Windows Update Disadvantages [When to Disable Updates]

Most Windows users should always keep to the automatic update schedule or at least check regularly to install updates on their own time.

After all, updating the operating system improves features, fixes bugs, and closes security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware and attackers.

However, there are some reasons why you might avoid a specific update or disable updates altogether.

What are the common disadvantages of Windows Update?

We all know the pros, but what about the cons of Windows updates?

• Your system can’t handle it – Those of us on older systems or with limited hardware capabilities already have to struggle with slow performance. Windows updates can often clog up the hard drive and introduce new features that require more processing power and RAM. It simply might not be worth it if your system cannot handle Windows updates.
• Background resources – Automatic updates often run in the background or when you’re away from the PC. This can hog resources and interrupt other tasks you might need to focus on.
• Unwanted features – Remember the old adage, if it’s not broken don’t fix it? If you’re a creature of habit, you may not want to introduce new features to your computer.
• Corruption risk – If you’re running intensive and important tasks, the last thing you want is for an update to take over, or worse, for a Windows update to fail and cause system corruption.
• Bandwidth – Before Windows updates, it must download files from the internet and some of these can be very large. If you are on a restricted internet connection or have bandwidth concerns, it might not be feasible to allow Windows update downloads that take a long time.
• Security risks – Although updates are often issued to reduce security risks, it’s not uncommon for a poorly tested update to be released with brand-new vulnerabilities that are discovered in the first few days. That’s why it’s wise to hold off on updates until more is known.

Is it safe to ignore Windows Updates?

Despite these specific concerns, it’s always best to keep your Windows operating system up to date if you can. However, nothing will immediately go wrong if you don’t.

If you know how to protect your computer and nobody else has access to it, it’s quite safe to ignore updates and stick to a build you are comfortable with.

Just remember to use a reputable antivirus, avoid untrusted software, and be cautious when opening emails and browsing the web.

How do I disable Windows Updates?

1. Pause the updates

1. Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
2. Now, go to Update & Security and click on Windows Update.
3. Then, click on Advanced options, and under Pause updates select the furthest date.

Unfortunately, Windows does not offer an easy method to disable updates, but you can pause them temporarily. You can then push the date further away every week or so to maintain an update-free PC.

2. Use Registry Editor to block the updates

Note: Modifying the registry can be risky and any mistakes can cause your system to crash.

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following registry key via the folder tree on the left: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
4. If the WindowsUpdate key does not exist, you can create it by right-clicking on the Windows folder icon and selecting New Key and naming it WindowsUpdate.
5. Right-click on the WindowsUpdate key and select New, then choose DWORD (32-bit) Value from the menu.
6. Name the new value NoAutoUpdate and press Enter.
7. Double-click on NoAutoUpdate and set its value to 1 to disable automatic updates.
8. Click on OK to save the changes.

Of course, that’s not always practical. Instead, you can edit the Windows Registry and force Windows not to update. If you do make a mistake when editing the registry, Fortect can automatically restore it to its previous state.

How do I roll back a Windows Update?

If you wish to undo an update that has already been installed, follow these steps:

1. Press the Win + I key combination to start Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security and select Windows Update.
3. Click View update history.
4. Click on the Uninstall updates to open a list of all the installed updates on your system.
5. Locate the update you want to undo, right-click and select Uninstall.

When the rollback option is not available and the new update has corrupted the system, Fortect can help you repair Windows.

1. Download and Install it on your PC.
2. Open the program and run a scan.
3. Click Start Repair to repair all Windows problems.
4. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.

Fortect replaces missing and corrupted system files with clean versions from its database of working Windows components.

Updating Windows can come with disadvantages to users on older systems or who do not want important tasks interrupted. While disabling updates is never recommended, it’s safe in the interim.

Windows repair tools like Fortect can save your system from corrupted updates, registry mistakes, and other problems.