• MMC console snap-in;
• system configuration;
• command line;
• Group Policy Editor (present in Windows 7 Ultimate, Enterprise).

Removing a service from autostart

The fastest way to disable updates is through the system configurator.

1. Execute “msconfig” in the command interpreter window, which will open after holding down the Win + R keys or clicking on the “Run” button in Start.

1. Go to the “Services” tab.
2. Find “Windows Update” (maybe Windows Update) and uncheck the box next to it.

1. Save the new settings.

Until the end of the current session, the service will work, properly performing the tasks assigned to it. To apply the new configuration, Windows 7 must be rebooted.

Let's use the MMC console snap-in

The system console snap-in of the same name provides access to managing all services on the PC. It starts like this.

1. Open the context menu of the “My Computer” directory.
2. Call the “Manage” command.

1. In the left vertical menu, expand the “Services and Applications” item. Next, click on the “Services” link.

A simpler option for calling the same window would be to run the “services.msc” command through the “Run” dialog.

1. Scroll to the very end of the list of services and open the “Properties” of the Windows Update service.

1. In the “Startup type” drop-down list, select “Disabled” instead of “Automatic” in order to say goodbye to automatic updates forever. If you need to disable the service now, be sure to click “Stop”. Save the new settings with the “Apply” button and close all windows.

The PC does not need to be rebooted to apply the settings.

Group Policy Editor

Another MMC snap-in called the Local Group Policy Editor will help you configure any system parameter.

It is not available in the home edition of the Seven!

1. The tool is launched by running the “gpedit.msc” command through the “Run” window.

1. In the “PC Configuration” subsection, expand the “Administrative Templates” branch.

1. Open “Windows Components” and look for Update Center.
2. On the right side of the window we find a parameter whose name begins with “Setting auto-update”.
3. Call up its settings.

1. Move the checkbox to the “Disable” position and click “OK” to close the window and save the changes.

Let's use the command line

Through the command line, all the same operations are performed as using the graphical interface, and even more, but in text mode. The main thing is to know their syntax and parameters.

The “cmd” command is responsible for calling the command line.

1. Open the command interpreter and execute it.

Some users are concerned about how to disable Windows 7 updates on their computer. Why are users worried about system updates?

Regularly, at certain periods of time (usually once a month), update packages are released for the Windows operating system. Sometimes, if problems arise or vulnerabilities are discovered, emergency patches are released that need to be installed on your computer.

In the Windows 7 operating system, with default settings, automatic updating is enabled. The system periodically downloads and then installs updates and patches released for Windows onto the computer. Most of the updates concern system security.

Users, for various reasons, refuse to install updates for the operating system. Here are some reasons for not receiving Windows 7 updates through Windows Update:

• it happens that after installing updates, Windows or applications malfunction;
• Windows updates often take a long time, during which you cannot turn off the computer;
• with a limited Internet connection, major system updates consume a lot of traffic;
• updates take up space on the PC disk;
• users are afraid of losing their operating system activation after installing updates.

How to disable Windows 7 updates? This issue can be resolved using the system in two ways: disabling automatic Windows 7 updates, or disabling Windows 7 updating completely.

How to disable automatic updates in Windows 7

After turning off automatic updates for Windows 7, the user will still have the option to download and install updates manually.

This is a preferable option than completely disabling the update, since some updates should be installed on your computer in order to avoid becoming a victim of dangerous viruses, for example, .

Go to the Start menu, click on Control Panel, then Windows Update. In the Windows Update window, in the left menu bar, click on the “Customize settings” link.

In the “Settings” window, in the “Important updates” option, select “Do not check for updates (not recommended)”, and then click on the “OK” button.

Additionally, you can uncheck the two settings below: “Recommended updates” and “Who can install updates.”

In the future, if you need to install updates manually, in the “Important updates” setting, select “Search for updates, but I make the decision to download and install.” Next, after you've finished searching for available updates, select the updates you want to install on your computer.

How to disable Windows 7 update permanently

The second method disables the Windows Update service on your computer, so checking for updates will be disabled.

Go to the Start menu, then go to Control Panel => Administrative Tools. In the “Administration” window, double-click with the left mouse button on the “Services” shortcut.

In the “Services” window, in the list of operating system services, find the “Windows Update” service, and then right-click on the service and select “Properties” in the context menu that opens.

In the “Properties: Windows Update (Local Computer)” window, in the “General” tab, select the startup type: “Disabled”, click on the “Stop” button to stop the service at a given time.

You can re-enable the update in Windows 7 using the same method. In the “Properties: Windows Update (Local Computer)” window, select the startup type: “Automatic (Delayed Start)”, and then click on the “Run” button.

Disable Update Center on the command line

You can disable Update Center on the command line, follow these instructions:

1. Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Enter the commands sequentially (after entering the command, press the “Enter” key):

Reg Add "Hkey_Local_machine \ System \ CurrentControlset \ Services \ Wuauserv" /V Start /T Reg_DWORD /D 4 /F Regal_Local_Machine \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Currentversion \ Windowsupdate \ Auto Update " /V Auoptions /T Reg_Dword /D 1/f

After this, the update service and Windows Update will be disabled.

Disable automatic Windows updates in Windows Update Blocker

You can use the free Windows Update Blocker program to disable the automatic operating system update service. The Windows Update Blocker program supports the Russian interface language, the application works without installation on your computer.

Download the program from the official website of the developer, known for a large number of other popular programs.

Windows Update Blocker download

1. Unzip the ZIP archive to a convenient location on your computer.
2. Open the “Wub” folder, launch the “Wub.exe” application.
3. In the Windows Update Blocker program window, activate the “Disable Updates” radio button; in the “Protect Service Settings” item, the checkbox will automatically turn on.
4. Click the Apply button to enable the options.

1. The Windows Update automatic update service will be disabled.

The user can check the service status status using the Menu button. Select the entry options for “Windows Update” and “Windows Services” in the context menu and look at the result.

Conclusions of the article

If necessary, the user can independently disable updates in the Windows 7 operating system by disabling updates completely, or disable automatic Windows updates using system tools, or in the Windows Update Blocker program.

How to disable Windows updates in Windows Update Blocker (video)