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Windows 10 Spring Creators Update can sometimes install automatically, which might interrupt your work or cause compatibility issues with certain software. Many users prefer to delay or block this update until they are ready. This guide will walk you through simple, step-by-step methods to prevent the Spring Creators Update from installing automatically on your PC.

Blocking this update is useful if you want to maintain stability or avoid unexpected changes. The methods shown here are straightforward and suitable even for beginners. You do not need advanced technical knowledge to follow along.

By following these steps, you gain control over when and how your Windows 10 updates occur. This helps you plan updates at a convenient time without surprises.

Let’s begin with some quick notes before diving into the detailed instructions.

Quick Note Before You Start

• Make sure you have administrative rights on your Windows 10 PC, as some steps require administrator access.
• Check your current Windows version by pressing Windows + R, typing winver, and pressing Enter.
• Temporarily disabling updates may leave your system vulnerable, so only block updates if necessary and keep your system updated eventually.
• If you use Windows 10 Home edition, some advanced options like Group Policy Editor won’t be available.

How to Block Windows 10 Spring Creators Update: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Pause Updates Using Windows Settings

This is the simplest way to delay updates temporarily. Windows 10 allows you to pause updates for up to 35 days.

1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Click on Windows Update in the left menu.
4. Find and click the Pause updates for 7 days button.
5. You can click this button multiple times to extend the pause period up to 35 days.

Why? This method is easy but only delays the update temporarily. It’s helpful if you want to stop the update for a short time.

2. Set Your Network Connection as Metered

This method tricks Windows into thinking you have limited internet data, so it won’t download large updates automatically.

1. Open Settings and go to Network & Internet.
2. Select Wi-Fi from the left panel.
3. Click on your connected Wi-Fi network name.
4. Scroll down and toggle on Set as metered connection.

Important: This method only works for Wi-Fi connections. If you use Ethernet, you can set it as metered as well, but the steps differ slightly.

3. Use Group Policy Editor (Windows 10 Pro and Above)

This option provides more control and is ideal for professional users who want to block feature updates like the Spring Creators Update.

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter to open the Group Policy Editor.
2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update > Windows Update for Business.
3. Find the policy named Select when Preview Builds and Feature Updates are received.
4. Double-click this policy and choose Enabled.
5. Under Feature Update Deferral Period (days), set the number of days you want to delay the update (up to 365 days).
6. Click Apply and then OK.
7. Restart your PC to apply changes.

Why? This method delays feature updates for an extended period, effectively blocking the Spring Creators Update from installing automatically.

4. Disable Windows Update Service

This method stops the Windows Update service completely. Use it only if you are confident and understand that you will have to enable it manually later.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and find Windows Update in the list.
3. Right-click it and select Properties.
4. Under Startup type, select Disabled from the dropdown menu.
5. Click Stop if the service is running.
6. Click Apply and then OK.

Warning: Disabling Windows Update prevents all updates, including security patches. Use this only as a last resort.

Alternative and Advanced Options

Use Registry Editor to Block Updates

For advanced users, modifying the registry can also block feature updates.

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsWindowsUpdate. If the WindowsUpdate key doesn’t exist, right-click Windows, select New > Key, and name it WindowsUpdate.
3. Right-click WindowsUpdate, choose New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it DeferFeatureUpdates.
4. Double-click DeferFeatureUpdates and set its value to 1.
5. You can also create a DWORD named DeferFeatureUpdatesPeriodInDays and set it to the number of days to delay updates (up to 365).
6. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.

Use Third-Party Tools

There are software tools like “Windows Update Blocker” or “Winaero Tweaker” that provide user-friendly interfaces to disable or manage Windows updates. Use trusted tools and download from official sources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Will blocking the update prevent all updates?

A: No. Some methods only delay feature updates like the Spring Creators Update. Security updates may still install unless you completely disable Windows Update service.

Q: Can I reverse these changes later?

A: Yes. Simply undo the steps, such as setting Group Policy to Not Configured, disabling metered connection, or enabling Windows Update service again.

Q: Is it safe to block updates?

A: Blocking feature updates temporarily is generally safe, but avoiding security updates can expose your system to risks. Always update your PC when you are ready.

Q: Does this work on Windows 10 Home?

A: Some options like Group Policy Editor are not available on Home edition. You can use metered connection or pause updates instead.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods work, consider:

• Contacting Microsoft Support for assistance: https://support.microsoft.com
• Visiting official Microsoft documentation on Windows Update management.
• Backing up your data and performing a clean installation of your preferred Windows version.

Remember, blocking updates indefinitely is not recommended as updates often include important security fixes.

Conclusion

Controlling when Windows 10 Spring Creators Update installs helps you avoid unexpected disruptions and compatibility issues. Starting with simple steps like pausing updates or setting a metered connection is best for most users.

For more control, Group Policy Editor and Registry tweaks offer powerful options, but should be used carefully. Disabling Windows Update service is the most drastic measure and should be a last resort.

Overall, these methods give you the flexibility to manage updates on your terms, ensuring your system stays stable and secure on your schedule.