How to permanently disable windows updates without losing performances in time?

Hi,

There is no supported option in Windows 11 Home for “never check” or “never update,” and no method can guarantee that performance will remain unchanged forever. Disabling Windows Update services, scheduled tasks, or registry entries is unreliable and may affect Microsoft Store, Defender and system repair functions. Microsoft’s explanation is here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/updates-lifecycle/windows-update-faq

For Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise, the safest compromise is to press Win+R, enter gpedit.msc, then open Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Manage end user experience > Configure Automatic Updates. Set it to Enabled and choose “2 – Notify for download and auto install.” Windows will notify you, but you decide when to download and install updates. Official instructions: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-wu-settings

For Windows 11 Home, use Settings > Windows Update > Pause updates, configure Active hours and optionally set the network as metered. A metered connection reduces background downloads but does not block every important update: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/connectivity-networking/metered-connections-in-windows

I would not assume that Windows deliberately slows the computer because updates are paused. If performance gradually decreases, check startup programs, available disk space, temperatures, drivers and background processes instead.

Sorry, i can't validate this as answer. Windows DOES slow down if the updates are not installed periodically. Also windows does change the user's settings without permission or notification.

Even worse, 2026-07 Security Update (KB5101650) (26200.8875) installed on my machine on ‎15/‎07/‎2026 also slows down (not as much as no updates). I noticed with a specific program which for years (more than 20 years) I use it and never started in more than 1 sec. After this update it starts in 2 seconds at first start, in same windows session after that starts in 1 sec.

So I start to investigate. System protection was on despite the fact that I switched off every time when MS activates it with updates, some programs which I had them blocked in firewall were now passing it and yeah, that small program which I use it a lot now starts with 2 sec delay for no reason.

Why is that happening? Never mind that, it was a rhetorical question.

How do I prevent this to happen again? How can I stop microsoft messing around with system settings? How can I stop microsoft from slowing down the computer?

And BTW, is windows pro. Opening this thread required some tags and the only options were windows as OS for home or professional use. I have windows PRO for home use.