The Silent Session Killer: Why You Should Disable Auto-Updates
- Frank Verderosa
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
We’ve all been there. You walk into your booth, coffee in hand, ready to knock out a directed session for a major client. You wake up your computer only to see a "Welcome to the New Update" screen. Suddenly, your interface isn’t recognized, your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) is crashing, and your favorite plugins have vanished.
Why does this happen?
Hardware and software developers often need weeks or months to catch up with a new operating system (OS) update. When your computer updates overnight, it might install code that your audio gear simply doesn't understand yet.
To keep your studio stable, the golden rule is: Never update until you’ve confirmed your gear is compatible. Here is how to take back control of your recording environment.
How to Disable Auto-Updates on Mac (macOS)
Apple loves to push the "latest and greatest," but for a voice actor, "stable and boring" is much better.
Click the Apple Menu () in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences).
Go to General > Software Update.
Find the small "i" icon or the Advanced button next to "Automatic Updates."
Toggle OFF the following:
Check for updates
Download new updates when available
Install macOS updates
Keep "Install Security Responses and system files" ON. These are usually small, vital patches that don't break your software.
How to Disable Auto-Updates on Windows (PC)
Windows is a bit more insistent about updates, but you can still keep them at bay so they don't surprise you mid-script.
Press the Start button and click the Settings (gear icon).
Select Update & Security (or Windows Update).
Click on Pause updates for 1 week. (You can extend this, but it’s a quick fix).
For a more permanent solution, go to Advanced options.
Under Update options, toggle OFF "Download updates over metered connections" and "Notify me when a restart is required."
Under Pause updates, select a date as far into the future as possible.
Pro Tip: Set a recurring reminder on your phone for the first of every month to manually check if your audio software (like Source-Connect or Pro Tools) is compatible with the latest OS version.
Final Thoughts
Your computer is a tool, not just a gadget. By disabling automatic updates, you ensure that you decide when it’s time for a change—not an algorithm. Stay stable, stay recording!
Frank Verderosa is an award-winning audio engineer and voiceover casting director with decades of industry experience. As the owner of POV Audio, he casts, sound-designs, and mixes television, radio, and promo campaigns for leading ad agencies and networks. Outside the studio, Frank supports the voice actor community through coaching, consulting, and demo production for talent at every level. To connect or learn more, visit www.frankverderosa.com and use the chat tab or explore the Voice Actor Services section.
