How to Stop Windows 10 Forced Updates: Safest and Safeguarding Approaches

Forced updates in Windows 10 can be frustrating, particularly if you're dealing with compatibility issues or want more control over your system's updates. However, it's important to consider the security risks associated with avoiding these updates. This article explores various methods on how to stop or delay Windows 10 updates while ensuring your system remains secure.

Methods to Stop Forced Updates

Method 1: Using Windows Update Blocker (WUB)

If you've encountered forced updates that are causing issues, one solution is to use a tool like WUB (Windows Update Blocker). Download and install the tool, and follow the prompts to disable automatic updates. It's a simple and effective way to manage your Windows 10 updates. If WUB doesn't work, it's possible that Windows Defender is blocking the updates. In this case, you can follow the steps below:

Download and install Malwarebytes PC. Restart your PC. Run the Malwarebytes tool. Restart your PC again. Uninstall Malwarebytes if it was causing the issue.

Method 2: Switch to Linux

If you are serious about avoiding forced updates, one of the best long-term solutions is to switch to Linux. Linux is fundamentally a more secure operating system that doesn't suffer from the same vulnerabilities that Windows does. However, if you need to use Windows or are dependent on specific Windows software, it is strongly recommended that you accept the updates to maintain security.

Method 3: Permanently Disable Automatic Updates

For users who need to permanently disable automatic updates on Windows 10, follow these steps:

Press the Windows Key R to open the Run dialog box. Type and press Enter. Scroll down and locate the Windows Update service. Right-click on the Windows Update service and select Properties. In the Properties window, go to the Startup type tab and change it to Disabled. Click OK and restart your computer.

By disabling the Windows Update service, you have effectively turned off automatic updates on your Windows 10 system. While this method gives you full control over updates, it's generally recommended to keep your system up to date to ensure security and stability. Disabling updates should be done with caution and only in specific cases where it is necessary.

Safeguarding Your System Without Disabling Updates

Instead of completely disabling updates, you can choose to install them at your convenience. Here are simple ways to turn off automatic updates but still keep your system secure:

Method 1: Turn Off Automatic Update by Disabling the Service (Advanced)

Follow these steps to disable the Windows Update service:

Press the Windows Key R to open the Run dialog box. Type and press Enter. Scroll down and search for the service Windows Update in the list. Double-click on the Windows Update service and open its Properties window. Change the Startup type from Automatic to Disabled. Stop the service if it's running. To enable Windows Update again, repeat these steps and change the Startup Type to Automatic, and restart your computer.

Method 2: Turn Off Automatic Update from Settings (User-Friendly)

To adjust your settings for manual update installation:

Click the Start button. Select Settings from the Start Menu. Navigate to the Update Security section. Click on Windows Update. Go to the bottom of the Windows Update panel and click on Advanced options. Select the Select when to download and install updates option. Choose Continue installing updates during idle time. You can also choose to Pause updates for a specific period by clicking on the Set schedule button.

This setting will delay the download and installation of new Windows updates for several days or months but will allow security updates to still be downloaded and installed immediately to ensure your system remains secure.

Recovering Lost Data Due to Windows 10 Updates

Although stopping forced updates can prevent related issues, it's important to have a backup plan in case data is lost during updates. If you've experienced data loss due to Windows 10 updates, you can use a reliable data recovery software. 4DDiG Windows Data Recovery is recommended for its effectiveness in recovery from various storage devices including laptops, PCs, internal/external drives, USB flash disks, SD cards, NAS storages, and more.

Remember, the key to a secure and stable system lies in balance. While disabling updates can offer temporary relief, maintaining the latest security patches is crucial for protecting your system against potential vulnerabilities. Always assess the risks and benefits before altering your system's default settings.