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General discussion

Is there a way to disable auto-updates for Windows 10 Home?

May 25, 2018 5:24PM PDT

Six months ago we bought a brand-new HP desktop-combo with Windows 10 Home edition and have subsequently found out there is NO WAY we can control these Windows updates. They are "hard-wired" into the computer!!

Completely out of user control whether the user wants it or not - it will get installed! Are there any ways to disable these updates? Thank you in advance for your help.

--Submitted by Peter M.

Discussion is locked

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Possibly, but then having Win10 was unwise
Jun 1, 2018 10:30PM PDT

OK
I get all the arguments
However why do updates require shutdowns and 30 minute long install restarts on average ever 10 days
.
Security programs do not need shut downs, so basically the deal is MS gave us junk and is fixing it on our time
.
I don't know if the Peter mentioned was me or not, but I am one who greatly regrets having left XP behind because this is just plain unaceptable
.
Now I have stalled updates by crashing the downloader ..... it catches up with me, but now it's only every 2+ months
.
And historically I have in 30years of PC usage gotten hurt twice (first time was Michealango - sector zero disruptor - fixed it and salvaged 97% of drive, second was a lockout program which i bypased .... and never on XP)
.
And yes, I limit my internet on that pc .... I do most of that via 'Android' on seperate access tools so 'my data' is not connected

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Minor Annoyance???
Jun 3, 2018 1:22PM PDT

The "minor annoyance" I had with the 1809 update resulted in my having to revert to factory settings! And that was after I spent a week just trying to get it to boot up to something besides the black, blank desktop. Be careful what you call minor.

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Yes, Minor
Jun 3, 2018 4:33PM PDT

To some of us, that is minor. It is all relative. Since that "black, blank desktop" is something you mentioned, that "finger" is being pointed at AVAST and AVG. But, be honest. How much maintenance do you do on your PC? (NO, Windows and computers are not, never have been "maintenance free". Last time you ran CHKDSK? Checked to see if you have 50% of your system disk available? Made a recovery drive? (I keep two, right in front of the keyboard).
The point is, to some of us, that could be a minor annoyance especially if we chose between this "minor annoyance" and doing maintenance frequently. I guess we each have our own opinions.

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Disconnect from internet
May 26, 2018 9:47AM PDT

Disconnect your Windows 10 computer from the internet by turning off/disabling wi-fi or unplug the ethernet cable if you have one.
Use a second computer for internet only. Any old computer will do! You can get a good refurbished Dell or HP for around $89 on Amazon.com or Newegg.com. Most have a 90-day warranty but some have a full 1-year warranty. These are mostly older office computers that have been sensibly used. We've bought two so far and they both run great. Although they come with Windows 7 or 10 installed, you can easily download and install a good, free version of Linux operating system if you want to avoid Windows. This is perfect for internet use. One version we like is called Puppy Linux; it's simple and effective. Remember, anything your new Win 10 computer needs from the internet you can download on the second computer then transfer it easily with a USB flashdrive (thumb drive).

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Lubuntu is a good small footprint linux also
May 26, 2018 10:21AM PDT
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No need to disconnect
Jun 1, 2018 7:29PM PDT

All you have to do is disable Windows Update service and keep using internet.

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Sneakernet
Jun 1, 2018 10:44PM PDT

That was what my buddy used to call his works network ..... 5PCs had web access network for sales .... 3 had inventory and accounting network and the only interaction was via hand carried disk (or stick)
For me it has become Android device for web access, everything else on my non web machine any real needed upload/download has to get transfered while 'off line' (or by card)

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One Issue With Non-Automatic Patching
Jun 1, 2018 11:24PM PDT

I've been doing patches for a few thousand computers in my department at work. When you are setting up patch servers, you have to be careful with every single patch. Each patch comes with a list of other patches that have to be installed first due to changes in structures and code that happened previously. If you miss them, sometimes you just get one of those numeric error codes. Other times, you have a disaster, especially if someone tried to save disk space by deleting update folders.

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stop the update function but stay connceted to internet
May 26, 2018 12:47PM PDT

I think my first reply didn't make it so here is jist of it.
Need to be in administrator mode to accomplish this.
1-go to Start
2-go to windows –administrative tools
3-scroll down to services
4-click services
5- scroll down to windows update-right click
6- go to properties
7- go to status type and click disable to turn off.
8- follow same steps to reinstate update except click update.

