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Windows Update

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Recommendation

Do not disable completely

For a gaming PC, use a managed pause and install updates manually at a chosen time.

Completely disabling the system update components is intended only for the Expert scenario and may require manual recovery.

Background activity
Can be deferred
Security updates
Must be installed
Full rollback
Not always instant

What changes

Section titled “What changes”

The setting controls the availability and automatic operation of Windows Update. The full disable mode stops the related background operations. At the same time, security fixes, system servicing and some component updates are blocked.

How to choose and verify

Section titled “How to choose and verify”

Preferably use the separate “Pause Windows Updates” setting. After applying, open Windows Update and check whether its state matches the selected mode. Regularly set aside time to install updates.

How to change and revert

Section titled “How to change and revert”

Open “Optimization” → “Basic” → “Updates and delivery” → “Windows Update”. The setting has three visible options: “On” — updates are enabled, “Pause” — updates are paused, “Off” — full disable. Select an option in the drop-down list and click “Apply” at the bottom of the page; when “Instant apply” is enabled, a separate button is not required. Do not select “Off” without a prepared rollback plan. To return to the default mode, select “On” again, apply the change, restart the PC and check Windows Update again.

Confirmation

Section titled “Confirmation”

Last check: 2026-09-20.