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Disable automatic installation of Windows updates without user consent

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Windows.

These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.

This script changes how your Windows computer handles automatic updates by modifying the AUOptions registry key. After running this script, your computer will notify you before downloading any updates 1 2 3.

In the default setup, your Windows system is configured to download and install updates automatically without notifying you 4. This means that new updates could be installed on your system without your explicit approval.

By forcing Windows to notify you before downloading updates, this script hands back control over your system to you. This feature enhances your privacy and minimizes risks because you get to manually review and approve each update before it's installed.

To explain the technical aspect, the AUOptions registry key is a setting stored under HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU in your computer's registry 1 3. A value of 2 for AUOptions means that you will be notified before any updates are downloaded and installed 1 2. On older versions of Windows, setting this key to 1 would prevent the system from even checking for updates 5. However, starting from Windows 10, the key 1 has a different meaning 2.

Running this script doesn't disable updates; it just ensures that you are informed and have the final say on whether to download them or not.

This script uses Batch (batchfile) scripting language.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

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 automatic updates category. Disabling automatic updates is often considered counterintuitive when it comes to securing your system. However, there are substantial arguments to consider this option if you're privacy-centric: 1. Patching and Pre-Approval: Manual control over update deployment allows for pre-emptive... 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 automatic installation of Windows updates without user consent.
  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\WindowsUpdate\AU!AUOptions"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$registryPath = 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU'; $data = '2'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU' /v 'AUOptions' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$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
:: Set the registry value "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU!AUOptions"
PowerShell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Command "$revertData = '4'; reg add 'HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU' /v 'AUOptions' /t 'REG_DWORD' /d "^""$revertData"^"" /f"

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