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(NT) Does that really work?
May 26, 2018 4:01PM PDT
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It worked for us. Did you try it?
May 26, 2018 6:16PM PDT

In the reply from me that didn't make it to the reply blog or whatever this is called, I noted that after disabling the windows update with method that I mentioned above, that person doing the disabling should go to windows update in settings and test to make sure it is no longer functioning. If it starts to download something then just sign off from internet and go back do the disable exercise again. We have successfully used this method on several computers. On some computers by m/s there might be a note that m/s has to be contacted and they have to do it remotely. We saw the note in one computer but tried the disable exercise again and it disabled the windows update just fine. Also in the reply that didn't make it to this blog we mentioned that we would not debate the justification for disabling the update function. That is an individual decision.
This method has worked fine for us. Hopefully m/s will soon have a resolution for the malfunctions have occured.

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(NT) which version? Home, Pro, or Enterprise?
May 26, 2018 7:11PM PDT
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(NT) It worked on Win 10 Home- 1 Dell 2303 All in one- 2 Asus Zen
May 27, 2018 6:16AM PDT
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Disable Method worked on-see below
May 27, 2018 7:05AM PDT

Dell 2303 All in one=Win 10 Home
MS Surface Pro 3-= Win 10 Pro
Asus Zen (X303UA)= Win 10 Home

Dell has been non-functional since update 1803 due to USB inop,
restart function sits and makes fan noise, have to use power button to turn off and on, screen blank, outside tech assistance has not been able to help.
We blocked updates on Surfaces and Zens using above method to stop updates.
Can't afford to try updates again yet.
All were originally W8 upgraded to W10. Could that complicate update situation???? But had been updated to W10 since 2016.-17.
We have been M/S user since DOS and win 3.?
Participated in Windows Insider for awhile with W10.
Have used apple computer, IPAD, Android tablet as assisting working tools since 1803 updates.
Catastrophic experience with Dell 1803 update plus monitoring info about updates and SSD caused us to go toextreme cautious mode.
So we will wait awhile to re-engage update situation.
Went and bought another Apple in case.
Hope techs can resolve our MS w10 problems so that we can get to normal ops.
If folks have not had an update problem then they should be happy about it for actual problems do happpen.. Their turn could be just around the corner. We had not a functional problem until now.
Thanks.

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Factory Reset the Dell
May 27, 2018 8:32AM PDT

But first access it's internal drive to remove all your personal files. You could remove and put in an external drive case to do that, or perhaps use BIOS to boot to a USB flashdrive with a LIVE version of a Linux distro and copy the files from the drive, but will have to turn off Secure Boot also in the BIOS. Even then, if the data in W10 was encrypted.....a problem.

http://www.dell.com/support/article/ae/en/aedhs1/sln130027/factory-reset-restore-or-reinstall-microsoft-windows-on-a-dell-computer?lang=en

http://www.dell.com/support/article/us/en/19/sln297920/reset-or-reinstall-windows-10-on-your-dell-computer?lang=en

http://www.dell.com/support/contents/us/en/19/article/Product-Support/Self-support-Knowledgebase/software-and-downloads/dell-backup-solutions/Dell-Backup-and-Recovery

You can restore to factory conditions of windows 8, or can download the Windows 10 (creator media) and put on a USB, and maybe directly restore the windows 10 without losing your data.

Post was last edited on May 27, 2018 8:42 AM PDT

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Thanks for links and other suggestions
May 27, 2018 4:17PM PDT

Update 1803 to Dell disabled all usb connections so could not attach external HD where backup files and images were stored.
Short while after 1803 debacle we removed internal HD and copied those files to another ext HD. Had internal HD tested. It is ok. Transferred all old HD files to new HD plus back up image files from ext HD to new HD too. Inserted new HD. Nothing visible.
No files were encrypted so not a problem there.
Cannot make any input to Dell using any USB connection.
Used w10 M/S disk that we purchased a year ago. Can hear disk open and some reading noise but nothing visible on blank screen.
Used vga to vga cable from Asus w10 computer to Dell 2330.
Dell screen shows "DELL2330 No Video detected on VGA input."
So disconnected vga to vga cable. Connected HDMI to HDMI cable. Asus desktop showed ok on DELL 2330 screen.
Moved curser on asus and it moved on Dell screen. Opened files on Asus and asus opened files showed on Dell screen. Tried to access any anything on dell but could not. All actions done on Asus duplicated on Dell screen. Removed hdmi cable..
Turned dell off and then later turned dell back on. Still has a blank screen and fan noise and won't restart and have to turn off via power switch.
So Tuesday will take to tech shop for trouble shooting diagnosis and wait for their input. They do a lot of Dell and windows work in addition to other types.. Something has affected many items. Who knows? Video / mother board problems?
But all too coincidental to the 1803 update??
same string but different yoyo. Looked at new dell all in ones and they have moved available usb and card connections from side of monitor to back of monitor with vga, hdmi connections.
Don't like that at all. Pretty much the same thing with other choices of manufactors too except.Acer. Don't know much about them. So will wait for awhile. Thanks for input and links.
Still like our method of disabling windows updates while continuing to have all other wifi access available and no windows update input coming into play. It worked well for us.
Have to wait until get new or repaired computer back and operating before trying to update to 1803 and beyond with SSD computers. Ciao.

