• Using WUShowHide and Group Policy Editor: Not showing updates in Windows Update

    Home » Forums » AskWoody support » Windows » Windows 10 » Windows 10 versions – no longer supported » Windows 10 version 21H2 – November 2021 Update » Using WUShowHide and Group Policy Editor: Not showing updates in Windows Update

    Author
    Topic
    #2487710

    I’ve read AKB2000016: Guide for Windows Update Settings for Windows 10.

    My Setup: Windows 10 Pro 21H2, new installation (no tweaks)

    In the GPE my settings are:

      1. “Configure Automatic Updates” is Enabled and “Configure automatic updating” to “2” (Notify for download and auto install).
      2. “Do not include drivers with Windows Updates” is Enabled.

    In Windows Update settings:

      1. Receive updates for other Microsoft products is OFF.
      2. Download updates over metered connection is ON.
      3. Restart as soon as possible is OFF.
      4. Show a notification when your PC requires a restart is ON.
      5. Using WUShowHide, I see updates but have not hidden any.

    Problem:  Checking Windows Update panel, there are no updates.

    Question 1:  Should I simply click “Check for Updates”?

    Question 2:  Should “Receive updates over metered connection be ON or OFF when using GPE?

    Thanks,

    Mike

    • This topic was modified 2 years, 7 months ago by Mike.
    • This topic was modified 2 years, 7 months ago by Mike. Reason: Eliminate Style tags
    • This topic was modified 2 years, 7 months ago by Mike.
    Viewing 5 reply threads
    Author
    Replies
    • #2487717

      The use of Metered Connections is to prevent the download of large data/files/updates by telling MS your Internet plan has restricted data download unless you pay extra (like it was a cell phone). This is one way of controlling when you get updates.

      You don’t need to use Metered Connections if you have the GP setting “2” set, because it prevents updates from downloading until you click “Download” (not “Check for Updates”). That setting gives you time to use whshowhide to HIDE the updates you don’t want to install.

      The “Receive updates for other MS Products” allows updates for things like C++, older versions of Office, etc that are necessary to be updated as well as the OS itself.

      If you use the GP settings, you also should not use “Pause updates” because you will not see any updates as long as the Pause is in place. And NEVER click “Check for Updates.” Doing so will ignore your settings and download/install all pending updates.

      Reference: AKB2000016 to understand the settings with screenshots below showing where the settings are found.

      2 users thanked author for this post.
    • #2487724

      Thanks PKCano.  I’m sure you get tired of answering questions since you made the guide.  But I appreciate your wisdom since this new installation is (somehow) different in reporting updates.  Perhaps, I need to wait longer?

      Please clarify:

      “You don’t need to use Metered Connections if you have the GP setting “2” set, because it prevents updates from downloading until you click “Download” (not “Check for Updates”). That setting gives you time to use whshowhide to HIDE the updates you don’t want to install.”

      Are you saying the metered setting or the GP setting on #2 gives you time to hide.

      “The “Receive updates for other MS Products” allows updates for things like C++, older versions of Office, etc that are necessary to be updated as well as the OS itself.”

      Don’t have any MS Products other than what comes native with the OS. (Paint, Notepad).

      Mike

      • #2487727

        Are you saying the metered setting or the GP setting on #2 gives you time to hide.

        Both give you time to hide. But the GP “2” is better because you not only have time to hide, you also have control over when to download/install. With Metered Connections, once you remove them, you’re toast. You don’t need Metered Connections if you use “2.”
        Read AKB2000016, it will help you understand the settings.

        Don’t have any MS Products other than what comes native with the OS. (Paint, Notepad).

        You have installed no third-party applications? Really?

        • #2487735

          “You have installed no third-party applications? Really?”

          Well not Microsoft app’s.  I do have lots of other applications (Video Editing, Photo Editing, Audio Editing, Libre Office, etc.) but I use updates from the company directly… including OS drivers when possible.

          Thanks for the quick responses.

          Mike

           

          • #2487736

            Look in Control Panel\Programs & Features. Do you have see any Microsoft C++? If so, you might want to turn it on.

            1 user thanked author for this post.
            • #2487745

              Ah, I get your point.

              C++ and .NET would be necessary.  I was thinking that “Receive updates for other MS Products” was for things like MS Word, Office App’s, etc., but what you’re telling me is it includes the native part that comes with the OS.

              Thanks.

    • #2487901

      but what you’re telling me is it includes the native part that comes with the OS.

      Just FYI…

      While Windows does include .net 2.0, 3.0, 3.5 & 4.8 as part of the “native” OS, it doesn’t actually include any C++ modules; those get installed by 3rd party S/W when it requires a specific version of C++ to work.

      However, just like .net, Microsoft creates/approves each version of C++ for use by S/W developers so, if a C++ module needs to be updated, it happens via the Windows update process as “other MS products“.

      1 user thanked author for this post.
    • #2488046

      “Receive updates for other MS Products”

      Receive updates for other MS Products are also Microsoft “malware” store apps like the Spotify app installed on hordes of Windows PCs lately.

      This option is blocked on my Windows 10. When a software will need a new C++, .NET.. it will ask for it.

      • #2488052

        Receive updates for other MS Products are also Microsoft “malware” store apps like the Spotify app installed on hordes of Windows PCs lately.

        I don’t think that’s true. Store updates are entirely separate from Windows Update.

        Spotify says Game Bar interaction caused Spotify installation/startup and Spotify issued some sort of fix:

        We have been made aware of an issue where some users engaging with the Game Bar receive unprompted launches of Spotify on their PCs running Windows 10 and Windows 11.
        A fix has been issued and is expected to reach all of you in the coming days. In the meantime, you can always remove any app from the startup list of apps in the Settings on Windows

        Apparently Windows installed Spotify app without my permission

    • #2488123

      I don’t think that’s true. Store updates are entirely separate from Windows Update.

      That’s correct. I have no problems getting Store updates but as of yesterday, seemingly out of nowhere, I suddenly cannot get Windows Updates for Windows 10 except I still can get daily updates for Defender. It is just Quality Updates (October ones) that Windows Updates doesn’t see as needed. Suddenly, Belarc Advisor also does not see the October updates and says I am up to date when I run it. Ugh.

      Edit: Advisor shows the October updates today (I jumped the gun with it this month and didn’t wait long enough for them to get them out. I was anxious this month to get the October updates quickly since Microsoft is releasing an update for Windows 10 later this month and I wanted the “ordinary” updates done before then). Windows Updates though is not offering them still but I can get them from Microsoft catalog updates now I know which ones I need.

    • #2488222

      I don’t think that’s true. Store updates are entirely separate from Windows Update.

      The MS Store has it’s own separate control for “Update apps automatically” (see my post #2419230) so it’s definitely not part of the normal Windows update process.

      1 user thanked author for this post.
    Viewing 5 reply threads
    Reply To: Using WUShowHide and Group Policy Editor: Not showing updates in Windows Update

    You can use BBCodes to format your content.
    Your account can't use all available BBCodes, they will be stripped before saving.

    Your information: