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Disable peering download method for Windows Updates

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script modifies Delivery Optimization's download method for Windows Updates 1 to disable peering. When this script is run, it sets the download method to 0, which means "HTTP only, no peering" 1 2. As a result, Windows Updates are downloaded solely from the internet and not from other computers on the network (referred to as "peer-to-peer") 3.

Peer-to-peer is a method where multiple computers share data amongst themselves. For Windows Updates, the default setting is for computers within a network to share updates (called LAN mode, represented by the value 1) 1 2.

Changing the setting to "HTTP only" reduces potential vulnerabilities 3. When updates are fetched only from official servers, there's less chance of unwanted or malicious data entering the system. This is why the Department of Defense (DoD) in the USA 4 and USA government 3 recommends this setting. They assert that leaving it in its default configuration could expose the system to additional risks 3.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Safe for General Use

This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Implementation Details

  • Language: batch

  • Required Privileges: Administrator rights

  • Compatibility: Windows only

  • Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable obtaining updates from other PCs on the Internet (delivery optimization) category. Windows Delivery Optimization is a feature introduced by Microsoft to facilitate a more efficient downloading process for Windows updates, upgrades, and applications. Instead of exclusively relying on Microsoft's servers, this feature identifies other PCs on a user's local network or even across... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now​

Choose one of three ways to apply:

  1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
  2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
  3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Disable peering download method for Windows Updates.
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

  1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script​

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy​

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
HELP: Step-by-step guide

  1. Click on Start menu

  2. Type cmd

  3. Right click on Command Prompt select Run as administrator

  4. Click on Yes to run Command Prompt

Animation showing how to open terminal as administrator on Windows 11

  1. Copy the following code:
Code to apply changes
:: Set the registry value: "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization!DODownloadMode"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization'; $data = '0'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization' /v 'DODownloadMode' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$data"^"" /f"
  1. Right click on command prompt to paste it.
  2. Press Enter to apply remaining code.

Copy restore code​

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code
:: Delete the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization!DODownloadMode"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "reg delete 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DeliveryOptimization' /v 'DODownloadMode' /f 2>$null"

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