---
title: Updates
description: Choose how aggressively Windows Update is managed on your system with WinUtil's three update modes.
sidebar:
  order: 5
---

WinUtil provides three update modes so you can choose how aggressively Windows Update is managed on your system:

![Image of Updates Tab](../../../assets/screenshots/updates-tab-new.png)

Changing modes adjusts system-wide Windows Update behavior. After switching modes, give Windows a moment to apply the policy and plan for a restart if the new state does not appear immediately.

- **Recommended**: Prioritizes stability while still receiving security updates
- **Windows Default**: Restores standard Windows Update behavior
- **Disable Updates**: Blocks Windows Update and should only be used with extreme caution

### Windows Default

- **What it does**: Removes Windows Update policies managed by WinUtil, restores update service startup settings, and re-enables update scheduled tasks.
- **Best for**: Systems where you want Windows to manage updates normally.
- **Notes**: Only values managed by WinUtil are removed; other Windows Update policies are left in place. If update errors continue, use the reset option in the **Config** tab to repair Microsoft Update components.

### Recommended

- **What it does**: Applies a more conservative update strategy designed for most users.
- **Feature updates**: Delayed by **365 days** to reduce the chance of disruption from major Windows changes.
- **Quality updates**: Delayed by **4 days** to allow time for early issues to surface while still keeping the system protected.
- **Drivers**: Excluded from Windows quality updates.
- **Restarts**: Scheduled updates do not automatically restart Windows while a user is signed in. A restart explicitly scheduled by a user still takes precedence.
- **Availability**: Update deferral policies apply to Windows Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
- **Why use it**: This mode offers the best balance between security and stability, which is why it is the recommended option for most PCs.

### Disable Updates (NOT RECOMMENDED!)

- **What it does**: Disables automatic update policy, stops and disables update services, disables update scheduled tasks, and clears downloaded update files.
- **Best for**: Highly controlled or special-purpose systems where updates must remain off temporarily.
- **Warning**: This leaves the system without security patches and significantly increases security risk.
- **Notes**: Windows servicing can restore update components in some circumstances. Use **Restore Defaults** when you are ready to receive updates again.
- **Recommendation**: Avoid this mode unless you fully understand the tradeoffs and have a specific reason to use it.
