How to disable automatic updates in Windows desktops and servers?

This document provides you with steps required to disable Automatic Updates in Microsoft Windows manually or using Endpoint Central (formerly Desktop Central). The Automatic Updates feature provides you with updates for your Microsoft Windows operating system and its components like Internet Explorer. You can disable this feature if you have a specific routine for updates or if your connection does not support running this feature automatically, for example running this feature automatically slows down your computer.

To disable Windows Automatic Updates, follow the steps given below:

  1. Click the Configurations tab
  2. In the Add Configurations section, click Configuration
  3. In the Computer Configurations section, select Registry
  4. Enter a name and description for the configuration
  5. Enter the following information in the Registry Configuration section:
    • Action: Write Value
    • Header Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
    • Sub-Key: Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU
    • Data Type: REG_DWORD
    • Value Name: NoAutoUpdate
    • Value Data/Expression: 1
  6. Define the target
  7. Configure the execution settings as required
  8. Click Deploy

You have disabled the Automatic Updates feature using Endpoint Central (formerly Desktop Central). You can also disable Automatic updates manually, without using Endpoint Central.

To disable the Automatic Updates for Windows Servers and Workstations manually, follow the steps given below:

  1. Click start>Settings>Control Panel>System
  2. Select the Automatic Updates tab
  3. Click Turn off Automatic Updates
  4. Click Apply
  5. Click OK

You have disabled the Automatic Updates feature manually.

To disable Windows Update through Patch deployment:

  1. Click Patch Mgmt tab.
  2. Click Patches -> Supported Patches.
  3. Search for Patch ID 105427.
  4. Select the patch id and click Install Patch.
  5. Choose the deployment settings and target.
  6. Click Deploy.

To disable Windows Update through Group Policy Object:

  1. In the group policy editor, navigate to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update.
  2. Select "Configure Automatic Updates" and set its state as "Disabled".