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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.
  • Windows onlyThis script improves your privacy on Windows
  • Multiple actionsThis page belongs to a category, containing some changes with similar goal.
  • Impact: High

    System Functionality / Data 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
  • No subcategories
  • Administrator rights requiredThis script requires privilege access to do the system changes
  • 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 action allows you to can restore the system security.

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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.

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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:

Click any option to learn more about what it does.

Each change can be applied and reversed individually.

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

Disable "RestoreDevice" task

This script disables the "RestoreDevice" scheduled task. This task is involved in restoring device settings or drivers as part of update processes. Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\InstallService\\RestoreDevice": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default status: 🟡 N/A (missing) • OS Version: Windows 11 22H2 → Default status: 🟡 N/A (missing) • OS Version: Windows 11 23H2 → Default status: 🟢 Ready

Disable "ScanForUpdates" task

This script disables the "ScanForUpdates" scheduled task. This task is responsible for performing update scans. Microsoft officially documents this task as part of the Windows updates process. Microsoft suggests disabling this task as a measure to reduce data collection and improve performance. This recommendation is also supported by Citrix for optimization purposes. Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\InstallService\\ScanForUpdates": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default st...

Disable "ScanForUpdatesAsUser" task

This script disables the "ScanForUpdatesAsUser" scheduled task. This task is responsible for performing update scans under user-specific contexts. Microsoft officially documents this task as part of the Windows updates process. Microsoft suggests disabling this task as a measure to reduce data collection and improve performance. This recommendation is also supported by Citrix for optimization purposes. Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\InstallService\\ScanForUpdatesAsUser": ...

Disable "SmartRetry" task

This script disables the "SmartRetry" scheduled task. This task handles the automatic retrying of failed updates, attempting to redownload or reinstall updates that didn't install successfully on the first try. Microsoft officially documents this task as part of the Windows updates process. Microsoft suggests disabling this task as a measure to reduce data collection and improve performance. This recommendation is also supported by Citrix for optimization purposes. Overview of default task statu...

Disable "WakeUpAndContinueUpdates" task

This script disables the "WakeUpAndContinueUpdates" scheduled task. This task is responsible for waking the computer from sleep to continue or complete pending updates. Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\InstallService\\WakeUpAndContinueUpdates": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled • OS Version: Windows 11 22H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled • OS Version: Windows 11 23H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled

Disable "WakeUpAndScanForUpdates" task

This script disables the "WakeUpAndScanForUpdates" scheduled task. This task is responsible for waking up the system at scheduled times to check for Windows updates. Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\InstallService\\WakeUpAndScanForUpdates": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled • OS Version: Windows 11 22H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled • OS Version: Windows 11 23H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled

Disable "Scheduled Start" task

This script disables the "Scheduled Start" scheduled task. This task initiates the Windows Update service at predetermined times or under specific conditions to perform tasks like checking for and installing updates. According to the Task Scheduler, this task initiates the Windows Update service for scheduled operations like scans. It executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\sc.exe start wuauserv". Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\WindowsUpdate\\Scheduled Start": •OS Version: Window...

Disable "Report policies" task

This script disables the "Report policies" scheduled task. This task might be responsible for reporting policy-related information to Windows Update or other system management tools. According to the Task Scheduler, this task executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe ReportPolicies". Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\Report policies": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default status: 🟢 Ready • OS Version: Windows 11 22H2 → Default status: 🟢 Ready • OS Ve...

Disable "Schedule Maintenance Work" task

This script disables the "Schedule Maintenance Work" scheduled task. This task is responsible for performing maintenance activities related to Windows Update, such as cleanup operations or preparation steps for update installations. According to the Task Scheduler, this task executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartMaintenanceWork". Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\Schedule Maintenance Work": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default status: 🔴 Dis...

Disable "Schedule Scan" task

This script disables the "Schedule Scan" scheduled task. This task responsible for periodically scanning for Windows updates. According to the Task Scheduler, this task executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartScan". Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\Schedule Scan": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default status: 🟢 Ready • OS Version: Windows 11 22H2 → Default status: 🟢 Ready • OS Version: Windows 11 23H2 → Default status: 🟢 Ready

Disable "Schedule Scan Static Task" task

This script disables the "Schedule Scan Static Task" scheduled task. This task is responsible for running update scans at static, predefined intervals. According to the Task Scheduler, this task conducts a scheduled Windows Update scan. It executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartScan". Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\Schedule Scan Static Task": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default status: 🟢 Ready • OS Version: Windows 11 22H2 → Default stat...

