Windows 10 is not a bad operating system however one aspect of it is a significant pain in the bottom; unlike previous versions of Windows there is no facility in W10 for the user to disable updates. The consequence of this is that W10 updates pretty much whenever it feels like it which can have all sorts of ramifications.
Although you cannot disable updates you can "discourage" them by telling W10 your computer is accessing the internet via a "metered connection". This will stop all updates except those few which Microsoft consider critical - very few seem to fall into that category.
As it is sensible to keep W10, more or less, up to date you should periodically allow updates but that'll be at a time of your choosing.
To set a metered connection (note slightly different procedures between cable and wireless connections):
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Windows Settings
Network and Internet
---- Ethernet
Select connection
Set metered connection to "On" ----
or
---- Wi-Fi
Manage known networks
Select connection
Properties
Set metered connection to "On" ----
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-- Edited by Mike Harding on Friday 12th of October 2018 11:37:30 AM
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"I beseech you in the bowels of Christ think it possible you may be mistaken"
Oliver Cromwell, 3rd August 1650 - in a letter to the General Assembly of the Kirk of Scotland
I had the same issue and found a way that worked for my computer (Dell).
Go to Control panel, have it in large icons. You can change to that if it isn't on it on the top right.
Open up Administrative Tools then go to Services open that up.
Scroll down to Windows Update open that and then you will see Startup type. You put that to Disabled hit apply and then you can go in when you have time and want to update.
Go through same process and put on automatic and start it.
Remember when updated to put back to Disabled.
Sounds a bit long winded but once you have done it its easy to follow.
I had the same issue and found a way that worked for my computer (Dell).
Go to Control panel, have it in large icons. You can change to that if it isn't on it on the top right.
Open up Administrative Tools then go to Services open that up.
Scroll down to Windows Update open that and then you will see Startup type. You put that to Disabled hit apply and then you can go in when you have time and want to update.
Go through same process and put on automatic and start it.
Remember when updated to put back to Disabled.
Sounds a bit long winded but once you have done it its easy to follow.
Good luck
Old Salt
I use the same method with my HP laptop, but of course it only remains 'disabled' when using a metered connection. Otherwise, after a short time Windows will override the setting to force updates.
-- Edited by SouthernComfort on Saturday 13th of October 2018 02:55:22 PM
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
The reason why you cannot permanently turn off Windows updates is because it is now used by your antivirus, firewall and web smart shield programs for its' updates.
Many software companies do not release their own updates these days, instead they release their updates to Microsoft for testing and they are then released via Windows Update.
You can easily delay many updates for a period if you go into Settings --> Update & Security --> Advanced Options --> and under the heading 'Choose when updates are installed', choose the 'Semi-Annual Channel' (NOT the targeted one). Targeted is for consumers and the non-targeted is for businesses.
Depending on your version of Windows you can also delay both Feature and Quality Updates for up to 365 days.
You cannot delay security updates of any kind, with good reason as mentioned above.
I DO NOT recommend changing the 'Windows Update Service' to 'Disabled' as this leaves you computer security seriously compromised.
The metered connection feature is only available for WiFi connections and does not disable critical security updates.
