How To Prevent Windows 10 from Downloading Updates

This article is written for people who are experiencing BSODs and other random reboot issues when using GPU intensive software such as Photoshop, After Effects, Premiere Pro, Blender, Cinema 4D, etc. The issue is specifically prevalent on systems that run on Nvidia based GPUs and many have been experiencing these issues post build 1607.

You can also choose to follow this guide if you are on a metered connection and all previous efforts to prevent Windows from downloading large updates have failed. The entire process can be reverted to its original state should you find the need to update Windows 10 to the latest build.

However, do keep in mind that Windows will not be able to search for and install drivers automatically once you have followed all mentioned steps. Missing drivers will need to be manually installed or you can choose to install Driver Booster to simplify the process.

Before we proceed, here is what we are going to do.

By default Windows 10 downloads all necessary updates into a folder called ‘Download’. This can be found under ‘C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution’. To prevent Windows from downloading any updates we are going to remove all folder permissions. This basically prevents Windows and any user from gaining access the folder.

This is where the fun begins! Unlike other methods, you don’t need to remember the type of permissions the folder is set with. Should you find the need to update or upgrade Windows in the future, all you have to do is follow the exact same process and delete the folder called ‘Download’ under ‘C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution’ and reboot. Windows will create the folder with its default permissions once an update is initialized.

It has worked for me with zero issues. However, proceed at your own risk. I highly recommend creating a backup of your system before proceeding. All necessary backup tools are available in the 'Recovery ISO' mentioned below.

What you will need before we dive in-

• Windows Recovery ISO - http://bit.ly/windowsrecoveryiso

• Rufus (for writing the Recovery ISO on to a Pendrive) - https://rufus.ie/en_IE.html

• Pendrive

To make the process easier, I recommend saving the above mentioned files in the same directory.

Step 1 - Write the Recovery ISO to the Pendrive

• Open /Start Rufus

• Select the device you want to write the ISO to (Pendrive in this case)

• Choose the Recovery ISO by clicking on ‘Select’

• Provide a ‘Volume Label’ if needed

• Click Start once you are ready to write the ISO to a Pendrive

• Wait patiently for it to finish

Step 2 - Reboot Into Recovery

• Plug the Pendrive into the Windows system you want to modify

• Switch on or reboot the system

• Keep pressing the F2 or the F8 key to boot into the BIOS during the reboot process

• Choose the Recovery Pendrive to boot into

You should see a screen like the one displayed below

Step 3 - Remove Folder Permission

• Navigate to ‘C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution’

• Right click on the ‘Download’ folder and click ‘Properties’

• Navigate to the ‘Security’ tab and click ‘Advanced’

• Under the ‘Permissions’ tab click ‘Disable Inheritance’

• Choose ‘Remove all inherited permissions from this object’ and click Apply

• You should get a pop-up screen such as the one shown below. Click ‘Yes’ to confirm the change followed by ‘Ok’.

• Close the ‘Download Properties’ window by clicking ‘Ok’

• Navigate to ‘C:\Windows’ and delete the folder ‘UpdateAssistant’

• Reboot into Windows

IMPORTANT: Install an Antivirus immediately. This prevents Windows Defender from installing or upgrading the Windows OS.

Recommended Security Software -

Kaspersky | ESET | Norton

If you have already upgraded to the latest Windows build, you can download an older working version of Windows using the mentioned link. Make sure you select the right working version for your PC /Laptop- https://tb.rg-adguard.net/public.php (Follow the exact same steps once Windows 10 has been installed)

Security Updates

You can choose to manually download security updates by visiting --

https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/home.aspx

To download updates specific to your version of Windows, type in the Build Number with the architecture (x86 /x64).

Optional But Recommended

Download, unzip and run Sordum - Windows Update Blocker

Select 'Disable Service' and check 'Protect Service Settings' and click Apply.

Congrats!! You have now disabled Windows from automatically updating itself.

Should you need to update Windows, simply follow the steps mentioned in the beginning, enable the service in Sordum - Windows Update Blocker and reboot. Windows will now be able to download and install updates from its online repository automatically.

If this has helped then do give it a share. I would like to believe that there are others who are experiencing the same problems.