How to Stop Windows Updating Every Time You Start Up
By Christopher J. Trout
In most cases, by default, your Windows operating system automatically checks for any available updates. If your computer runs slowly during start-up, turning automatic updates off is a good way to save time while your computer is booting up. You can still check for updates manually, however, at a time more convenient for you. Depending on which version of Windows you have, the process may be a little different.
Windows 98/XP
Click the "Start" button located at the bottom left of your desktop and then click "Run."
Type "sysdm.cpl" and then press "Enter."
Click the "Automatic Updates" tab located at the top of the window that appears, and click the option that reads "Turn off Automatic Updates." Click the "OK" button located in the bottom-right corner of the window.
Windows Vista
Click the "Start" button located in the bottom-left corner of the desktop.
Type "Windows Update" in the search box and press "Enter."
Click the "Change Settings" option located on the left pane of the window that appears.
Click the "Never Check for Updates" option located on the right pane of the window.
Turn off Automatic Updates using Windows 7
Click the Start button located at the bottom left corner of the desktop.
Type "Windows Update" in the search box and press "Enter"
Click the "Change Settings" option located on the left pane of the window that appears.
Click the "Important updates" tab and choose the "Never Check for Updates" option.
Click the "Recommended updates" tab, select the "Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates" option and then click "OK."
References
Tips
- Be sure to log on to your PC with an administrator account, otherwise, you may not be able to change your computer's settings.
- You can check for updates manually by going to the same window you used to turn automatic updates off.
Writer Bio
Christopher J. Trout graduated from Rutgers University with a bachelor's degree in art history in May 2009. He wrote for his university's newspaper, the "Gleaner," for over five years and served as its Editor-in-Chief. His articles have appeared on various websites. Trout is a self-taught musician, experienced general contractor and computer repair specialist—all subjects he can aptly write about and expound upon.