Updates have never been as good as in Windows 8. Often the operating system takes care of them by ensuring that users have the latest versions of Microsoft-installed applications and security updates whether they want it or not. The problem is there or not. Windows 8 takes most of the guesswork out of making sure your Windows 8, desktop, 2-in-1, laptop or tablet is up to date. The problem is, sometimes updates can break things or change things in a way you don’t like.
Here’s how to stop updates in Windows 8.
Before we begin, you should fully understand the risk of stopping updates on your Windows 8 device. Microsoft turns on updates by default because they want to make sure you always have the latest security fixes and usability changes. If you turn off automatic updates, there is no way to make sure your device is running the latest updates unless you manually check.
If you’re still sure you want to turn off automatic updates on your Windows 8 device, create a calendar appointment on your smartphone that reminds you to manually perform the updates each month. Regardless of how you do it, make sure you always remember to run them. A Windows 8 device without the latest updates becomes more vulnerable to viruses and spyware as time goes on.
For this example, our Windows 8 device already has the Windows 8.1 update installed. It is the free update that Microsoft started distributing through the Windows Store last year. If what you see on these slides looks different than what you have on your device, you should download the update now from the Windows Store. This update may take an hour to install. Make sure you are close to an electrical outlet and your device does not need to be available for a while.
Turning Off Windows 8 Updates
Press the Windows key on your keyboard or the Windows button around your device’s screen to go to the Start Screen.
Do not click or tap anything on the Start Screen. Instead, if you have a mouse and keyboard, move your mouse cursor to the corner of your screen to reveal the Charms Bar. Touch users should place their fingers on the edge of their screen and slowly turn them to the left to reveal the Charms Bar.
With the Charms Bar open, tap or click the Charm. It’s the gear under the Charms Bar.
Immediately, you’ll find a Settings window with everything from internet settings to a power button and notification controls. Tap or click . It’s the bottom option near the right edge of your screen.
Welcome to the Settings app. Tap or click the labeled menu option at the bottom of your screen. Update and Recovery.
Tap or click the option in the white part of your screen. It’s a little less obvious than the other buttons around it. You will find it just below the Check Now button.
Tap or click the drop-down menu at the top of the screen to change your auto-install settings. Among the options, you are allowed to download updates but choose to install them, check for updates but choose when to download and install them, and never check for updates. Tap or click any of these options except the last one.
Under no circumstances should you tell your Windows 8 device not to automatically check for updates. Even if you won’t be installing them, it’s better to be informed that you have pending fixes rather than ignoring them altogether. Again, it’s all about keeping your device working and safe.
If you choose to be notified of Windows 8 updates, a small notification will appear on the desktop announcing that upgrades are available and asking if you want to continue and install them. This isn’t as convenient as installing Windows 8 updates in the background, but it also saves you from losing work or having to stop what you’re doing, as Windows automatically decides when to download a security patch or an Internet Explorer. to change.
While you’re here, it’s not a bad idea to click the Microsoft Update checkbox, which automatically installs or notifies you that you have updates for Microsoft programs like the Office suite of productivity apps. You may already be annoyed by automatic updates, but at some point you will need to install these updates as well.
Tap or click To apply After making your selection, press the button.
Here you got it. You have successfully stopped the automatic download of Windows 8 updates. Again, before doing this, make a plan to manually check for Windows 8 updates. Failure to do so puts the long-term security of your device at risk, and if your device is not secure, your data is not secure either.
