Windows Update Disabler

⚡ A simple, one-click solution to permanently disable automatic Windows updates without leaving background processes running.

Warning

Before running this script, ensure that Windows is fully updated and not currently installing or downloading updates! Interrupting an update process could corrupt your Windows installation.

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How to Use

Quick Start

1. Download:

   • Download the latest release from the Releases page
   • Extract the ZIP file to a location of your choice

2. Check for Active Updates:

   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and ensure no updates are being installed or downloaded.

3. Run the Application:

   • Launch windows_update_disabler.exe
   • Click "Disable Updates" to disable automatic Windows updates
   • Click "Enable Updates" to re-enable automatic updates
   • Click "Use Update Service" to temporarily enable the update service

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How to Update Manually

Regular updates are essential for security. To update manually:

1. Enable Updates:

   • Launch the application and click "Enable Updates"

2. Install Updates:

   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install available updates.

3. Disable Updates Again:

   • After updating, click "Disable Updates" to disable automatic updates again.

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Temporarily Enable the Update Service

Some applications, such as the Microsoft Store, depend on the Windows Update service. To temporarily enable the service:

1. Enable Update Service:

   • Click "Use Update Service" to re-enable the Windows Update Service.

2. Use Dependent Applications:

   • You can now use applications that require the update service.

3. Disable Update Service Again:

   • Once done, click "Disable Updates" to disable the update service again.

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What the Application Does

The application disables automatic updates by performing the following actions:

1. Disables Windows Update Services:

   • Windows Update Service (wuauserv): The core service responsible for downloading and installing updates.
   • Update Orchestrator Service (UsoSvc): Manages the scheduling of update installations.
   • Windows Update Medic Service (WaaSMedicSvc): Repairs the Windows Update service if it becomes corrupted.

2. Disables Update-Related Scheduled Tasks:

   • Prevents Windows from running tasks that check for or install updates automatically.

3. Modifies Registry Settings:

   • Updates registry keys to disable automatic updates and prevent services from restarting.

4. Renames Critical DLL Files:

   • Renames essential DLL files (e.g., wuaueng.dll) to prevent the update services from functioning.

5. Uses PsExec for System-Level Privileges:

   • Some services and tasks are protected and require system-level privileges to modify. PsExec is used to bypass these restrictions.

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Building from Source

To build the executable from source:

1. Install Requirements:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

2. Build with PyInstaller:

   pyinstaller --onefile --windowed --add-data "disable_updates.bat;." --add-data "enable_updates.bat;." --add-data "use_update_service.bat;." --add-data "PsExec.exe;." --add-data "LICENSE;." --version-file version.txt --icon=icon.ico windows_update_disabler.py

3. Find the Executable:

   • The built executable will be in the dist directory

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Technical Details

1. Elevate to Admin

• The application automatically requests administrator privileges when needed.

2. Disable Services

• The application stops and disables the following services:
  • wuauserv: Windows Update Service.
  • UsoSvc: Update Orchestrator Service.
  • WaaSMedicSvc: Windows Update Medic Service.

3. Rename DLL Files

• Critical DLL files are renamed to disable their functionality:
  • Takes ownership of the files
  • Grants necessary permissions
  • Renames the files
  • Restores original ownership

4. Modify Registry

• Registry keys are updated to disable automatic updates
• Service configurations are modified to prevent automatic restarts

5. Disable Scheduled Tasks

• All Windows Update related scheduled tasks are disabled

6. User Interface

• Simple, intuitive interface with three main buttons:
  • Disable Updates
  • Enable Updates
  • Use Update Service

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Notes

• The application includes all necessary components (PsExec, batch scripts) in a single executable
• Always ensure your system is fully updated before disabling updates
• The application requires administrator privileges to function properly