There's a very long thread here about the creators update ... and a boatload of posts scattered elsewhere ...
... all pointing to problems with it.
So how can I ensure that I DO NOT get the creators update?
There are also a 'boatload of posts' saying we've had no problems with it - I'm one.
What version do you have at present? You'll have to get Creators eventually when your current version reaches end of support. The original 10240 release has already done so, 1511 will be next to go.
Some problems are down to known hardware issues. Microsoft blocks PCs with such hardware from receiving Creators Update through windows update. If yours is such a PC it won't be offered to you until Microsoft has fixed these issues. If you manually install Creators Update you bypass these blocks, some of the reported problems are due to manual installs rather than waiting for windows update to say the PC is ready for the update.
So ... how do I prevent creators update?
LOL - after EVERY UPGRADE you get posts about issues, and a SMALL minority of people get a jaundiced view of the world. CU is no worse than previous versions. Remember people rarely post to say things are ok.
People who advise various ways NOT to upgrade are usually pretty ill informed and do not tell you what security issues you can run into by not keeping up to date.
So best plan is to image backup current install, then upgrade knowing you can revert in event you get any significant issues.
Disabling all updates is a BAD idea, so disabling the windows update service should be ruled out.
You haven't said what version of windows you have. If it is Pro you can defer features updates in Settings > Update & security > Windows update > Advanced options.
If you have Home you can turn on 'metered connection' which will stop the update being downloaded, but cannot stop it being found by windows update.
Set Wireless Network as Metered or Non-Metered in Windows 10
Set Ethernet Connection as Metered or Unmetered in Windows 10
If you see it offered by windows update it means your PC has passed the compatibility tests, so I'd say go for it. As cereberus says, making a system image before you try the update is a good idea, it gives you a fall-back position. After the update you also have 10 days in which you can go back to your previous version of windows, after which the windows.old folder will automatically be deleted.
If you really must prevent the Creators Update (and I see no reason why you should) then you can hide it, but not until it has appeared in the list of available updates in windows update (on a metered connection to prevent it automatically installing).
Hide or Show Windows Updates in Windows 10
I've not seen it appear in the list of available updates. I don't think I've even seen any such list on Windows 10. Where would I find that?
Edit: I don't see any list ... but I did find this in the update-status settings:
"Good news! The Windows 10 Creators Update is on its way. Want to be one of the first to get it?"
and
"Yes, show me how"
I did not click the Yes.
But that's not the same as saying No.
There isn't a No option.
Go to Settings > Update & security then click 'Check for updates'. Any available updates appropriate for your PC will be listed. Usually there will be at least one, a definitions update for Defender. If you have turned on 'metered connection' they won't be downloaded, if you don't have a metered connection checking for updates will automatically start downloading them - the Creators Update included, should it appear in the list.
I don't see where to set a metered connection.
I'm on a wired connection, and I thought that "metered" would only apply to wireless? Not sure.
Anyway, I don't see any such setting in the network-status panel.
Also, I clicked Check for Updates ... and it said that I'm up to date.
I'm running version 1607, build 14393.1480 ... whatever that means.
You won't find it in Settings (that is one of the things that was added in Creators Update). For older versions you have to edit the registry. It's covered in Option Two in the tutorial - Set Ethernet Connection as Metered or Unmetered in Windows 10.
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