Can I STOP Forced Update?

MPSAN · 19 Jun 2016

Before you say I should read the tutorials, I already did.

I have made the changes to only notify me of updates...like the Tuesday ones. It does do this, but I wait a few days to download and install them to be sure there are no issues reported.

Here is what happens though. If I wait too many days...like 'til Saturday, I can be using my system and then get a popup saying that I need updates and it will not let me do anything else until I download and install them. Sometimes this can take a while when I only turned the system on to do a quick check on something. Can I avoid this?

Slartybart · 19 Jun 2016

MPSAN said:

Before you say I should read the tutorials, I already did.

I have made the changes to only notify me of updates...like the Tuesday ones. It does do this, but I wait a few days to download and install them to be sure there are no issues reported.
.....

You should read the correct tutorials

Ethernet Connection - Set as Metered or Unmetered in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
Wireless Network Metered Connection - Set in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
Windows Update - Defer Upgrades in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums
and
Windows Updates - Hide or Show in Windows 10 - Windows 10 Forums

cv007 · 20 Jun 2016

If you want real control, disable Windows update service. Whenever you want, enable Windows update service, check for updates, install, then disable Windows update service again. All other settings seem to be treated as just suggestions.

Nothing like wanting to do a quick reboot and find out Windows wants to install some updates that will take who knows how long (or will fail in some way), or leaving your pc unattended, only to come back and find Windows decided to reboot/install updates (everything you had open is now gone).

TairikuOkami · 20 Jun 2016

MPSAN said:

I have made the changes to only notify me of updates...like the Tuesday ones. It does do this, but I wait a few days to download and install them to be sure there are no issues reported.

Subscribe to Security Notifications from Microsoft, so you can disable WU altogether instead of Notifying, which requires it to be running. Then use Windows Update MiniTool to check and download updates.

MPSAN · 20 Jun 2016

Thank you all. I will see what the best method will be for me.

legacy7955 · 20 Jun 2016

cv007 said:

If you want real control, disable Windows update service. Whenever you want, enable Windows update service, check for updates, install, then disable Windows update service again. All other settings seem to be treated as just suggestions.

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I agree, however I have heard that doing this causes problems when you do re-enable Windows Update Service...
Some posters here on TenForums and others have said that when you re-enable WU service after an extended period of time it seems to not work again.

Also I believe that if you use Windows Defender built in malware protection it stops those updates from being installed automatically which you really do want and they usually occur daily or ever other day, and are short quick updates.

Can anyone chime in and address my concerns?

cv007 · 22 Jun 2016

I have Windows updates disabled by disabling the service only (I have done this since XP), Windows Defender stays up to date all by itself (not sure who would make something like an antivirus dependent on another service for its updates, but it would be believable that Microsoft would do that).

When I'm willing to give up a (potential) few hours to do updates, I enable the service, check for updates/install until no more found, disable the service and go back to what I was doing.

I also use non-MS browsers that keep themselves up to date, so am not concerned at all about any potential 'security' issues from not doing the Windows updates on their schedule.

bjm · 26 Jun 2016

Windows Insider tells me on Microsoft Community that I can schedule updates.

The checking for and downloading updates in Windows 10 Home Edition is easily scheduled, using the Windows Task Scheduler.
Tasks concerning updates are handled the same as any other tasks in Task Scheduler. Documentation concerning Task Scheduler has been around for several years, look it up.

There are some serious issues with disable Windows update service and manual updates, concerning the license/service agreements with Windows 10.
Simply setting up the schedule for updates and following your schedule will allow for a surprise free environment.

Comments.....?