How can I disable automatic updates?

I would have thought Windows 10 was intelligent enough to abide by the "active hours" criteria in update settings. However, I cam into my business today at 2pm(active hours set for 8-5), all to find my system said it was preparing to install updates. Must have been a huge update too, because it took 42 minutes until I got to my desktop, and I'm furious.

How can I disable automatic updates so that this might never happen again?

Thanks.

Hello burgertime,

Here you go.

Windows Update Automatic Updates - Enable or Disable in Windows 10

Hi, Active hours is intended to constrain the restart (if any) required for an update.
Thus if the update does not require a restart, it will proceed. At least that's my understanding.

"If you want to feel totally assured that Windows 10 won'trestart your computer and install updates(note the order)while you're busy working, you'll be pleased to know about the Active Hours feature that Microsoft has added in the Anniversary Update (rolling out on Tuesday, August 2). Mind you, Windows 10 is already pretty good about understanding when your PC is in use, so as not to disrupt your activities with an update. In my experience, most Windows restarts are scheduled for early in the morning when you’re not likely to be using your PC.

You can also schedule the update to be installed at a specific time. Even so, Microsoft is giving users even more control over the update process. "

You can inhibit downloads of updates by setting your connection (Wifi or ethernet) as 'metered' in Settings - even if it's not.

See
Windows Update Automatic Updates - Enable or Disable in Windows 10 - Windows 10 blog

Now, if you are reliant on Windows Defender, this receives updates via Windows Updates- so won't be updated if you disable this.

To get round that you can set up yor own scheduled task to update Defender.

Hello burgertime,

Here you go.

Windows Update Automatic Updates - Enable or Disable in Windows 10

Thank you, but alas, this machine came with W10 home on it. Guess I should have looked that up before I posted this. What are my options?

Thank you, but alas, this machine came with W10 home on it. Guess I should have looked that up before I posted this. What are my options?

That's ok. You can use Option 4 or 5 in the Home edition if you like.

That's ok. You can use Option 4 or 5 in the Home edition if you like.

Can't believe I didn't see there were more than 3 options. Thank you very much.

You're most welcome. I hope it will help.