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Problem resolved?Dell 2330 screen flashed; motherboard died.
Jun 22, 2018 3:21PM PDT

2 different tech shops confirmed mother board inop.
New motherboard many $, not counting installation..
too expensive to repair. Also possible video card problems.
Enough already. Gave Dell to friend to use for experimenting.
Bought Acers Aspire Z3-715.
Work Great. Good Price too.
All computers now updated to W10 ver 1803.
Did not encounter any update problems with ASUS and Surface computers that have SSDs.
No problem updating the Acers either.
Bought Acer 23" touch screens also. Connect the Asus laps and M/S surface to the touch screens for bigger view. Can just touch screen and spread diagrams for detail work.
Whew, so far, all is quiet on the western front and doing fine.
Ciao.

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If you want to block updates
May 27, 2018 8:53AM PDT

Only connect to internet by wifi, and set the windows to a "metered" connection, must do both of those. That will stop all updates. It's so those on slow and metered satellite connections won't take a big hit on their bandwidth allowance.

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I Wouldn't If I Were You...
May 28, 2018 7:08AM PDT

I don’t recommend disabling Windows 10 auto-updates. You really don’t want to do what you are asking as there are many reasons not to.

The main reason I see is the fact that you are asking “how-to” in this forum. Now before everyone goes ballistic insisting that this is a “help” forum where people come for advice; let me say that I whole-heartedly agree_100%.

Now consider this….in my browser I typed…”disable updates in Windows 10 Home edition” and got 10 hits. Didn’t take a lot of skill or computer savvy….it was quite simple.

So, are you sure you want to disable Windows 10 Auto update feature which is meant to prevent OS failures and patch security flaws? Do you feel confident that you can correct an issue caused by a missed update? Are you just wanting to do so because someone told you that disabling Windows 10 auto-update will make your computing experience more pleasurable?

I will concede that Windows 10 is not perfect and on occasion an update may cause a hick-up on some systems. If the hick-up is global…meaning there are widespread issues reported by end-users...Microsoft generally addresses them quickly. Truth…I’ve had update issues with my Mac and iPhone. No OS is perfect.

If you still want to disable Windows 10 auto update here’s a link I found (in addition to those provided by other members) that will show you how_ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akF0EiQF5jM

As a parting thought….I use Windows 10 Professional on a Surface Book i7 and I also upgraded a Windows 7 Core 2 Duo to Windows 10 Professional. Point being is that I know my way around computers…probably not at a professional level_but I can resolve most of my issues. However, I still let Windows 10 auto-updates run on my systems.

I wish you the best in whatever you decide. Cheers!

Together Everyone Achieves More = TEAM

Post was last edited on May 28, 2018 10:54 AM PDT

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The easy way
Jun 1, 2018 5:31PM PDT

Disable Windows Update - Control Panel/Administrative Tools/Services/Windows Update. Click it open, set to disable. The downside is you won't get any security updates, either.
I did this on 2 of my computers (2012 & 2013 Dells, both originally Windows 7) to prevent installing the latest Windows 10 spring update, but enabled them both today. They both updated in a bit more than an hour each. No problems.

Post was last edited on June 1, 2018 6:34 PM PDT

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You can disable auto-update in Services
Jun 1, 2018 5:48PM PDT

There is way to do it by going into "Control Panel" then look for "System and Security" & select it. Then look for "Administrative Tools" & select it and the look for "Services" & select it and it will open the Services window. Scroll in the Services window and look for "Windows Update" then right click "Windows Update" it will bring up a menu & then click on "Stop" & it will stop Windows from updating during your session. If you want to stop Windows Update longer term, you need to right click on "Windows Update" and then select "Properties" and then look for "Startup type" then click on the menu select "disable" & Windows will not update even after reboot.
Note if you disable Windows Update your system can be vulnerable to security issues that Microsoft fixes for the update.
Again, be careful disabling Windows Update unless there is good reason to.

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Windows 10 version upgrades always crash my old machine.
Jun 1, 2018 6:05PM PDT

I have a similar problem. I have old acer amd machine that cannot complete a Windows 10 version upgrade or feature upgrade. I have tried everything and have concluded that this is a hardware issue that cannot be fixed. I can install new Windows 10 upgrades via reinstalling via an iso. This is my backup machine, so this is not an issue and few programs are installed on it.
The problem is that MSN continues to push the upgrades to my machine, even though they crash my machine. Usual security upgrades are fine. Just version & feature upgrade causes crashes, which require multiple restarts to fix and the cycle goes on. How can I stop this?

