How to Configure Windows 10 Update Notifications with Group Policy

Windows 10 did not provide the same simple consumer choice between fully automatic and fully manual updates that older Windows versions offered. On editions that include Local Group Policy, you can change how Windows Update notifies users before downloading and installing updates.

Windows 10 support note: Windows 10 reached end of normal support on October 14, 2025. Changing this policy does not extend support or make new security updates available to an unsupported device.

Before you begin

This method is intended for Windows 10 editions that include the Local Group Policy Editor, such as Pro, Enterprise, and Education. Windows 10 Home does not normally include gpedit.msc.

Configure update notifications

Press Windows + R.
Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
Go to:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update
Open Configure Automatic Updates.
Select Enabled.
In Configure automatic updating, choose:

2 - Notify for download and auto install
Select Apply > OK.

With this policy, Windows notifies the user when applicable updates are ready to download. The user can then open Windows Update to download and install them.

Policy wording and subfolders vary somewhat across Windows 10 releases, so do not assume every older build shows an identical list of options.

Important security context

Delaying updates can leave a system exposed to known vulnerabilities. On Windows 10 after end of support, only devices covered by an applicable servicing path such as Extended Security Updates will continue receiving the security updates included in that program.