How to Block Automatic Windows 10 Updates?

[mr__ed]

I remember seeing a way to block automatic updates by setting Wi-Fi to appear as a metered connection. I believe it was in "All Settings", but now I can't find it. Anyone? Thanks.

my computer: HP laptop, Windows 10 Version 1709

[az99]

Fizz wrote:
Refusing updates is like refusing a smallpox vaccine,

Yea a vaccine that has a good chance of being contaminated and isn't compatible with all your body parts. 🙂

[Fizz]

Refusing updates is like refusing a smallpox vaccine, you become a carrier.
If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.

[az99]

If you are using your computer in an RV application the Forced updates can really goof you up. And the other campers using the wifi. Unless you go into your wifi setting and turn off updates for each new wifi you connect to.
It locked up my computer one time because of it. I called Microsoft and was VERY unhappy about them modifying MY computer without permission. They had me do the mentioned above services mod.
This practice of them going into MY computer anytime they want is totally unacceptable to me. My Win 10 has never been updated and it works as good as Win 10 can.

[67Cutlass]

Irover wrote:

Tom_M wrote:
I disable the Windows Update service. The easiest way to get there is to type 'services' in the search box then click 'Services Desktop App'. Scroll down to 'Windows Update' then right click on it and select 'Properties'. Change 'Startup type' to 'Disabled'.

When you want to update, change the Startup type to Automatic. Then go to Settings and click 'Update & Security' and check for updates.

X'S 2

Make that X's 3
Especially when you are fulltiming with a limited 'unlimited' data plan.

[mr__ed]

Thanks for your input, friends. Working OK now. I just finished installing the latest cumulative update.

[Ski_Pro_3]

Like I said, mine is turned off. Rechecked using the 'disable windows service' steps and it was already turned off. Yet mine still updates. It just doesn't tell me it's updating. It doesn't ask me anything. I just notice the hard drive is working like a mule and my computer has slowed down. Eventually I will go back to my computer and the wake up screen will have a generic picture, not the one I chose, where it asks me for my pin or password. I'll check the for current updates and sure enough, it tells me I have the current and the most recent was within 24 hours.

[drsteve]

Tom_M wrote:
I disable the Windows Update service. The easiest way to get there is to type 'services' in the search box then click 'Services Desktop App'. Scroll down to 'Windows Update' then right click on it and select 'Properties'. Change 'Startup type' to 'Disabled'.

When you want to update, change the Startup type to Automatic. Then go to Settings and click 'Update & Security' and check for updates.

Windows will sometimes turn the update service back on, with no input from the user. I know this because it happened to me.

[RVhiker]

Here's a link to a tutorial explaining various methods to control Windows 10 updates: Tutorial.

[Irover]

Tom_M wrote:
I disable the Windows Update service. The easiest way to get there is to type 'services' in the search box then click 'Services Desktop App'. Scroll down to 'Windows Update' then right click on it and select 'Properties'. Change 'Startup type' to 'Disabled'.

When you want to update, change the Startup type to Automatic. Then go to Settings and click 'Update & Security' and check for updates.

X'S 2

[Tom_M1]

I disable the Windows Update service. The easiest way to get there is to type 'services' in the search box then click 'Services Desktop App'. Scroll down to 'Windows Update' then right click on it and select 'Properties'. Change 'Startup type' to 'Disabled'.

When you want to update, change the Startup type to Automatic. Then go to Settings and click 'Update & Security' and check for updates.

[valhalla360]

Another reason is you are busy doing work and suddenly everything bogs down and you keep getting popups saying the system needs to reboot.

Not to handy when you are in the middle of a presentation.

[ORbiker]

My computer recently did the update automatically. Jammed up everything. Would not boot up all the way.
Cost me $200 to have a computer shop fix it.

He said he was very busy fixing many computers. Some will have problems and some won't.

[mr__ed]

2oldman wrote:

Pirate wrote:
Why block updates?

I think he means the automatic ones. Nice to do them when you want to.

You are right, Old Man. I’m a big believer in updating the OS.

[mr__ed]

HackerAce wrote:
If you are not regularly backing up your computer, like right before the second Tuesday of the month, you are asking for trouble.

I know a doctor that recently had to pay $25,000 to get his files decrypted from ransomware. BTW he did not pay the ransomer's, he paid a security firm to rescue his files.

A 1TB USB drive can be had for less than $50.

I understand why you would not want to update over a metered connection but you must keep your system up-to-date to protect yourself, and others.

I’m quite aware of that. I know updates are important and plan to download them manually when they’re ready. I check for updates each day.
BTW, my computer is well backed up, both on hard drives and the cloud.