How do I stop Windows Update from installing in progress?

Windows automatic updates take time to install, and not everyone can wait for that long. Hence, some people want to know how to stop a Windows 10 update in progress. While this is possible, it is important to know that stopping a Windows update halfway will leave your PC vulnerable, because the security patches that come with the update won’t be installed.

Method 1: Use Services to stop a Windows update in progress

One of the ways to stop an ongoing Windows update is via the Microsoft “Services” page. However, this method is available for people who can access their desktop screen.

Do a right-click on it and select Stop.

Disable from Group Policy Editor

A slightly advanced method. Note that you need Administrator privileges to edit this setting in Group Policy Editor.

• Press Win and R together to open the Run window.
• Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
  
  
  

• Select Computer Configuration.
  
  
  

• Select Administrative Templates.
  
  
  

• Double click on Windows Components.
  
  
  

• Scroll down and double-click on Windows Update.
  
  
  

• Locate and double-click on Configure Automatic Updates.
  
  
  

• Select Disabled from the list of options.
  
  
  

• Select Apply then OK.

Disable maintenance from Registry Editor

Registry Editor allows making core system changes like windows updates an easy task.

• Press Win and R together to open the Run window.
• Type regedit and press Enter.
• Navigate to the following location: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Schedule\Maintenance
  
  
  

• Double click on MaintenanceDisabled if there is one.
• If not, do a right-click and select DWORD from the New menu.
  
  
  

• Enter the name MaintenanceDisabled and double-click on it.
• Enter the value as 1 and select OK.
  
  
  

Using metered connection setup

Metered connection setup can be used to limit downloading updates. Note that you have to set this up with each home or work Wi-Fi that you connect to.

• From the taskbar, select the Network icon.
  
  
  

• Select Network and Internet Settings.
  
  
  

• Make note of the current data usage.
  
  
  

• Select Data usage.
  
  
  

• Select Enter limit.
  
  
  

• Enter a value in GB as close to the current data usage as possible as shown.
  
  
  

• Select Save.
• Now, press Win + I together to open the Settings window.
• Select Update and Security.
  
  
  

• Under Windows Update, select Advanced options.
  
  
  

• Turn off the following option:
  • Download updates over metered connections
    
    
    

Turn on game mode

The game mode does not directly control Windows updates. But, as long as the game mode is on and you are playing a game, it can pause system drivers from updating.

• Go to the Start Menu and search for game mode.
• Select Game Mode settings.
• Under Game Mode, turn on the toggle option to turn Game Mode on.
  
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I stop the Windows update in progress?

It is generally okay to stop Windows updates in progress. The updated delivery channels are safe and guaranteed by Microsoft for security.

On top of that, Updates are meant for bug fixes and performance improvement. To get the best experience from Windows, Windows updates should be allowed to run freely.

Having said that, the biggest issue with them is updates going off at unpredictable times. Or updates consuming resources in the background. Stopping updates to focus on CPU-intensive tasks needs to be a regular feature.

How do I stop Windows Update from downloading in progress?

What happens if I stop a Windows Update in Progress?