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Maximize auto-update duration

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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.
  • 4 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 designed to extend the intervals between automatic updates. These scripts provide users with greater control over the timing of system updates. By adjusting the schedule of these updates, users can minimize interruptions and potential system instability associated with frequent updates.

Caution

Postponing updates can delay critical security fixes and feature enhancements, increasing potential security risks for your computer.

  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.

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 (Military-Grade)​

Read more about Maximum and other protection levels

Help

How to apply or restore "Maximize auto-update duration" 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 "Maximize auto-update duration" 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: Maximize auto-update duration
    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​

  • 4 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.

Maximize update pause duration

This script maximizes the pause duration for system updates via the settings interface. It postpones both feature and quality updates in Windows 10 and Windows 11. This is particularly useful for those preferring fewer interruptions from regular updates. By default, the following registry keys are absent in Windows 10 and Windows 11 and are added only when updates are paused through the user interface: "HKLM\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\WindowsUpdate\\UX\\Settings!PauseFeatureUpdatesStartTime" • `HKLM\\SOFTW...

Maximize feature update duration (disables resuming updates from settings)

This script provides control over when and how often Windows feature updates and preview builds occur. These updates bring major changes to the operating system, affecting functionality and user privacy. Key aspects of Windows feature updates include: Protecting against behavioral issues. • Adding new features. Registry keys - The script modifies various Group Policy (GPO), state, and Mobile Device Management (MDM) keys. Group Policy (GPO) keys: Used for pausing updates in older Windows 10 versi...

Maximize quality update duration (disables resuming updates from settings)

This script extends the time between mandatory quality updates, which include security patches. Delaying these updates helps prevent frequent system reboots and disruptions, aiding productivity in professional and critical settings. Registry keys - The script modifies various Group Policy (GPO), state, and Mobile Device Management (MDM) keys. Group Policy (GPO) keys: Defers updates and upgrades in earlier versions of Windows 10 (1511). Pauses quality updates for up to 35 days, or until the setti...

Maximize update duration on older Windows versions

This script extends the time between updates and upgrades, but only works on older Windows versions (version 1511 and earlier). The script modifies the following keys: Sets the device to a more predictable update schedule. Pauses quality updates. Determines the delay period for updates. Determines the delay period for upgrades. Pauses upgrades for up to 4 weeks. Pauses upgrades for up to 8 months. Supported values range from 0 to 8, representing the number of months to defer upgrades. Pauses upd...

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 consider this o...
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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

  • Public review by large community​

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

History​

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.

Review Change History Our Change Process