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Getting rid of downloaded but not yet installed updates:

I went to Alex5273 link above and followed this method:

“Actually, the downloaded updates are stored in the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder and they can be deleted without needing to stop any of those services.
Deleted all the contents of the downloads folder “except” for the SharedFileCache folder.
Then delete the contents of the SharedFileCache folder.
As noted above, when you restart Windows, it’ll automatically restore any info required in those folders for the installed updates.”

I paused updates then followed the instructions..it looked like the PC was installing updates, but when I finished restarting the history showed the 2/8 updates had not installed..Yea!!

When I checked C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder it was empty just the SharedFileCache subfolder which was also empty. Maybe pausing update prevented repopulation. Anyway all is good till all clear is given for Feb updates.

Grateful Toad

Oops..I neglected to pause after Jan update installed and the Feb update has downloaded and is pending restart..Which I have delayed..any suggestions on how I can prevent potential damage?

Win10 Pro 21H2.

Thanks in advance

As I just posted, Open Shell menu free [v4.4.160] worked fine on Win11 Pro laptop.

I bought a new Win11 Pro laptop in early Dec. Before doing anything search for how to make Win11 look & work like Win10/7. When you have knowledge and resources take deep breath and do whatever it takes to prepare mentally for inevitable frustrations..there’s a lot to hate about Win11, but most can be fixed..then work your plan.

I used Open Shell menu free [v4.4.160] to put a civilized start menu in place. Built from there so it works like other Win10 Pc’s.

It could have been worse, Microsoft was considering ground up new operating system, Windows 10X, that would have broken a lot of legacy software. As it is, I’m still using some programs that are 20 years old that I definitely would not want to part with.

Good luck.

I’m comparing Avast Free to Defender. One article said defender had to be updated manually through windows update..a total deal killer for me since I pause windows update to avoid being a beta tester. It sounds like defender updates in the background just like Avast without windows update involvement.

I installed 2021-10 for 2004 on 11/1..then updated to 21H1 on 11/2. No updates since then. Did the update of 21H1 include the 2021-10 security updates for that 21H1 version?

Thanks

In an earlier post you indicated print nightmare not much of a risk for home users..is that still your view?

I’ve deactivated spooler on all but one PC and would like to leave it on for convenience unless it’s a significant risk..home network..no business or company connections.

Thanks

I used Opera till a Chinese co bought it..deleted immediately..let’s just say I have trust issue with Chinese software.

Comcast/Xfinity has been a total *** for years..no better case against quasi-monopoly. I found a way out through ATT Uverse after a year frustration with C/X..far from perfect but way way better..almost went back to C/X 2 years ago for pricing, but C/X quickly showed that despite the reps sincere assurances they’d turned over a new leaf..it was still a totally broken system. Looking forward to 5G ending their local monopolies.

[Moderator edit] edited for language

Off topic warning to Small Biz folks: A friend tells me hackers got his signature and enough info to attempt to transfer several million $’s from his co’s account to a Chinese bank..fortunately the bank checked and the transfer didn’t go through. My takeaway would be to instruct bank to block & check transfers over a certain amount or to a foreign domiciled entity unless that’s in the regular course of biz.

1 user thanked author for this post.

Susan Bradley

I’m a really confused home user. Some discussions of PrintNightmare say all versions of windows are affected, yet Susan says Home users don’t need to worry other than normal caution…and 0patch says windows 7 is not affected https://blog.0patch.com/2021/07/free-micropatches-for-printnightmare.html

I disabled the print spooler service in system configuration on one Win7 laptop and am looking for guidance I can understand for other Win7 & win10 PC’s.

This warning specifically names ‘Zebra Label Printers’ as having critical risk. I don’t have a zebra..just HP printers…Does that mean I don’t need to address this?

Thanks

On 5/17 one of my WIN-10 PRO  64 PC’s updated V2004 KB5003173 ..I was distracted and missed a pause..no problems seen..but I don’t use outlook, edge or print so YMMV.

1 user thanked author for this post.

jburk07

MrToad28 wrote:

I installed April 13, 2021—KB5001330 on Win10 Pro x64 2004 Ed..actually it sequentially installed March & April..delayed March since it looked like a hot mess. No issues seen. On April 11 went from 1909 to 2004 without problem. If problems crop up, I’ll post update.

Did the same on another  similar PC..again no problems.

I installed April 13, 2021—KB5001330 on Win10 Pro x64 2004 Ed..actually it sequentially installed March & April..delayed March since it looked like a hot mess. No issues seen. On April 11 went from 1909 to 2004 without problem. If problems crop up, I’ll post update.

Wish microsoft “update roulette” was less anxiety provoking.

Thanks to all for helpful comments.