Windows Update Blocker (free)

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From http://www.sordum.org/9470/windows-update-blocker-v1-0/: “Windows Update Blocker is a freeware that helps you to completely disable or enable Automatic Updates on your Windows system , with just a click of the button .”

From https://betanews.com/2016/12/09/windows-update-blocker-disables-os-updates-on-demand/:

‘At first glance, the program doesn’t seem very interesting. Launch it, select “Enable” or “Disable” and click “Apply Now” to make the change. No surprises there.

But wait — there’s also a much less ordinary “Protect Service Settings” option which prevents Windows or other users reversing your settings.

We’re not quite sure how the process works — a little permissions tweakery, probably — but it’s certainly effective. We tried disabling Windows Update, then opened the Windows Update service and found there was no way to stop, start or change its startup type.’

This program is listed at major software sites softpedia.com and majorgeeks.com.

I haven’t tried this program, but I may in the future, perhaps in conjunction with Wushowhide or Windows Update MiniTool.

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Microfix, MrJimPhelps, Fred, AlexEiffel, HiFlyer, SueW

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Keep us posted. I wonder how they do it?

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HiFlyer

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I have seen scripts online that purportedly do this (“prevents Windows or other users reversing your settings”) by altering permissions.

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HiFlyer

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From one of the comments at https://www.sordum.org/9470/windows-update-blocker-v1-0/:

“Think i have found out what they are doing.

They disable Windows Update Service (wuauserv) and to prevent windows from reenabling it thay change the permissions of the regkey \HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv for All Users (Administrators, System…) to read only.

So nothing that could harm.”

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Microfix

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The only thing I always worry with that kind of third party programs is do they only do what they are supposed to do and can they break something when Windows will update?

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HiFlyer

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Right. In your case though, you know how to use Process Monitor and other techniques to try to evaluate such things.

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walker, woody

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Using a metaphor that is more combative than I want, but it is the first thought that occurred to me. In the ongoing arms race between ‘patch when we say’ and ‘patch when I allow’, there has been a new line drawn in the sand. This usually has met with a response, sooner or later.

Because Microsoft can change the rules in their own sandbox, this usually means a new feature for your convenience will be introduced soon.

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the only downside to using the Windows Update Blocker tool is that Windows Updates can not be manually installed if the Windows Update service is disabled completely. double-clicking on MSU files results in an error message when this happens. in that case, re-enable the Windows Update service with the Windows Update Blocker tool to allow double-clicking on MSU files to manually install updates, then use the WUB tool again to disable the Windows Update service again when finished double-clicking on MSU files.

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Microfix, Xtype, HiFlyer, Lori, MrBrian

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MSU installers, for some reason, insist on attempting to contact the MS Update Servers – before allowing the so called “Standalone Updater” to execute. This is very annoying behaviour.

As stated you do require the Windows Update service to be running when using an MSU installer. However you can sidestep the online check if you temporarily disconnect your internet connection – the attempted check is quickly abandoned when no internet connection is found. I think you then get a prompt asking if you wish to continue – after about 30 seconds.

This method ensures that Windows Update doesn’t start trying to sneak in any other updates alongside the MSU.

I discovered this annoyance and workaround when attempting to manually install a fix for the Win7 Update bug last year. Any connection to the Update servers red-lined the WUA service – including the “standalone” fix intended to cure the problem!

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UGHHH~! We need a PROPER WINDOWS UPDATE BLOCKER THAT doesn’t have errors, complications and is easy for every user to use and won’t have any third parties and/or hackers try to hack the machine.

 

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EP wrote:

the only downside to using the Windows Update Blocker tool is that Windows Updates can not be manually installed if the Windows Update service is disabled completely. double-clicking on MSU files results in an error message when this happens. in that case, re-enable the Windows Update service with the Windows Update Blocker tool to allow double-clicking on MSU files to manually install updates, then use the WUB tool again to disable the Windows Update service again when finished double-clicking on MSU files.

Where can I find a list of safe updates for W10?  I have W10 machines dropping like flies here between 1703 and 1709.

 

Thanks…………

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Read (Susan Bradley) “Patch Lady’s Posts” and various articles that apply. She is our resident expert on patching. Her Master Patch List is a button in the bar at the top of the site.

For Jan patches – be sure to read the linked ComputerWorld Article

For Feb patches – be sure to read the linked ComputerWorld Article.

In between, there are numerous other articles on specific problems with the patches.

 

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Xtype, walker

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