Registry Hack to Limit Windows Update Bandwidth Usage

In recent times, I’ve become more proactive about Windows updates, allowing them to download automatically and installing them as per my schedule. However, there are moments when these feature updates can be particularly disruptive, especially when I’m relying on a mobile hotspot. Just when I’m deeply engaged in my work, Windows unexpectedly utilizes a significant portion of my limited data allowance for updates.

After finding that the default Windows Update settings were insufficient for my needs, I rediscovered a registry adjustment that I hadn’t employed for some time. This simple modification allowed me to regain control over my bandwidth, enabling me to focus on more pressing tasks.

Managing Updates in Windows 11

Inconsistent Options Available

Pause update option highlighted in the Windows 11 Settings app — Tashreef Shareef / MakeUseOf

Windows 11 offers several methods to manage how updates utilize your data. By designating your Wi-Fi or mobile hotspot as a metered connection, you can prevent Windows from downloading updates in the background and control the data consumption of other applications. Additionally, you have the option to pause updates for a maximum of five weeks.

Unfortunately, I have experienced issues with the metered connection settings, which often revert when I reconnect to the network, resulting in Windows Update consuming my limited mobile data rapidly. The pause feature, while somewhat useful, only prevents updates temporarily; after five weeks, Windows resumes its automatic downloads, which is not ideal when deadlines are pressing.

Extending Your Update Pause Indefinitely

Pause Updates Until 2035 and Beyond

Thankfully, there exists a straightforward registry modification that can extend the pause on updates far beyond the initial five-week limit. Instead of being forced to resume updates after 35 days, you can now pause them until a specified future date, even as far off as 2035. This gives you complete control over when Windows implements updates.

Before we proceed with any registry alterations, please remember to create a system restore point to reverse the changes if necessary.

To start pausing updates through the Settings app, follow these steps:

Press Win + I to open Settings, then navigate to the Windows Update section in the left sidebar.
Click on the Pause updates dropdown and select the maximum option of five weeks before clicking Pause updates.
If the updates are successfully paused, you will see a Resume updates button in the upper right corner.

Next, to prolong this pause, we will implement a few additional registry adjustments. Rather than manually making these changes, we will utilize a registry script for convenience.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UpdatePolicy\Settings] "PausedFeatureStatus"=dword:00000000 "PausedQualityStatus"=dword:00000000 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings] "FlightSettingsMaxPauseDays"=dword:00000e42 "PauseFeatureUpdatesStartTime"="2025-10-29T10:00:00Z" "PauseFeatureUpdatesEndTime"="2035-10-29T10:00:00Z" "PauseQualityUpdatesStartTime"="2025-10-29T10:00:00Z" "PauseQualityUpdatesEndTime"="2035-10-29T10:00:00Z" "PauseUpdatesStartTime"="2025-10-29T10:00:00Z" "PauseUpdatesExpiryTime"="2035-10-29T10:00:00Z"

Once you’ve saved the script, right-click the saved .reg file and select Run as administrator. Accept the User Account Control (UAC) prompt to add the changes to the registry.

This script does two things: it sets the pause states for both feature and quality updates, and it maximizes the pause duration to approximately 10 years (3, 650 days), setting all pause end dates to October 31, 2035. Essentially, it convinces Windows that the updates have been paused through the system’s interface for the longest permitted period, thus disabling automatic updates until that date.

It’s important to note that this registry alteration solely impacts Windows Update and does not halt background downloads from other Microsoft services, including Delivery Optimization and Game Pass. To manage bandwidth consumption from these services, navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization and deactivate Allow downloads from other PCs.

Resuming Windows Updates

Manually Installing Updates

Resume updates option highlighted in Windows 11 settings app

Although this hack successfully pauses updates, it’s crucial to recognize that Windows updates play a vital role in maintaining your system’s security. Even if you’ve set indefinite pauses, it is advisable to manually install updates every six months to ensure your device remains protected. When you’re prepared, simply navigate back to the Settings app and click on the Resume updates button to initiate the update process.

Once updates are completed, you can execute the registry script again to reestablish your pause settings. Keep in mind that certain Windows updates, particularly significant feature updates, may reset your registry configurations to default. If you observe that updates are resuming automatically, run the script again to reinstate your preferred pause duration.

Reclaiming Your Internet Bandwidth

It is possible that Microsoft could address this workaround in future updates, but for now, it remains a practical approach to manage automatic updates without resorting to third-party software. Importantly, it grants you flexibility, allowing you to work without the concern of Windows consuming your data in the background. When you are ready, you can always reactivate updates and ensure your system is up to date.

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