How to disable Windows updates the reliable way. Disabling automatic updates in Windows How to disable windows 7 updating

17.12.2021

Timely updating of the system is designed to maintain its relevance and security from intruders. But for various reasons, some users want to disable this function. In the short term, indeed, sometimes this is justified if, for example, you perform certain manual PC settings. In this case, sometimes it is necessary not only to disable the ability to update, but also to completely deactivate the service that is responsible for it. Let's find out how to solve this task in Windows 7.

The name of the service, which is responsible for installing updates (both automatic and manual), speaks for itself - "Windows Update". Its deactivation can be done using both conventional and non-standard methods. Let's talk about each of them separately.

Method 1: "Service Manager"

The most commonly used and reliable way to disable "Windows Update" is the use "Service Manager".

  1. Click "Start" and go to "Control Panel".
  2. Click "System and safety".
  3. Next, select the name of the large section "Administration".
  4. In the list of tools that will appear in a new window, click "Services".

    There are more quick option transition to "Service Manager", although it requires memorizing one command. To call up a tool "Run" dial Win+R. In the utility field, enter:

    Click "OK".

  5. Any of the above paths will open a window "Service Manager". It contains a list. In this list you need to find the name "Windows Update". To simplify the task, build it in alphabetical order by clicking "Name". Status "Works" in column "State" means the fact that the service is running.
  6. To disable "Update centre", highlight the name of this element, and then click "Stop" in the left area of ​​the window.
  7. The shutdown process is in progress.
  8. The service has now stopped. This is evidenced by the disappearance of the inscription "Works" in field "State". But if in the column "Startup type" set value "Automatically", That "Update centre" will be launched the next time you turn on the computer, and this is not always acceptable for the user who shutdown.
  9. To prevent this, you should change the status in the column "Startup type". Right-click on the element name (RMB). Choose "Properties".
  10. By going to the properties window, being in the tab "Are common", click on the field "Startup type".
  11. Select a value from the drop-down list "Manually" or "Disabled". In the first case, the service is not activated after restarting the computer. To enable it, you will need to use one of the many manual activation methods. In the second case, it can be activated only after the user again changes the launch type in the properties from "Disabled" on "Manually" or "Automatically". Therefore, it is the second shutdown option that is more reliable.
  12. After the choice is made, press the buttons sequentially "Apply" And "OK".
  13. Returning to the window "Dispatcher". As you can see, the element status "Update Center" in a collumn "Startup type" it was changed. Now the service will not start even after rebooting the PC.

How to activate again if necessary "Update Center", described in a separate lesson.

Method 2: "Command Line"

You can also solve the problem by entering a command in « Command line» , launched as an administrator.


But it is worth remembering that this method of stopping, unlike the previous one, deactivates the service only until the next restart of the computer. If you need to stop it for a longer time, you will have to repeat the operation after "Command line", but it’s better to use it right away Method 1.

Method 3: "Task Manager"

You can also stop the update service using "Task Manager".


Method 4: "System Configuration"

The next method to solve the problem is through a window "System Configurations".

  1. Go to window "System Configurations" you can from the section "Administration" "Control Panels". How to get to this section was discussed in the description Method 1. So, in the window "Administration" click "System configuration".

    You can also run this tool from under a window "Run". Call "Run" (Win+R). Enter:

    Click "OK".

  2. Shell "System Configurations" launched. Move to section "Services".
  3. In the section that opens, find the element "Windows Update". To do this faster, build the list alphabetically by clicking "Service". Once the item is found, uncheck the box to the left of it. Then click "Apply" And "OK".
  4. A window will open "System Setup". It will ask you to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. If you want to do this immediately, then close all documents and programs, and then click "Reboot".

    Otherwise, press "Exit without reboot". Then the changes will take effect only after you turn on the PC manually again.

  5. After restarting the computer, the update service should be disabled.

As you can see, there are quite a few ways to deactivate the update service. If you need to disconnect only for the period of the current PC session, then you can use any of the options described above, which you consider the most convenient. If you need to shutdown for a long time, which involves at least one reboot of the computer, then in this case, in order to avoid the need to perform the procedure several times, it would be optimal to shutdown after "Service Manager" with changing the launch type in properties.

