Every time I install Windows Update my computer slows way down

I just purchased a new Dell XPS 17.3" Laptop. It worked great, running on the wifi internet about 15/mbps. Then it automatically began downloading and installing windows updates. It took over 10 hours to install the updates. After that it ran at 1-2/mbps! I restored to a previous time (prior to the updates) and it great worked again. Then Windows Update installed again. It installed over 75 updates, but in just a half hour. Then it slowed again. I restored again and now I have turned off Windows Update.

How do I fix this?

I'm still within Best Buy's warranty period. Should I return it? I'd prefer to fix it, I've already transferred all my data.

Thanks for your help. -N

Windows 7
8GB RAM
1TB Hard Drive
Intel i7 Processor
Dell XPS 17.3"

you could return it and get a replacement--then bring it home and see if the same thing happens--that would eliminate the 'machine' as the source of the problem.

you could read the description of each update to see if one or more could be the cause of the problem (in my experience, windows 'security' updates have a bad habit of changing settings on a machine--for security reasons--that's why I, personally, keep windows updates turned off) of course reading all the white papers will take a lot of time.

you could just leave 'updates' turned off--although most people will disagree with this decision--I, myself, turned off windows updates right after I installed the OS and have 'never' had a problem--but I maintain my anti virus and anti malware apps and always pay attention to what my machine is doing (am a bit OCD)...so...that's all the advice I can offer.

Thanks tman69. I'm fine not having Windows Update. I use Webroot for security but can always just reformat if it is just a software issue.

How long has it been working without updating windows? Any other downside I should know about if I have to do that long term?

Naturally I like to just have Windows Update working properly but it's not clear to me why I would this issue and someone else wouldn't also have the issue is they did the same updates? Is the update the issue or the installer?

Thanks again tman69. Until I get a better idea I'm taking your advice and just leaving it off.

Welcome to Windows Seven Forums Narissa.

From a security standpoint alone I would not recommend disabling Windows Updates.

Please download and run the System Updates Readiness Tool as this may fix underlying problems when trying to update your computer: Download: System Update Readiness Tool for Windows 7 (KB947821) [February 2012] - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details

In addition, have you tried to install SP1? If not, you can get it here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...service-pack-1

Further SP1 support here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2498452

Also, it won't hurt to contact Best Buy and see what they have to say. You may as well make use of your warranty while you still have it.

narissa,

"How long has it been working without updating windows? Any other downside I should know about if I have to do that long term?"

three years with NO updates--no downsides that I've experienced

IMO--most people truly believe that they 'must' protect themselves with 'security' updates--but--no one has ever given me a 'good valid' reason--they just follow the MS credo that says they 'must' for security reasons...following that reasoning...we should ALL update our cars and appliances and cell phones, etc, etc, because the manufacturer says so...

but you must do what works for 'you'...it's really a matter of choice...myself...I build computers and always disable windows updates and Internet Explorer

tman69 said:

narissa,

"How long has it been working without updating windows? Any other downside I should know about if I have to do that long term?"

three years with NO updates--no downsides that I've experienced

IMO--most people truly believe that they 'must' protect themselves with 'security' updates--but--no one has ever given me a 'good valid' reason--they just follow the MS credo that says they 'must' for security reasons...following that reasoning...we should ALL update our cars and appliances and cell phones, etc, etc, because the manufacturer says so...

but you must do what works for 'you'...it's really a matter of choice...myself...I build computers and always disable windows updates and Internet Explorer

Obviously you do what is best for you, but I feel you are doing people a disservice by advising them to dispense with updates.

Updates are cost-free and plug holes in security breaches so why wouldn't people use them?

Makes no sense to me.

If your computer downloaded .net framework updates it will be sluggish for a while.

karlsnooks,
"You build computers for who, for what, where.
Your advice is the worst that I've seen in a very, very long time."

thanks for the input--gee I never realized that...
I build computers for myself and anyone who wants a high end machine.
point #1. I personally know code writers who work for MS and they find the whole 'updates' thing to be a running joke.
point #2. I've yet to meet a 'high-end' gamer with a truly high-end rig, who has 'updates' turned on--in fact very few even run an AV program as AV programs tend to slow down their machines.
point #3. my advice is free and it's not advice--it's experience and knowledge...if you want to be one of the 'sheep' that follows the accepted line of thought then that's up to you--but please--don't judge me.

am out