How to Stop Windows Update Notifications

But it will still update in the background

Microsoft isforcing Windows 11 on every Windows 10 user. The persistent notifications toupgrade to Windows 11are distracting and annoying—especially if you don’t want Windows 11 yet.

We’ll show two ways to stop Windows 11 update notifications on your Windows 10 PC. In Windows 11, you can also use the methods below to stop notifications for feature or quality updates.

Disable Update Notifications via Group Policy Editor

TheGroup Policy Editorallows you to configure system, users, and administrative settings in Windows. Follow the steps below to stop Windows 11 update notifications through the Group Policy Editor.

Note:Group Policy Editor is available in the Professional and Enterprise editions of Windows. You can’t stop Windows update notifications using this method if you have Windows Home edition. Use the Registry Editor instead (see the next section for instructions).

Alternatively, pressWindows key+R, typegpedit.mscin the Run box, and selectOK.

If you want to receive Window update notifications in the future, set the policy to “Not Configured” (see step #4).

Disable Windows Update Notifications via Windows Registry

TheWindows Registryis a database of settings for your computer’s operating system. Follow the steps below to create an entry in the Registry that prevents Windows from displaying update notifications.

Note:You can break your PC if you accidentally modify or delete a registry item. Hence, we recommend backing up the Windows Registry andcreating a System Restore pointbefore you proceed. If things go south, you can easily fix the problem by restoring your computer from the registry or System Restore backup.

Close the Registry Editor and reboot your computer. Your computer should stop showing Windows update notifications after the reboot. Delete the “SetUpdateNotifiationLevel” value to re-enable Windows update notifications on your computer.

Open the Registry Editor and pasteComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdatein the navigation bar. Afterward, right-clickSetUpdateNotificationLevel, and selectDelete.

Update Notifications Begone

Note that these methods only stop Windows from displaying update notifications. It doesn’t prevent Windows from automatically downloading or installing quality or feature updates in the background.

You cannot stop Windows updates forever, but you can delay them for a while. Refer to ourtutorial on stopping Windows updatesto learn how to pause updates on your PC temporarily.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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