How To Stop Windows 10 Updates From Breaking Things


How To Stop Windows 10 Updates From Breaking Things

Another day, another warning from Microsoft that it’s latest Windows 10 update breaks things. It happens so frequently and with such consistency that users can be forgiven for resigning themselves to having to live with biting their nails and hoping nothing they need will break while Windows updates. It doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re running the Professional, Education or Enterprise editions of Windows 10, you can take full control over when Windows updates.

The Spring update was hyped as giving users control over the update process, but that control turned out to be limited and unsatisfactory. Unbeknownst to many, Windows 10 gave users several ways to configure the automatic update process long before the Spring update.

The default option automatically downloads updates in the background and notifies the user who can install them using Windows Update. This option gives you at least some control. Keep in mind that Microsoft can trigger the update at any time because it resides on your computer.

A second option notifies the user an update is available but does not download it. You can wait to see if the update breaks things you need before updating your system. This is the option I regularly use.

You can also completely disable automatic updates. This is a risky option because it not only blocks security updates, it doesn’t let you know when a new patch is available. This may not be an issue for some updates but it’s critical for security patches. If you choose this option, you need to stay informed about when security updates are issued. Choosing this option isn’t recommended unless you will be vigilant about security patches and have high-quality, third-party security software that you keep up to date.

Here’s how you can configure automatic updates with the option of your choice.

1.    Press the Windows key and “R”.

2.    Enter “gpedit.msc” in the box.

3.    Double click “Computer Configuration”.

4.    Double click “Administrative Templates”.

5.    Double click “Windows Components”.

6.    Scroll to the bottom and double click “Windows Update”.

7.    Double click “Configure Automatic Updates”.

8.    If you want to be notified about updates, select “Enabled” on the upper left.

9.    Choose the option you wish in the drop-down box under “Configure automatic updating”. Option 2 notifies you when there’s an update available and lets you decide if you want to download and install it. Option 3 is the default that notifies you and downloads the update.

10. If you want to block updates without being notified when they’re available, select “Disabled” on the upper left. Stay informed about security updates if you choose this option.

11. Click “Apply” followed by “OK.

Windows 10’s updates consistently create so many problems that taking full control of the update process seems like a no-brainer. As you can see, Microsoft buried the ability to take control over automatic updates, but the company deserves kudos for making the functionality available. There’s no reason not to use it.


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