How to change Windows Update advanced settings on Windows 10

Windows 10 allows you to adjust settings to control the update experience, and here's how.

Windows 10 update advanced settings
Windows 10 update advanced settings

On Windows 10, Windows Update provides the mechanism to download and install patches to fix bugs, vulnerabilities, or improve the overall experience. Microsoft also uses this mechanism to update many of its products (for example Office), and upgrade system to the latest version of the operating system.

Although for the most part, you don’t need to adjust the settings since updates happen automatically, sometimes to get the most out of Windows Update, you want to make sure that you have the correct settings configured.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to configure the Windows Update advanced settings on Windows 10.

Change Windows Update settings on Windows 10

To adjust Windows Update settings, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings on Windows 10.

  2. Click on Update & Security.

  3. Click on Windows Update.

  4. Click the Advanced options button.

    Advanced options
    Advanced options
  5. Turn on the Receive updates for other Microsoft products when you update Windows toggle switch. (This includes Office, software for Microsoft hardware, and other standalone products. However, many apps now get updates from the Microsoft Store.)

    Microsoft products updates
    Microsoft products updates
  6. Turn off the Download updates over metered connections (extra charges may apply) toggle switch. (Only enable this option if you have enough data in your mobile plan, and the update is absolutely necessary.)

  7. Turn off the Restart this device as soon as possible when a restart is required to install an update toggle switch to prevent accidental restarts while you’re actively using the computer.

  8. Turn on the Show a notification when your PC requires a restart to finish updating toggle switch.

  9. Under the “Pause updates” section, use the drop-down menu to select until when you want to prevent Windows 10 from installing updates. (Usually, you don’t want to adjust the option unless you want to skip an update.)

Once you complete the steps, the system will update and behave according to the settings you specified.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.