On Steam, set Fallout 4 to Only update this game when I launch it to delay automatic updates—but launching the game through Steam can trigger the queued update. On PlayStation or Xbox, Bethesda’s workaround is to take the console offline before starting the game. GOG staff have also described disabling automatic updates and using rollback, though the post dates to April 2024 and current options may differ.
Which method fits your platform?
| Platform | What you can do | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Steam on PC | Set the game to update only when launched | Delays automatic updates; launching through Steam can start the update. Steam calls this a temporary setting. |
| GOG GALAXY | Disable auto-updates or use Rollback Feature | GOG staff described both options in April 2024; available versions and current controls may have changed. |
| PlayStation or Xbox | Take the console offline before starting Fallout 4 | Allows an attempt at offline play, but sacrifices online features while disconnected. It is not a documented permanent update block. |
Stop automatic updates on Steam
- Open your Steam Library and select Fallout 4.
- Open the game’s Properties, then select Updates.
- Under Automatic Updates, choose Only update this game when I launch it. Steam describes this as a temporary way to stop automatic updates, not a permanent version lock. Steam Support explains the update options and limitation.
The important caveat is the launch trigger: starting Fallout 4 through Steam can immediately begin its queued update. If you need to preserve a modded installation, community members suggest launching through F4SE or a mod manager instead. That is anecdotal community practice, not a Steam-supported guarantee; see the Steam Community discussion.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Fallout 4 Game of The Year Edition - Xbox One | $28.97 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Fallout 4 - Xbox One (Renewed) | $11.12 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Fallout 4 Game of The Year Edition - Xbox One | $33.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Fallout 4 | Anniversary Edition | XBOX and Windows Digital | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Fallout 4 GOTY (Xbox One) | $33.29 | Buy on Amazon |
Some community posts also describe making appmanifest_377160.acf read-only. This is an unofficial file-level workaround, not a safe or durable method endorsed by Steam, so it should not be treated as a dependable update lock.
Use Steam Offline Mode or disconnect the PC
Steam Offline Mode is separate from the per-game update setting. It can help when you want to play without connecting, but offline play limits online features and does not make the update-on-launch setting permanent. Bethesda also lists disconnecting the router, starting the game, and restoring the connection after quitting as an option. Its support guidance covers PC and console options for crashes after updating Fallout 4.
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- Freedom and Liberty Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours
- Be Whoever You Want With the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Character System. From a Power Armored Soldier to the Charismatic Smooth Talker, You Can Choose From Hundreds of Perks and Develop Your Own Playstyle
- New Next Generation Graphics & Lighting Engine Brings to Life the World of Fallout. From the Blasted Forests of the Commonwealth to the Ruins of Boston, Every Location Is Packed With Dynamic Detail
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage
Bethesda also names Windows Firewall rules for Fallout4.exe and Fallout4Launcher.exe, requiring both inbound and outbound rules. Because the steps depend on the current Windows interface and configuration, this article does not provide a click-by-click firewall recipe.
Keep a console offline before starting Fallout 4
Bethesda advises PlayStation and Xbox players to take the console offline before launching Fallout 4. The support advice appears in response to crashes after an update, so it is an offline-play workaround—not a documented setting that permanently blocks updates for this game alone. Console menu labels can vary, and Bethesda’s page does not specify exact navigation. While disconnected, online functions are unavailable.
Rank #2
- Next generation of open-world gaming
- Developed by Bethesda Game Studios under the direction of Todd Howard
- Fallout 4 is the follow up to the 2008 'Game of the Year' Fallout 3
- First title from the world-renowned studio since the release of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Violence
What GOG players can try
In an April 2024 discussion about Fallout 4’s next-generation update, a GOG staff member said GALAXY users could disable automatic updates at the library or game level, or use the Rollback Feature to select a game version. The post does not establish that those choices or versions remain available today, so check the current GOG GALAXY interface and rollback choices before relying on them. The same discussion noted that GOG’s Fallout 4 edition lacked Creation Club content at that time; see the GOG forum discussion.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Preventing an update is not the same as rolling back
Steam’s update-on-launch option delays an update; it does not restore an earlier version once the game has updated. GOG staff described rollback as a way to select a version, but current availability must be checked in GALAXY. The console workaround avoids connecting before launch; it does not undo an update already installed.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- GOTY edition, includes original game on disc and all available DLC as download codes
- Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours
- Be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. From a Power Armored soldier to the charismatic smooth talker, you can choose from hundreds of Perks and develop your own playstyle.
- An all-new next generation graphics and lighting engine brings to life the world of Fallout like never before. From the blasted forests of the Commonwealth to the ruins of Boston, every location is packed with dynamic detail.
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage.
Rank #4
- ANNIVERSARY EDITION — Get Fallout 4, all six official expansions, and more than 150 Creation Club items in one package.
- EXPLORE THE COMMONWEALTH — Play as the Sole Survivor of Vault 111 and shape the Commonwealth through choices, factions, and exploration.
- SIX EXPANSIONS — Explore Automatron, Wasteland Workshop, Far Harbor, Contraptions Workshop, Vault-Tec Workshop, and Nuka-World.
- CREATION CLUB ITEMS — Enrich your adventure with more than 150 items, including unique weapons, power armor sets, building packs, paint jobs, homes, and Dogmeat appearance options.
- OPEN-WORLD RPG — Explore the post-nuclear world, craft weapons and armor, and build and manage settlements.
Rank #3
- GOTY edition includes original game on disc and all available DLC as download codes.
- Do whatever you want in a massive open world with hundreds of locations, characters, and quests. Join multiple factions vying for power or go it alone, the choices are all yours.
- Be whoever you want with the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. character system. From a Power Armored soldier to the charismatic smooth talker, you can choose from hundreds of Perks and develop your own playstyle.
- An all-new next generation graphics and lighting engine brings to life the world of Fallout like never before. From the blasted forests of the Commonwealth to the ruins of Boston, every location is packed with dynamic detail.
- Intense first or third person combat can also be slowed down with the new dynamic Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System (V.A.T.S) that lets you choose your attacks and enjoy cinematic carnage.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
