Last week Microsoft released the Release Preview of the Windows 10 Spring Creators Update 1803 Build 17133 (Redstone 4) to the Insider Preview program. This is the final step before releasing the Windows 10 Spring Creators Update to the public through Windows Update. I have installed the Release Preview update on my main laptops and haven’t had any issues so far. If you would prefer to wait, there are a few ways you can block Windows 10 Spring Creators Update 1803, especially if you’re running Professional or Enterprise editions of Windows 10.
How To Block Windows 10 Creators Update on Professional, Enterprise, or Education Editions
- Click Settings > Update & security.
- Click the link to Advanced options.
- Set the Branch Readiness to Semi-Annual Channel or Current Branch For Business depending on your version.
This setting should tell Microsoft to refrain from installing the next version of Windows (in this case Windows 10 Spring Creators Update 1803) until there’s been an official announcement that the version is “ready for widespread deployment” or “full availability”.
If you’re on Windows 10 1703 or 1709, you can also set the Feature Update Deferral to 365 days.
How To Block Windows 10 Creators Update on Home Edition
Unfortunately, none of the above options exist if you’re on Windows 10 Home Edition. Some sites might suggest completely turning off the Windows Update service, but that isn’t a very good idea and can leave you vulnerable to attacks and security issues. There are two options you can use as a work around for Windows 10 Home Edition, and they both applied to the previous Creators Update and Fall Creators Update.
Option 1: Set Wireless As A Metered Connection
This is only easy if you only use a few Wi-Fi networks. If you connect to a network that’s not set as Metered, then the update could still download.
- Check for a Wi-Fi connection by clicking the Notification/Action Center icon in the lower-right corner of your screen, then click (or tap) Network. If you’re on a Wi-Fi network you’ll see a list of your current Wi-Fi connection, plus other available (or remembered) Wi-Fi connections.
- Click on your Wi-Fi network, click Properties.
- Slide the Metered connection setting to On.
Option 2: Use Microsoft’s wushowhide utility to hide the “Feature update to Windows 10, version 1703”
The difficult part about this method is that it’ll only work once the update shows up in your Windows Update. Since the rollout is gradual, this could be days, weeks, or even months.
- Go to KB 3073930 and download Microsoft’s Wushowhide tool. (Click the link marked “Download the ‘Show or hide updates’ troubleshooter package now.”)
- Double-click on Wushowhide.diagcab to run it.
- Click the link marked Advanced. Uncheck the box marked “Apply repairs automatically.” Click Next.
- Wushowhide will run for a long time. Click the link to Hide Updates when it appears. If you see a checkbox marked “Feature update to Windows 10, version 1703,” check the box next to the item and click Next. (If you don’t see “Feature update to Windows 10, version 1703,” the upgrade isn’t being sent to your box yet. Check again tomorrow.)
- Click Close, and you’re done.
When you’re ready to install the Windows 10 Creators Update, just use this same process to unhide the update from Windows Update.
