Block or Hide Unwanted Updates

Sometimes, Windows updates can cause issues by installing problematic drivers or software updates that disrupt system stability. Microsoft provides a tool to block or hide specific updates to prevent automatic installation.

How to Block or Hide Unwanted Updates in Windows

Step 1: Download the Troubleshooter Tool

Microsoft offers a tool called Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter that allows users to block specific updates. You can download it from the following link:

Download Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter

Step 2: Run the Troubleshooter

Open the downloaded file (wushowhide.diagcab).
Click on Next and let it scan for available updates.
Choose Hide Updates to select the updates you want to block.
Select the updates causing issues and click Next to confirm.

Step 3: Verify Updates Are Blocked

After hiding the updates, Windows Update will no longer install them automatically. To verify:

Open Windows Update in Settings
Click Check for updates and ensure the blocked updates are not listed.

How to Unblock Hidden Updates

If you want to install a previously hidden update:

Reopen the Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter.
Choose Show hidden updates.
Select the updates you want to restore and proceed.

Alternative Method: Using Group Policy Editor (Windows Pro and Enterprise)

For advanced users, Group Policy Editor can be used to disable automatic updates:

Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
Double-click Configure Automatic Updates.
Select Disabled and click OK.

Alternative Method: Using Registry Editor (Windows Home Edition)

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate.
Create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named DisableWindowsUpdateAccess and set its value to 1.