Windows 10: Manage updates with Group Policy Editor vs GUI Pause/Defer

Hello all. Per a discussion with Martmcd I used Group Policy Editor to set my updates in “Configure Automatic Updates” to option 2= “Notify for download and auto install”. I will see how it behaves after patch Tuesday. I wanted to see the updates that were being offered and decide whether to download or not. Before making this change I had GUI based update pause/deferal set for November 1 for Cumulative update and 200 days for feature update. If I leave these settings in effect will there be a conflict between GPEDIT settings and GUI Defer/Pause settings? Going forward which method would be a better update strategy in the long run? I am running a 2020 Spectre x360 13 with Win10 Pro Version 1909 and am still learning this OS. Still using my Win7 XPS Desktop for heavier computing and no internet usage other than security suite and some program updates. I know that Win7 becomes more vulnerable and less stable with time, but I still love it, especially while I am in the Win10 learning curve. It’s just so much more user friendly.

Thanks

:)

 

group policy editor

Hi Tony,

Group Policy Editor in Windows is a tool to help you manage policy settings. Here's how you can access the Local Group Policy Editor:

• Press Win+R to open Run.
• Type gpedit.msc, and then click OK.

Let us know how else we can help.

 

How do I unblock Pause Updates in the Group Policy Editor of Win 10 Pro?

I have updated my home PC with Win 10 Pro to version 1809 build 17763.475 a few weeks ago. I had already set via Group Policy to defer this kind of big updates for 180 days, to not reboot, ask before download etc.

My problems started after this delayed update, somehow the Pause Feature and Quality Updates feature is enabled from Group Policy. I cannot find where and I also cannot download Defender definitions. The Windows Update window says "Some settings are managed
by your organization". When clicking on "View configured policies", it says that the pauses & deferrals are of type Group Policy and source Administrator. But I cannot find any gpedit settings like that. And "Advanced Options" has the paused features greyed
out because of the supposed Group Policies. And says that "Quality updates paused by your organization until ‎6/‎16/‎2019." Same for Feature updates. But my real problem is no more Defender definition updates!

I went to Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UpdatePolicy\PolicyState and disabled the paused updates and set the period to end on May 16 instead of June 16 and rebooted. Still nothing, I have a Defender definitions update stuck
saying "Pending download" KB2267602 (Definition 1.293.1848.0). And that it's ready to download, but it's not downloading anything.

So where do I find the Pause Updates and Start/End Time in group policy editor to take them out? I went to Computer Config / Adm Templates ... / Windows Update for Business and no start date is there and the delay is now set to 0. Previously it was "Not
Configured"

Thanks!

 

Group Policy editor warning






This notice appears each time the Group Policy editor is opened, and takes two clicks on OK to close.
Simple steps to banish it?

Checked out this article, but was unable to rename the two files mentioned. I did delete them, however, and this removed the error message. What damage that did is ... to be discovered. ^_^ Files are in RECYCLE bin.
Microsoft.Policies.Sensors.WindowsLocationProvider is already defined error when you edit a policy in Windows - Windows Server