How can I block upgrade from 1703 to 1803?

mc510 · 10 Jul 2018

Nothing after 1703 installs successfully on my computer, so I'm still on 1703 with Update set to "current branch for business" and "defer 365 days". But it still keeps trying (and failing) to install 1803, and then "recovering previous version". So far the recoveries have been successful, but I've also had failed recoveries in the past so I want to stop 1803 from trying to install at all. (At least until I have time to troubleshoot and get it to install successfully.) So how can I block 1803? And, no, I don't want to disable Windows Update and have to manually install security patches.

dalchina · 11 Jul 2018

Hi, have you tried setting updates to Notify? Available e.g via Group Policy Editor. That means you get a notification. Downside- you get notifications of Defender updates.

To be honest, I don't know how effective that would be in the case of an expired deferred feature update period.

Have you tried resetting the deferred upgrade period? I did that once, and it seemed to work. No guarantees.

Most people have had fewer problems with 1709, but I note you are on 1703. Failure to upgrade usually indicates a problem needs fixing. That said, 1803 has a very mixed reputation and has proved problematic for a good number.

The most basic steps that may help with failed upgrades are:
a. Uninstall any AV or security program
b. Do a clean boot
c. Disconnect any unnecessary periperals
d. Disconnect any other disk drives

If you stay on 1703, note the time limit for support:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/...cle-fact-sheet

To block a feature upgrade:

Note that to hide 1803 with the Home edition it must not have started to download or have downloaded.
See:
You can hide the update when it is seen as available but before it has started to download. To prevent it downloading before you have a chance to hide it set a metered connection.

Set Wireless Network as Metered or Non-Metered in Windows 10
Set Ethernet Connection as Metered or Unmetered in Windows 10
Hide or Show Windows Updates in Windows 10
post #174:

My experience is that Features Updates (upgrades to the next version of Windows) behave differently from all other types of updates. Once windows update has checked for updates, found 'Features update for Windows 10, version 1709' and started the download it is then too late to hide it, even if it is still listed in wushowhide. Hiding it does not stop a download that's already begun. My technique is to have 'metered connection' turned on so that a download cannot start, giving me the opportunity to hide 1709 before the download can start.

I have not however seen any case where an available update (Features or Cumulative) has not shown up in wushowhide.