All versions of Windows have 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 of positive aspects in this function, for most users it is unnecessary or simply interferes more than it brings benefits. Many active PC users experience difficulties with updates and prefer to disable them.

Reasons and methods for disabling

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 discovered;
  • During the update, the computer experiences a heavy load, since installing files requires resources;
  • The Internet channel is heavily loaded, that is, during downloading, the speed is significantly limited and comfortable surfing is difficult;
  • You cannot turn off your computer while installing or downloading updates;
  • If you are using pirated Windows, you may encounter problems as new ways to combat piracy are gradually released;
  • Limited traffic.

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

There are 4 ways to disable automatic Windows update 7:

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

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

Using the Update Center

IN Windows system 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 the Windows 7 update. To use it you should:

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

  • Go to the “Settings” section;
  • Select "Don't check for updates."

In addition to radically disabling a function, there are transitional positions when you can influence the installation of software. This is how the check occurs and, if something new appears, the user makes decisions. It is also advisable to remove all checkboxes under the main menu.

How to disable Windows 7 Update via 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; the result will be similar, only it is performed without a graphical interface.

  • PKM for “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 carry out updates at a certain frequency.

Disconnect using the console

The console always comes to the rescue in difficult situations and it is capable of changing some parameters that are located 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 without mentioning the command line.

To disable the service you must:

  • Press Win + R and paste cmd;
  • Enter 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 method of changing the parameters differs. There is also an alternative option.

Blocking updates through a firewall

The firewall itself allows you to control the traffic leaving your computer, so it can be filtered. It is this function that is important for 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. The service, without receiving a positive response about the availability of data on the server, will think that everything is fine with the system.

The most in a simple way The plug 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 doesn’t work, add “127.0.0.1 microsoft.com”, but then even in a browser you will not be able to access the corporation’s website. This method also works for most programs that require access to the network; to block them, simply change the domain to the required one.

You should understand that by disabling updates you are deliberately putting your computer at risk, since antivirus signatures, system settings and Windows stability are out of date. It is still better to manually perform 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


Updating computer software is an important process. But sometimes it loses all meaning. Today we will try to figure out how to disable this service, according to many users, it does more harm than good. After all, it’s no secret that sometimes files are installed on a computer that disrupt the operation of the system. These errors are corrected with great difficulty. Sometimes you can even do this only by reinstalling operating system. So you’ll have to think carefully about how to turn off Windows 7 updates and generally get rid of some already installed files.

Services

Several options for the development of events can be proposed. The first one is perhaps the most difficult. More precisely, it is simply non-standard. And it will not be so easy for a novice user to cope with it. The thing is that 7" is located in the "Services" section, and to get rid of this process, you will have to look here.

Go to "Control Panel". There you should look into the “System and Security”, “Administration” folder, and then click on “Services”. In the window that appears, view the entire list of running applications and processes. The one we need is usually at the very bottom.

How to disable Windows 7 Update? To begin, find the corresponding line in system services and double-click on it. You will see a window with a choice of parameters. It is worth setting “Disabled” in the startup type. Then click on "Stop". And only then can you click “OK”. The action is completed.

Disable verification

In principle, users often simply choose a simpler scenario. It is enough to disable automatic checking for updates to save yourself from unnecessary problems. Even a novice user can cope with this task.

More precisely, the center responsible for this process? Go to it using the system tray, and then go to “Settings”. You will see a window in which you can select the type of check for all updates. There you will see two columns - “Important” and “Recommended”. How to disable Windows 7 Update? Just in the first case, select the “Do not check” option (it is marked with a red shield and the caption “Not recommended”), and in the second case, uncheck it. You can confirm your actions. Problem solved. The program will no longer work automatically. All updates can be downloaded manually during self-checking or even forgotten about this application. As you can see, there is nothing complicated about this.

Cancel installed

True, it is not always necessary to completely abandon the Windows 7 update center. Sometimes it is enough to get rid of some potentially dangerous files that have already been installed. But how do you cancel a Windows update?

