How to prevent Windows 10 from installing version 2004, May 2020 Update

On Windows 10, feature updates, such as version 2004, are technically new versions that ship with new features, changes, and improvements to enhance the experience and security. The only caveat is that because these releases haven’t been broadly tested, during the early days upgrades may still contain bugs, some features may not work correctly, and drivers may break as a result of compatibility problems.

Although new releases of Windows 10 no longer download and install automatically until you initiate the upgrade manually, eventually, they will. Also, on devices getting close to the end of service, Windows Update will install the feature update automatically to keep your device supported.

If you want to keep your device away from the new version as long as possible, Windows 10 includes various methods to prevent automatic upgrades using the Settings app, Group Policy, and even a metered connection.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to block Windows 10 from installing the May 2020 Update on your device.

• How to block Windows 10 version 2004 using Settings
• How to block Windows 10 version 2004 using Group Policy
• How to block Windows 10 version 2004 on Windows 10 Home

How to block Windows 10 version 2004 using Settings

On Windows 10 Pro or Home, the May 2020 Update (version 2004) won’t download automatically until you start the process manually. This means that if you want to prevent Windows 10 from installing the new version, the only thing you have to do is not to click the Download and Install now option in the “Windows Update” settings page.

However, you can further make sure, or if your device is nearing the end of service, you can use the Windows Update settings to block feature updates for up to 365 days since the day it was original released.

To block Windows 10 version 2004 with the Windows Update settings, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Update & Security.

3. Click on Windows Update.

4. Click the Advanced options button.

   

5. Under the “Choose when updates are installed” section, select the number of days, up to 365 days to defer installing Windows 10 version 2004.

   

Once you complete the steps, Windows 10 won’t try to install a new version until after the defer time you specified.

In addition, you have an option to defer monthly updates, but you can only postpone these updates up to 30 days. However, you can use the Pause Updates option that temporarily prevents new updates (including new major releases) from being installed for up to 35 days.

How to block Windows 10 version 2004 using Group Policy

You can also block the Windows 10 May 2020 Update using the Local Group Policy editor.

To use Group Policy to defer a Windows 10 feature update, use these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for gpedit.msc, and click the top result to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

3. Browse the following path:

   Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business

4. Double-click the Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received policy.

   

5. Select the Enabled option.

6. Under the “Options” section, use the drop-down menu, and select the Semi-Annual Channel option.

7. Select the number of days (up to 365) to defer upgrades.

   

8. Click the Apply button.

9. Click the OK button.

After you complete the steps, Windows 10 won’t download and install version 2004 until the day you specified in the policy.

How to block Windows 10 version 2004 on Windows 10 Home

On Windows 10 Home, the defer option won’t be available, but you can always set a Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection as metered, which limits access to the internet, including the ability to download and install feature updates automatically.

Setting a Wi-Fi connection as metered to delay May 2020 Update

To set a Wi-Fi connection as metered to block Windows 10 updates, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Network & Internet.

3. Click on Wi-Fi.

4. Select the Wi-Fi connection to access its settings.

   

5. Turn on the Set as metered connection toggle switch to enable and restrict background data usage.

   

Setting an Ethernet connection as metered to delay May 2020 Update

To set a Ethernet (wired) connection as metered to block feature updates, use these steps:

1. Open Settings.

2. Click on Network & Internet.

3. Click on Ethernet.

4. Select the wire Ethernet connection.

   

5. Turn on the Set as metered connection toggle switch to enable and restrict background data usage.

   

This method will block all kinds of updates, which means that your device will be unprotected until you disable the metered connection.

This guide outlines multiple methods to stop the next version of Windows 10 version 2004 from installing automatically, but you should only use these recommendations if you know something is wrong with the update or you have a good reason not to upgrade. Although updates can introduce new problems, they’re important to safeguard your data and installation from hackers and malware.