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Disable Windows update scheduled tasks

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Works with Windows 10 and 11Works with Windows Vista, XP, 7, 8, 10, 11, and Windows Server 2008 or newer.
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Impact: HighSystem Functionality Loss Risk: High
    This action improves privacy with high impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Batch (batchfile)These changes use Windows system commands to update your settings.
  • 22 scripts
  • Fully reversible

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

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

This category includes scripts to disable scheduled tasks that are associated with the automatic functioning of the Windows Update service. These tasks are responsible for various background update-related activities such as checking for updates, downloading, and installing them in the background without user intervention.

Disabling these tasks grants users more control over when and how updates are applied. This approach is often preferred by those wishing to manually manage updates or avoid unanticipated system modifications without consent, and it is considered a best practice in high-security environments where precise control over updates is crucial. However, it's important to exercise caution with these changes. Disabling automatic updates can lead to missed critical security patches and feature updates, potentially leaving the system vulnerable.

To view all the scheduled tasks related to Windows Update, you can use the following PowerShell command:

@('\Microsoft\Windows\UpdateOrchestrator\*', '\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\*', '\Microsoft\Windows\WaaSMedic\*', '\Microsoft\Windows\InstallService\*') `
    | ForEach-Object { Get-ScheduledTask -TaskName '*' -TaskPath $_ -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue } `
    | ForEach-Object { Write-Host "$($_.TaskPath)$($_.TaskName)" }
  1. Not Advised

    This script should only be used by advanced users.

    This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality.

    Consider creating a system restore point before doing any changes.

  2. Security Trade-off

    This action prioritizes privacy over certain security features. It's not recommended and should only be used by advanced users after understanding its implications.

    Increased Privacy

    Enhanced privacy through reduced data collection and tracking

    Decreased Security

    Some security features will be disabled or limited

    This script can be reversed, this allows you to restore the default system security.

Apply Now​

Choose one of two ways to apply:

Download script​

Download and run the script directly
  • No app needed
  • Offline usage
  • Easy-to-apply
  • Free
  • Open-source

Maximum — Strongest Possible Privacy​

Read more about Maximum and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Windows update scheduled tasks" using script​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

Apply with privacy.sexy​

Guided, automated application with safety checks
  • Recommended for most users
  • Includes safety checks
  • Shows the code
  • Free
  • Open-source
  • Popular
  • Offline/Online usage
Open privacy.sexy
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable Windows update scheduled tasks" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the category name: Disable Windows update scheduled tasks
    2. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Explore This Guide​

  • 22 Privacy settings

Choose what to protect based on your needs:This script already includes these options.
You can review, apply or reverse each option individually.
Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Some settings and commands may require technical knowledge to apply correctly.

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.
These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.
Disabling automatic updates is often considered counterintuitive when it comes to securing your system. However, there are substantial arguments to consi...

— Disable automatic updates

Same Goal​

Other guides in Disable automatic updates See settings that are in the same category as this guide.
Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.
See all 7 guides

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
    • EU advisor, Public Speaker, Moderator
    • Hundreds across the globe
    • Testers, reviewers, developers
    • Companies, military agencies
    • Community since 2017
About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
    • Audited and verified using automated security tests

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments
    • Audited and verified using third-party security software

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process