How to Disable Automatic Updates in Ubuntu Linux

By default, Ubuntu Linux is configured to automatically download and install system updates in the background. While this is an excellent feature for everyday users wanting maximum security, it can be incredibly frustrating for developers, system administrators, or anyone using a metered internet connection. Unplanned updates can lock the package manager, consume valuable bandwidth, or unexpectedly alter system dependencies during critical work.

If you prefer to take manual control over when and how your system updates, you can easily disable the automatic update service.

In this guide, you will learn how to disable automatic updates in Ubuntu using both the graphical interface (GUI) and the command line.

Method 1: Using the Graphical Interface (GUI)

If you are using Ubuntu Desktop, the easiest way to disable automatic updates is through the “Software & Updates” application.

1. Press the Super key (Windows key) to open the Activities overview, type Software & Updates, and press Enter.
2. In the window that opens, click on the Updates tab at the top.
3. Look for the setting labeled Automatically check for updates: and change the dropdown menu from “Daily” to Never.
4. Look for the setting labeled When there are security updates: and change the dropdown menu from “Download and install automatically” to Display immediately.
5. Click the Close button. You will be prompted to enter your administrator password to apply the changes.

Method 2: Using the Command Line (Terminal)

If you are managing an Ubuntu Server or simply prefer the terminal, you can completely disable the unattended-upgrades service directly from the command line.

Step 1: Reconfigure Unattended Upgrades

The safest way to disable the automated service is by using the dpkg-reconfigure command.

1. Open your terminal window.
2. Run the following command:
   sudo dpkg-reconfigure unattended-upgrades
3. A pink configuration screen will appear asking: “Automatically download and install stable updates?”.
4. Use the arrow keys to select <No> and press Enter.

Step 2: Edit the Auto-Upgrades File

To ensure all automatic update behavior is fully halted, you should also verify the apt configuration file.

1. Open the configuration file in the nano text editor by running:
   sudo nano /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/20auto-upgrades
2. Modify the file so that both values are set to “0”, making it look exactly like this:
   APT::Periodic::Update-Package-Lists "0";
APT::Periodic::Unattended-Upgrade "0";
3. Press Ctrl + O then Enter to save, followed by Ctrl + X to exit nano.

The Importance of Manual Maintenance

Disabling automatic updates gives you complete control over your Ubuntu system resources, preventing unexpected package locks and bandwidth spikes. However, this also transfers the responsibility of system security entirely onto your shoulders. When you turn off automatic updates, you must remember to manually run sudo apt update and sudo apt upgrade regularly to ensure your system is patched against critical vulnerabilities.