Windows Update Change Maximum Days to Pause Windows Update in Windows 11


  • Staff
Pause_updates_banner.png

This tutorial will show you how to change the maximum days you can pause Windows Update for in Windows 11.

Windows Update keeps Windows 11 updated by automatically downloading and installing the latest updates, drivers, and hotfixes released by Microsoft.

If you have a Windows Insider build of Windows 11 installed, you can only pause updates for a maximum of 1 week (7 days) by default until updates automatically resume.

If you do not have a Windows Insider build of Windows 11 installed, you can pause updates for a maximum of up to 5 weeks (35 days) by default until updates automatically resume.

You can manually change the maximum days you have available to pause Windows Update for however long you want instead to effectively disable automatic updates.


You must be signed in as an administrator to change the maximum days to pause Windows Update.


If you change the maximum days to pause Windows Updates to a large number of days (ex: 3650 days for 10 years), you can effectively disable Windows Update.


For Windows Insider builds, the FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays DWORD value used in this tutorial will automatically get reset back to its default 7 days each time you either Check for Updates or Resume updates.



EXAMPLE: Default maximum days to pause updates for

7_days_max_to_pause_updates.png
35_days_max_to_pause_updates.png



Here's How:

1 Open Registry Editor (regedit.exe).

2 Navigate to the key below in the left pane of Registry Editor. (see screenshot below)

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings

FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays-1.png

3 In the right pane of the Settings key, double click/tap on the FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays DWORD to modify it. (see screenshot above)

The FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays DWORD value is not available by default in public builds of Windows 11.

To add the FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays DWORD value, right click on an empty area in the right pane of the Settings key, click/tap on New, click/tap on DWORD (32-bit) Value, type FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays for the name, and press Enter.


4 Perform the following actions: (see screenshot below)
  1. Select (dot) Decimal.
  2. Type how many maximum days you want in increments of 7 days to pause updates for.
  3. Click/tap on OK.

The default is 7 days for Insider builds.

The default is 35 days for non-Insider builds.


FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays-2.png

5 You can now close Registry Editor if you like.

6 If you have the Windows Update page open in Settings, then close and reopen Settings to see your changes to pause updates for.


That's it,
Shawn Brink


 

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Last edited:
Pretty slick there @Brink ! (y)

(Don't even ask!!!) ;-)
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11
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    PC/Desktop
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    ASUS ROG Strix
  • Operating System
    Windows 11
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    ASUS VivoBook
I am a little confused, can I extend the pause as long as I wish like entering 65536? Here is what my registry currently looks like:
PauseUpdates.jpg


EDIT: Got it figured out, used FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays and entered 10920 which is 2042 - no more updates.

Thanks a bunch @Brink
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro; 21H2, Build 22000.1281
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell 3525
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 3 3250 with Radeon Graphics
    Memory
    8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Graphics
    Sound Card
    AMD high definition audio device; Realtek audio
    Screen Resolution
    1980x1020

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
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    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
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    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
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    Logitech wireless K800
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    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
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    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
I am using Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise (Inside).

Wanting to check for updates manually, I set the FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays item to 693. This way, from the Windows Update settings panel I could set the "Suspend updates" parameter to 99 weeks.

However, restarting the computer and going to the Windows Update settings panel, I noticed that the "Updates have been suspended until 22/08/2025" writing is displayed and the "Resume Updates" button appears but the value of the "Suspend Updates" parameter has the value of one week and is no longer editable. How come?

Also, if, after a while, I go to the "System" panel of the Windows settings, it notifies me that the last Windows Update check was a (or two) hours ago. How come?

Thanks

Bye
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
I am using Windows 11 23H2 Enterprise (Inside).

Wanting to check for updates manually, I set the FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays item to 693. This way, from the Windows Update settings panel I could set the "Suspend updates" parameter to 99 weeks.

