How can I prevent automatic updates?

Ex_Brit said:

Remember 2 factors:
1. Every major update (such as the recent Fall Creators one) will most likely undo any steps taken.
2. Microsoft forces update vital to system security even with WU disabled.

1. Sure, that is why I recommend workflow Allow Updates - WuShowHide - Update System - Block Updates again.
2. Can you be more specific, e.g. how Microsoft can force updates when wuauserv and trustedinstaller services are blocked? It never happened to me.

Barman58 said:

   Warning

usage of the deny access permissions option either on the file system or registry incorrectly can result in an inoperative system and require a total fresh install to cure

Disabling of the trusted installer or other system user related services will significantly reduce the security of the system

Make sure you have backups of all OS and Personal data BEFORE contemplating this type of action

this CMA info brought to you by Tenforums.com

1. In my post, Deny permissions are set correctly to achieve desired result - blocking forced updates. Furthermore, I always write how to revert blocking action back. And btw, in referenced post I never and nowhere recommend usage of the deny access permissions option either on the file system or registry... but only to services.
2. Too vague claim, you completely ignore goal (see above) and context (best practices).
3. I agree and add supplement: and always BEFORE installing updates!

Ex_Brit: whether is it the wisest thing - I do not know. No clear answer. It is part of regular maintenance of my home systems. And I only try to answer question in subject of this thread: "How can I prevent automatic updates?"

I think the procedure is difficult for regular users. But not too dangerous: all steps are easily reversible which is documented. None of the commands given can "brick" system. And afaik this is the only way how to re-gain control over update process in Windows 10. For many people, it is essential.

To prevent automatic download & installation of Windows Updates, including new builds such as the FCU do the following:

1) Download Windows Update MiniTool
2) Go into user interface, on the left hand side you will see 'Automatic Updates', change from 'automatically' to 'Notification mode'

After doing the above, whenever there are updates, you will get a toaster notification that there are updates to install. When you go into Windows Updates, it will show you the updates available to install & you can click 'install now' If there is one you don't want to install, run the MiniTool & check for updates. When the one that you don't want to install appears in the list, put a check mark beside it & click on the option to hide it. Then, if you go back and re-run Windows Update, that update will not appear again.

Thanks TairikuOkami and muchomurka for these great work-arounds / fixes. I'll give each a run to see if it stops my system from doing its own thing and let y'all know the outcome. :)

Best regards!