Service packs are usually installed automatically by Windows Update. Some people or businesses might want to hold off a little while and make sure it’s compatible before they install it on their computers.

This guide shows you how to add a registry entry to block Windows Update from automatically installing a service pack for up to 12 months.

Block a Service Pack

Note: You must be logged in as a user with Administrative rights to edit the registry.

Download and merge (run) this registry entry ^[1].

It adds a key called DoNotAllowSP with a value of 1 in the HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate tree of the registry.

To learn more about blocking service packs see Microsoft ^[2].

Unblock a Blocked Service Pack

Note: You must be logged in as a user with Administrative rights to edit the registry.

1. Backup your registry ^[3].
2. Type regedit in the Start Menu’s search box and then right-click regedit in the search results and select Run as administrator.
3. Navigate to HK_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows in the left pane of the registry editor.

   ^[4]

4. Delete the WindowsUpdate tree (folder) under Windows in the left pane of the registry editor by right-clicking it and selecting Delete.