However, restarting the computer and going to the Windows Update settings panel, I noticed that the "Updates have been suspended until 22/08/2025" writing is displayed and the "Resume Updates" button appears but the value of the "Suspend Updates" parameter has the value of one week and is no longer editable. How come?

This is the standard value shown when disabled or maxed out.

Also, if, after a while, I go to the "System" panel of the Windows settings, it notifies me that the last Windows Update check was a (or two) hours ago. How come?
Could be for other items like Defender definition updates. Anything show up in Windows Update history?

You can check Windows Update event logs below to see if it may ID what is checking.

 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
This is the standard value shown when disabled or maxed out.


Could be for other items like Defender definition updates. Anything show up in Windows Update history?

You can check Windows Update event logs below to see if it may ID what is checking.

Is it also possible to also tell other programs or services not to use the Windows Update service when it is paused for the time period set by the FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays item ?

Thanks

Bye>
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
Is it also possible to also tell other programs or services not to use the Windows Update service when it is paused for the time period set by the FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays item ?

Thanks

Bye>

That may depend on the specific items doing it.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
That may depend on the specific items doing it.
So, does this fact depend on the application or service installed in a computer? If so, how do I change the behavior of Windows Defender and the Microsoft 365 suite with its apps?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
So, does this fact depend on the application or service installed in a computer? If so, how do I change the behavior of Windows Defender and the Microsoft 365 suite with its apps?
Correct. Depends on each specific app. Only way for the Defender and 365 is to either disable or uninstall, but I wouldn't recommend it.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
There isn't any way to make this automatic check for updates performant disabled and if you want re-enable it?
But permanent not for specific days(Even these days are really too many).

And why Microsoft make this???????

I can add this registry value even i don't have insider version of win11 and i simply have win11 pro or enterprise?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 sp1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Firefox
There isn't any way to make this automatic check for updates performant disabled and if you want re-enable it?
But permanent not for specific days(Even these days are really too many).

And why Microsoft make this???????

I can add this registry value even i don't have insider version of win11 and i simply have win11 pro or enterprise?
Hello Gregory, :alien:

You can use this on all editions and builds/versions of Windows 11 whether it's an Insider build or not.

The warning in the red box at the top of the tutorial only applies to Insider builds.

Other than possibly using 3rd party software, pause and resume updates is the easiest way to stop automatic "check for updates" until you're ready to manually do so.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
If i simply disable from "service.msc" it is good for win10/11 any versions?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 sp1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Firefox
If i simply disable from "service.msc" it is good for win10/11 any versions?

You could disable the Windows Update service, but Windows has a bad habit of just enabling it again.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
So how i can completely and permanent disable it without re-enable it by itself???
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 sp1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Firefox
So how i can completely and permanent disable it without re-enable it by itself???

Unfortunately, methods of doing so keep getting prevented from working.

Since it is strongly recommended to keep Windows updated for security and bug fixes, you could set the max days high, and pause updates until you are ready to update. You could wait a while after an update has been released to see what everyone is reporting about it before resuming updates to install it.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self build
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING (11GB GDDR5X)
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G75 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    Seasonic Prime Titanium 850W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3 wall mounted
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gbps Download and 35 Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP Spectre x360 2in1 14-eu0098nr (2024)
    CPU
    Intel Core Ultra 7 155H 4.8 GHz
    Memory
    16 GB LPDDR5x-7467 MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Integrated Intel Arc
    Sound Card
    Poly Studio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14" 2.8K OLED multitouch
    Screen Resolution
    2880 x 1800
    Hard Drives
    2 TB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD
    Internet Speed
    Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE200 (2x2) and Bluetooth 5.4
    Browser
    Chrome and Edge
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes Premium
I don't want to stop updates temporary but PERMANT.
so...
The solution you suggest me i don't accepted.

To pause the updates every x days it is not solution.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 sp1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Firefox
Does anyone have try this???
Does this stop/disable all updates permanent or not?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 sp1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Browser
    Firefox

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