Windows 10: Stop automatic windows update

I want to be able to check for updates. But I don't want them automatically installed, in particular not the drivers. (One Realtek USB driver kept causing BSODs. I was ready to RMA the computer!)
I also don't want to install additional software just for MS to break it.
So here goes, my workaround, guaranteed to work in all editions of Windows 10.

1. In Explorer navigate to Windows > System distribution > Download. Right click and choose properties. Security tab > edit> deny System write access. Ok and agree with the warnings. Leave the properties window open
2. Check for updates. You'll get the list but with a "failed to install"
3. Download the ones you want from the Microsoft update catalog.
4. Pause updates (or the darn thing will start updating as soon as you do the next step)
5. Remove the Write > deny
6. Install updates from wherever you have downloaded them.
7. Reset the write > deny
8. Create a task to remind you to check for updates (for example open a notepad document with these steps) and follow steps 2-7.

Please note: if Checking for updates doesn’t seem to do anything,yYou might need to very briefly remove the deny flag. I keep both windows (Updates and the file properties dialogue) open and as soon a windows updates comes alive reset the deny flag.

The whole procedure takes about 30-60 min (depending on how many updates there are) once every two months (this is how often I check for updates). But no auto-reboots, no delay in starting because "we're updating windows" and no hours spent on debugging whatever Windows Updates broke.

:)

 

Vista Automatic Updating Error

Automatic Updates isn't currently running.

 

Vista Automatic Updating Error

Resolution Suggestion:

# To resolve this problem, make sure that BITS and the Automatic Updates service are started..

A simple solution but one that works in most circumstances!

1. Click Start, click Run, type services.msc, and then click OK.

2. In the list of services, right-click Automatic Updates, and then click Properties.

3. In the Startup type list, click Automatic, and then click Apply.

4. If Service status is set to Stopped, click Start, and then click OK.

5. Right-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and then click Properties.

6. In the Startup type list, click Manual, and then click Apply.

7. If Service status is set to Stopped, click Start, and then click OK.

http://www.updatexp.com/0x80070422.html- source *Smile hope that helps.

 

windows automatic updates

i have some questions about the windows automatic updates in windows xp pro w sp/2. ive got about forty updates they recommend , mostly for security but i only installed two today. after installing them i found them in my add/remove programs in the control panel, if i add all these updates that is a lot of space on my hd almost 1 gig. i thought that updates just updated files and not created new programs. should i innore all these update suggestions from microsoft?