using Group Policy
On Windows 10 Pro, you can use the Local Group Policy editor to disable automatic updates permanently, or you can change the Windows Update settings to decide when updates should install.
Disabling updates
To permanently disable automatic updates on Windows 10, use these steps:
Open Start.
Search for gpedit.msc and select the top result to launch the experience.
Navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update
Double-click the Configure Automatic Updates policy on the right side.
Check the Disabled option to turn off the policy.
Click the Apply button.
Click the OK button.
Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 will stop downloading updates automatically.
While automatic updates remains disabled, you can still download and install patches manually from Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and clicking the Check for updates button.
If you change your mind, you can always revert the changes using the same instructions, but on step No. 5, make sure to select the Not Configured option.
Limiting updates
Alternatively, if turning off the policy isn't working, you can also try customizing the Windows Update settings using Group Policy to limit the availability of updates on your device.
To control Windows Update settings with Group Policy, use these steps:
Open Start.
Search for gpedit.msc and select the top result to launch the experience.
Navigate to the following path:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update
Double-click the Configure Automatic Updates policy on the right side.
Check the Enable option to turn on the policy.
In the "Options" section, you'll find a number of options to configure automatic updates, including:
2 - Notify for download and auto install.
3 - Auto download and notify for install.
4 - Auto download and schedule the install.
5 - Allow local admin to choose setting.
Quick tip: The closest option to disable automatic updates is the 2 - Notify for download and auto install option, but you can select the option that best fits your situation.
Click the Apply button.
Click the OK button.
After completing the steps, updates will stop downloading automatically. However, when a new update becomes available, you'll receive a notification to download and install updates manually from the Windows Update settings page.