Solved Msft Update is Now Live after Installing Msft Security Essentials Argh

[Leo625]

I have avoided having Windows Update download updates for several years now but tonight decided to install Microsoft Security Essentials and lo and behold now Windows Update is active and has downloaded XXX number of Updates and other bits that I DO NOT WANT on my system. Can anyone help me to get rid of these and turn Windows Updates back off? I can't see how to do this anymore as there appears to be no choice about modifying Windows Update settings on my screen. Please Help!

Thanks, Plain

 

[Ranger4]

After you installed Microsoft Security Essentials it will update to the latest Definitions & it will use Windows Updates to to that.

The question that needs to asked is why install MSE when you have had Windows Updates disabled. If you access the internet you really should have Windows fully updated & an Anti Virus installed, which you have now with MSE.

There is no point in having MSE installed if it is prevented from updating to the latest Definitions, which is needs to do usually once a day.

 

[CarlSD]

Yes, installing Microsoft Security Essentials will do that.

It switches your Windows Update settings in Control Panel back to "Install updates automatically (recommended)" regardless of whatever you have it set to. It will also turn the Windows Update service back on in services.msc if you have it set to disabled.

The "good" news, even though it is too late in your case, is that after you install Security Essentials, you can put Windows Update back onto "Never check for updates" and disable the service again (which is what I've immediately done after installing MSE since I only check for Windows updates once a month about a week after Patch Tuesday) and they will stay disabled but Security Essentials will still be able to update itself.

It must have a "backup" method of obtaining updates without requiring Windows Update to be running.

 

[Leo625]

Okay Thanks All, for responding.

Yes, CarlSD your method of using Windows Update is exactly what I was hoping would be do-able. I used to run Windows Defender and Malicious Software Removal regularly and research and only install updates necessary for this machine and prefer this over the automatic method.

In reading about individual updates I get the impression that many protect your PC from actions you might take that I am never involved in hence my reluctance at letting Windows Update decide. I have let Windows do it's thing and it would wind up acting strange after the update in some cases and then I still have to go out and find how to 'fix' this peculiarity so researching first to me is much easier.

Now I just have to find and get rid of the updates awaiting installation...

Thanks Again..

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Any reason you have not at the least installed security only updates ?
October 10, 2017 - KB4041678 (Security-only update) Windows 7 - Windows 7 Help Forums