Windows automatically updates even if I set to "let me choose"

I am not sure why but I've already set updates to "check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them". But still windows automatically updates and restarts. The bad thing is I was working on some programming project for school and restarting without saving is really annoying. Luckily my last save wasn't that long time ago but still, how can I completely set windows to not restart automatically? Thanks

richc46 said:

Welcome
Be sure that it is set up correctly
Windows Update Settings - Change

Some updates will be automatic regarding of settings, such as Microsoft Security Essentials virus Definitions. I have never had any update that required a restart to be done automatically. My computer is set to notify. As additional information to avoid problems, install a few at a time.

The weird thing is even after I set it to notify I still receive a bubble on the bottom right saying updates are available. And after the update the important update setting is set to automatic again. I don't have any anti-virus btw.

richc46 said:

The only solution that I know for that problem would be to
Make a full antivirus scan. Download Microsoft Security Essentials, its free and good
Download and make a scan with malwarebytes
If negative
You may want to turn update off and check yourself once a week. The second Tuesday of the Month is the big day for updates.

For malwarebytes is the free version good enough? I remember Last time I installed Avira and not sure if I'm using it correctly but it attracts viruses and spywares more than it eliminates. Will malwarebytes have the same problem?

and btw i've set to never check for updates now just in case.

bruzzo said:

I am not sure why but I've already set updates to "check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them". But still windows automatically updates and restarts. The bad thing is I was working on some programming project for school and restarting without saving is really annoying. Luckily my last save wasn't that long time ago but still, how can I completely set windows to not restart automatically? Thanks

Hello bruzzo and welcome to the Forum.

This Microsoft article may shed some light on your situation. (See the paragraph pertaining to Required Updates about half-way down.)

Microsoft Windows Update

To summarize, Microsoft has been using what some have called "stealth updates" for a couple of years now. Even if a user selects "download but don't install" or "notify me that updates are available", some updates will be installed without any further notification to the user. And this could result in a machine rebooting in the middle of a task. Per Microsoft, the only sure way to avoid a stealth update is to turn the update service off and manually check for updates.