This is quite easy and simple to do. Go to "Update Center" and select "View update history" there. In the window that appears, at the very top, the inscription " Installed updates". Now you should click here. And then you will be taken to a service where you can get rid of all installed files. This is exactly what we need.

Now all you have to do is find necessary files updates, and then highlight them. Click the right mouse button, and then select the “Delete” command from the list that appears. Agree with the warning and click on "Ok". A few minutes of waiting - and all problems will be solved. Next, don't forget to turn off checking for updates. Just ban it, otherwise the result of the process will be almost useless.

Pirate version

True, there is another rather interesting and simple way to solve the issue. Are you wondering how to disable the Windows 7 update center once and for all, and don’t even plan to use it in the future? Then you can simply install a pirated version of the operating system. There, as a rule, this service is completely disabled. Or it is completely absent.

In truth, this is the option that attracts many users. Especially those who are generally accustomed to using unlicensed operating systems. Installer builders try to save the public from many problems. Therefore, in some, the update center is not included in the list of available system services. Not the most honest and legal scenario, but it has its place. And, as already mentioned, he uses this approach in huge demand.

Results

So we figured out how to disable the Windows 7 update center. As you can see, there are several options. This is either completely disabling the application, or working with the program settings, or deleting existing “dangerous” files with changes to the center configuration. In addition, there is also the option of installing the operating system without this service.

Which approach to choose is up to you to decide. In any case, remember that you should not immediately choose the “piracy” method. Such operating systems already have a lot of errors and problems. It is better to use some more honest methods.

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 into automatic mode. 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 prohibit Windows automatic search for new versions of programs for the OS and their further downloading. 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 - 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 Windows versions. 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 opportunity to download them manually. In any other case, it will be enough to disable Windows Update in the previous way, through services.

To turn off automatic search new parameters and drivers, you need:


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 the performance of the computer, causing critical errors or increasing the risk of infection by malicious files.

By default, Windows 7 has the option enabled automatic download and installing updates. The operating system downloads update packages from the Microsoft server every time you connect your computer to the Internet. In theory, automatic updates are useful, as they are designed to patch up system “holes,” modify files, and optimize Windows performance, but in practice, there are a number of reasons why you should disable Windows updates. Let's look at the main reasons:

  • There have been cases when, due to updates or critical errors during their installation, failures occurred that led to Windows not working;
  • Over time, there are more and more installed update packages, and there is less and less free space on the system disk, which can lead to Windows malfunctions if the C drive is small;
  • While downloading updates, Internet speed may drop significantly (especially noticeable for users with small Internet channels); also, for some users, updates may hit their pockets (if the Internet is limited or a package with payment for traffic is connected);
  • Many people are annoyed that during the installation of updates they cannot turn off the computer and sometimes have to wait quite a long time for the process to complete;
  • Using pirated Windows versions may limit the functionality of your operating system when trying to download updates;
  • There is a whole list of less significant reasons that I will not consider in this article.

Let's move directly to ways to disable Windows 7 updates.

How to disable Windows 7 update completely

For complete shutdown Windows 7 updates you need to get into Windows Services Management. To do this, click Start -> Control Panel -> Administrative Tools -> Services, or Start -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> Administrative Tools -> Services.

Use your mouse wheel to scroll to the bottom of the list and open the Windows Update service. In the window that opens, select the startup type “Disabled”, then click the “Stop” button and only then the “Apply” button.

You can close all open windows. Windows 7 update is now completely disabled. If necessary, the update can be enabled in the same way.

How to disable automatic updates in Windows 7

If you don't want to completely disable updates, you can disable only automatic Windows 7 updates. You will still have the option to download updates manually. To do this, go to Start -> Control Panel -> Windows Update, or Start -> Control Panel -> System and Security -> Windows Update. Click "Settings" in the left menu.

In the window that opens, select “Do not check for updates (not recommended)”; it is also advisable to uncheck the boxes below. Click "OK" at the bottom of the window to confirm the changes.

Windows 7 automatic updates are now disabled. For manual loading updates, you can go to Windows Update at any time and click the “Check for updates” button.