How to stop Windows background downloads and updates (Canada & US)

When a computer feels slow, it is often because Windows is performing tasks in the background. The operating system may download the latest updates. If these downloads hinder work, this guide explains how to stop them.

Most operating system work happens behind the scenes. Windows needs an internet connection to fetch the latest system and security center updates. Occasionally the system uses network resources to download without asking the user first.

If there is concern about unusual background activity that uses the network, several methods can help investigate and manage it.

How can one tell if Windows is downloading something in the background?

Using Task Manager

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
2. On the Processes tab, sort by the Network column to see which items use the internet connection.
3. Identify the program that consumes the most bandwidth.
4. To stop the download, select the process and choose End Task.

Ending a process in Task Manager is a temporary measure that halts the activity for a moment.

Using Resource Monitor

1. Press Win plus R to open the Run box.
2. Type resmon and press Enter to launch Resource Monitor.
3. In Resource Monitor, switch to the Network tab.
4. Expand Network Activity to view current network usage.

In some scenarios a single program may appear to use a lot of network capacity, as with games or media clients. The same steps can identify any resource-heavy process.

How can one tell if Windows is downloading updates?

1. Open Task Manager and go to the Processes tab.
2. Sort by network usage in the Network column.
3. If Windows Update runs, the process Host Services: Delivery Optimization appears.
4. The Delivery Optimization process is tied to Update activity and runs only when Windows downloads or installs updates.
5. Stop the process by selecting Delivery Optimization and clicking End Task.

Disabling Windows updates via the Registry Editor

It is possible to adjust the registry to halt updates on a computer. Follow the steps below carefully.

1. Search for Registry Editor and open it.
2. Copy the path ComputerHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows into the address bar and press Enter.
3. Right-click the Windows folder, choose New, and select Partition.
4. Name the new section WindowsUpdate.
5. Right-click the Windows Update folder, choose New, Partition.
6. Name the new section AU.
7. In the AU section, click New and select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
8. Name it NoAutoUpdate.
9. Double-click NoAutoUpdate, set the value to 1, and confirm.
10. Close Registry Editor and restart the computer.

With these steps, automatic Windows updates are halted on the system.

Disabling Windows updates permanently via the Group Policy Editor

This alternative permanently stops updates on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Follow the steps carefully.

1. Open Group Policy Editor from the search bar. Note that this tool is available on Windows Pro and Enterprise editions only.
2. Under Computer Configuration, expand Administrative Templates, then Windows Components, and locate Windows Update.
3. Select the User Interface Management section.
4. Open Configure automatic updates on the right.
5. Choose Disabled, then Apply and OK.

Automatic Windows updates are then disabled.

A quick method to disable Windows 11 updates over a metered connection

For those who prefer a simpler approach, this method helps control updates without deep editing.

1. Open Settings with Win plus I.
2. Navigate to Network and Internet.
3. In the Ethernet section, turn on Limited Connection.
4. Open Windows Update and go to Advanced options.
5. Uncheck Download updates over metered connections.

Security updates for Windows Defender will still be received in this mode.

Disabling Windows updates through the update service

1. It is possible to cancel updates by stopping the Windows Update service.
2. Open Run with Win plus R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
3. In Services, find Windows Update and double-click it.
4. Change the Startup type to Disabled and click Stop, then OK.
5. Restart the computer to complete the change.

Note: No further update actions are performed through the normal update channels after these steps.