Disable "Schedule Wake To Work" task

This script disables the "Schedule Wake To Work" scheduled task. This task is responsible for waking the computer from sleep or low-power mode to perform Windows updates. According to the Task Scheduler, this task executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartWork". Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\Schedule Wake To Work": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled • OS Version: Windows 11 22H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled • OS Version...

Disable "Schedule Work" task

This script disables the "Schedule Work" scheduled task. This task is responsible for scheduling and initiating Windows updates processes at predetermined times. According to the Task Scheduler, this task executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartWork". Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\Schedule Work": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled • OS Version: Windows 11 22H2 → Default status: 🔴 Disabled • OS Version: Windows 11 23H2...

Disable "UpdateModelTask" task

This script disables the "UpdateModelTask Work" scheduled task. This task is responsible for updating Machine Learning (ML) models related to Windows Updates. According to the Task Scheduler, its purpose is to update ML models and it executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartModelUpdates". Microsoft suggests disabling it for performance optimization and reduced data collection. Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\UpdateModelTask": •OS Version: Wind...

Disable "Start Oobe Expedite Work" task

This script disables the "Start Oobe Expedite Work" scheduled task. This task is responsible for performing tasks related to the "out-of-box experience" (OOBE) in Windows, such as updating system settings, applications, or features soon after a system update or initial setup. According to the Task Scheduler, its purpose is to perform a scheduled Windows Update scan. It executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartWork". Overview of default task statuses - `\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestr...

Disable "StartOobeAppsScan_LicenseAccepted" task

This script disables the "StartOobeAppsScanLicenseAccepted" scheduled task. This task is responsible for initiating a scan of applications as part of the OOBE process, after a license agreement is accepted, verifying that apps are up-to-date. According to the Task Scheduler, its purpose is to perform a scheduled Windows Update scan. It executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartOobeAppsScan". Overview of default task statuses - `\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\StartOobeAppsScanLi...

Disable "StartOobeAppsScan_OobeAppReady" task

This script disables the "StartOobeAppsScanOobeAppReady" scheduled task. This task is responsible for scanning applications during the OOBE phase, verifying that apps are ready for use after system updates. According to the Task Scheduler, it performs a scheduled Windows Update scan. It executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartOobeAppsScan". Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\StartOobeAppsScanOobeAppReady": •OS Version: Windows 10 22H2 → Defaul...

Disable "StartOobeAppsScanAfterUpdate" task

This script disables the "StartOobeAppsScanAfterUpdate" scheduled task. This task is responsible for scanning applications following a system update, as part of the OOBE process, to verify that all applications are compatible with the new update. According to the Task Scheduler, it performs a scheduled Windows Update scan. It executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe StartOobeAppsScanAfterUpdate". Overview of default task statuses - `\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\StartOobeAppsScanAft...

Disable "USO_UxBroker" task

This script disables the "USO_UxBroker" scheduled task. This task is related to the User Experience (UX) Broker process in Windows, managing user notifications or interactions required after an update. According to the Task Scheduler, this task is responsible for triggering a system reboot following update installations. It executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\MusNotification.exe". Disabling this task is recommended to reduce data collection and enhance system performance. Overview of default task st...

Disable "UUS Failover Task" task

This script disables the "UUS Failover Task" scheduled task. This task is responsible for the failover mechanism for updates, designed to handle scenarios where a primary update process fails or encounters issues. According to the Task Scheduler, this task is responsible for performing a scheduled Windows Update scan. It executes "%SYSTEMROOT%\\System32\\UsoClient.exe HandleUusFailoverSignal". Overview of default task statuses - "\\Microsoft\\Windows\\UpdateOrchestrator\\UUS Failover Task": •OS Versio...

Disable "PerformRemediation" task

This script disables the "PerformRemediation" scheduled task in Windows. This task performs recovery actions for update-related services to ensure they run in a supported configuration. Disabling this task enhances privacy by reducing automatic system changes and limiting data collection related to updates. It enhances control over system settings, letting users manage update configuration tasks without being overridden by the system. It improves performance by preventing unnecessary background ...

Disable outdated Windows Update tasks

This script disables older scheduled tasks associated with Windows updates, which are no longer present in Windows versions since Windows 10 22H2 and Windows 11 22H2. The script is compatible with Windows 10 and newer versions, skipping any missing tasks on recent systems. These tasks are linked to specific system files and are involved in various update processes, such as downloading and installing updates, rebooting after updates, and more. Disabling these tasks can help reduce unnecessary sys...

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About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

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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

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments

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We continually monitor our guides, their impact and all other 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.

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