Steve

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My updates keep repeating
Jun 2, 2018 6:28AM PDT

I have the 1709 version, still waiting for the latest version. Since I have had Win 10 Home Premium, as soon as i log on, i get a notification that windows is ready to update my system. It does ask me if I want it done now, later and at what time. So i say now, to get it over with. It does its thing and then i see the results. Most have been updated, and a few others come back as failed. Then I proceed whatever i was doing or going to do for that day, and almost immediately I am notified for a windows update...this goes on and on, unless i say 'later'. I do not see any differences...so why does it keep repeating?

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Hard to Tell From Out Here
Jun 2, 2018 10:22AM PDT

A couple things to try:

At least in the "Pro" version there is a setting screen for Windows Update. Look for a link for Update HISTORY and see if you can find something there like error codes 0x802400xx or something that looks like it. Then you can paste the error code into a search engine. That might help. Also, look under settings, Update & Security, troubleshooting and try to run the troubleshooter for Windows Update. I've seen lots of update issues caused by someone deleting a Windows "Image" partition/folder or, at work, deleting the Update folders while trying to get more storage. The thought as that the fixes were already applied so why keep the files. Well, some future fix needs to uninstall a previous fix or just check to make sure it was applied and future updates fail miserably because of the missing files. Also, try opening an Admin Command Prompt and run:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

and see what happens. And, as usual, I'd make sure you are up-to-date on your drivers.

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I've seen this complaint before.
Jun 2, 2018 6:56PM PDT

Windows Defender updates are forever. Just like any antivirus. So there's absolutely nothing wrong here.

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older backup computer
Jun 2, 2018 5:43PM PDT

You really should do like me and run Linux Mint 18.3 instead on that computer. Go to youtube and search for thousands of videos on it. After viewing, you may agree.

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Windows is easier but does less than Linux
Jun 1, 2018 6:14PM PDT

Many people have given how-to answers here, so please just check them. By the way, I'm a Windows user since Win 95. My points:
1) Windows security updates are really vital. Others? Up to you.
2) Linux isn't as easy to learn and use as some tech-savvy people indicate.
3) Windows WILL eventually mess you up. It got three of my laptops in the last month. I got one working, a second works but needs rebooting after a few hours (or it hangs), and I HAD TO put Linux on the third. The first and third see the most use from me. I haven't decided what to do with the second.
Conclusion: No absolutely GOOD choices. YOU will have to choose.

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Not 100% Accurate
Jun 2, 2018 10:34AM PDT

#1) It should not be "up to you" because even the most critical security update has a list of other fixes that must be in place or the update won't work. If you download the fixes manually, you will see in the document the list of fixes that must already be there and some of them may seem unneeded or pointless but the code they provide to the system just has to be there before the security fix, even if the two are not related.

#2) Correct. Anything is a learning curve although I heard some schools teach LINUX. In business, most IT directors do NOT want any "free" software at all onsite. They must have a support contract with onsite support, if needed. Not to say what happens where politics gets in the way.

#3) I get bitten in the butt once-in-awhile myself. The part about "automatic updates" that I don't like is having them done in the background when you don't see them and wind up shutting down the computer or network not knowing the update is going. It bit me on a cumulative update in January and I never noticed until I was "preparing" for the Spring Update 1803. Sometimes these HUGE updates fix a lot of little issues. Then there is the issue of your screen going totally black for 1/2 an hour or more so users force a power-down by the button or power cord. MS could have done a better job. You might want to look at the troubleshooters for some issues. They should already be on the system. Also, verify your drivers.

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W10 Automatic Updates!
Jun 1, 2018 6:31PM PDT

I have had my HP W10 Desktop computer for about 2 1/2 years and have always opted for automatic updates. Fortunately my computer has made it thorough all these updates. At times I get some weird operation, but it eventually recovers and as of June 1 2018, everything is working fine. If you get an update that knocks you off the air, that would be pretty disastrous, but fortunately I haven't had that happen. Here is the update on my computer. Not sure what models aren't able to handle some of the updates, but the HP ever with it's occasional quirks seems to be handling things pretty well.
(Invalid img)

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For Invalid Image
Jun 2, 2018 10:40AM PDT

1) Right Click on "start"; left click on "Command Prompt (Admin)"
2) Run: DISM /Online /Image-Clenup /Restorehealth

(instead of starting with the /Restorehealth, you might want to try /scanhealth first just to see).

3) RUN sfc /scannow

If a few runs of those utilities don't help, under settings, Update & Security, troubleshooting take a look at that list and try the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Actually, it sounds like it is working for you well enough so you might not want to bother "fixing" it.