Automatic updates

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I just recently upgraded from Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit. I got a bit sick of being interrupted at inconvenient times, so I set Windows update to download but to allow me to choose when to instal. Despite this setting, on occasion when I shut down, I get a message telling me not to switch off because an update has been installed and is being configured. What is the point of saying you want to choose when to instal if the OS just ignores your setting?

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Hi simmo7,

I have had the same difficulty using the same setting, but the good news is that when you go to shut down your PC there is a small security icon on your shutdown button letting you know that updates are ready for installation. Whenever I see that, I back out and go to Control Panel | Windows Update where I can view all pending updates and can approve or disapprove any or all. I hold off on updating until I get the WS Newsletter on Thursday to see what Susan Bradley advises.

I have just yesterday changed my setting to advise but do not download and install until I approve to do so. I am hoping to see better behavior out of that setting.

Hope this helps.

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Enable the “check for updates only” option is the most hassle free way to go. I’ve been doing
it this way since XP days.

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That’s good advice, CLiNT.

For years I’ve had XP st on “Download and let me choose”. XP always asked upon shutdown if it should install updates. Evidently Windows 7 does not ask, it just starts installing. That’s especially irritating it it has a long install and I just wanted to do a quick reboot.

Related question – This week’s Windows Secrets advised not installing patch 971033. Is there a way to mark specific updates as “hidden” or “do not install” in advance?

Walt

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Related question – This week’s Windows Secrets advised not installing patch 971033. Is there a way to mark specific updates as “hidden” or “do not install” in advance?

Until an update is offered there is no way for your system to do anything about it.

Joe

--Joe

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You could learn how to completely disable all automated updating and re-enable it to update manually once the “Patch watchers” have verified the updates as ‘safe’ or necessary.

This is not for the inexperienced or anyone who is reliant upon Defender or MS Security Essentials to safeguard against viruses/malware. A good working knowledge of Windows Services is a prerequisite.

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Configure automatic updates to look only, not download, and you will never be bothered by it.
It’s that simple. Choose what to instal. Choose when to boot.

If your really ambitious, you can always hold off an update and check Susan Bradley’s column
or research an update yourself.

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when you check the list of updates which comes up when you ask to download updates , if you uncheck the box of one update then start downloading another box pops up asking wether you wish for that unchecked update to be hidden and so not downloaded in win 7. xp says do you wish to never upload I think

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Thanks all for your suggestions, I have turned automatic update back on but told it to download and instal at a specific time each week – then it will only annoy me once a week.

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Agree with Clint
Never had a problem and have installed all the updates about 22 msu

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