Auto-Allow Updates for MSE Only?

MourningStar · 06 Aug 2018

I have my windows update configured to notify me and only I can select/choose to update or not. Lately, it seems there is a Windows update for Microsoft Security Essentials everyday. I don't know about others but if I ignore the MSE update long enough it will eventually install itself. So much for my option to choose! Also, at one time I think they were 'optional', but now are coming to me as 'Important'. Also, the MSE updates (as far as I am aware) seem to be the only ones that bypass my settings and install themselves like this.

SO, how can I just tell my machine "Hey! Stop bugging me everyday with a 'new (mse) update is available' popup and just go and install yourself" for the Microsoft Security Essentials app updates only?

-thx

iko22 · 06 Aug 2018

Hi

If you had a 3rd party Anti Virus, you could set the application to accept updates automatically, and leave the Microsoft Update configuration alone.

townsbg · 06 Aug 2018

I would try this. I had to do the same thing for Windows Defender on my 8.1 virtual machine. Also I have tested the command through command line on 7.

Stephen Boots

MVP |
Volunteer Moderator

Open Task Scheduler
Create new basic task
Give it a name
Go to Actions/New
Browse to c:\program files\Microsoft security client\mpcmdrun.exe and select it to populate the action box.
In the Argument box type -SignatureUpdate without the quotes
Don't schedule it or add triggers.
Now right click and run it to see if it works. A command Prompt window should load and the text in that window should indicate that an update is happening and then the window will close. MSE should reflect that run time as the last check for updates.
Add a schedule if the above worked.

Note that it will not work if MSE cannot check for update manually. (Open MSE and click Update Now).

MSE Autoupdates via Task Scheduler - Microsoft Community

MourningStar · 07 Aug 2018

thx all.

townsbg, that thread is more than 5 years old. Is it still valid? If I understood it correctlv, does this mean if I remove MSE the updates will no longer be checked for and notifications of update availability will stop? If so ...

... as per iko22 what are the most recommended free MSE alternatives that are 'confirmed' to be superior to MSE.

-thx

iko22 · 07 Aug 2018

MourningStar said:

... as per iko22 what are the most recommended free MSE alternatives that are 'confirmed' to be superior to MSE.

-thx

Hi MourningStar

I think it all very well depends on what kind of threats you want to mitigate against. I have used MSE, and it is said a good anti-malware scanner. But that does not automatically mean it would be recommend to use against rootkits or spyware threats, for example. If you are intent on running free AV, then maybe two or three products are recommended. The best AV is an AV that would provide protection for Windows 7 after 2020. Google "recommended anti virus 2018", for your recommendations. Does that help?

MourningStar · 07 Aug 2018

iko22 said:

... Does that help?

nope!

ref :

MourningStar said:

... what are the most recommended free MSE alternatives that are 'confirmed' to be superior to MSE.

iko22 · 07 Aug 2018

iko22 said:

Hi MourningStar

... Google "recommended anti virus 2018", for your recommendations. Does that help?

Did you try this? You did not say in your post.

Regards.

MourningStar · 07 Aug 2018

iko22 said:

Did you try this? You did not say in your post.

Regards.

I guess it is not clear to you (please tell me how I was vague on this) that I was soliciting from members that have actual experience with their s/w recommendations. The lack of s/w recommendations replies, so far (I'll give it some time), tells me MSE is the superior free offering, ... or nobody really gives a flying ...

so ...

iko22 said:

Hi

If you had a 3rd party Anti Virus, ...

such as? (remember - free and confirmed, from personal use, as well as superior to MSE)

townsbg · 07 Aug 2018

MourningStar said:

thx all.

townsbg, that thread is more than 5 years old. Is it still valid? If I understood it correctlv, does this mean if I remove MSE the updates will no longer be checked for and notifications of update availability will stop? If so ...

As I stated I tested the command that the task would run from a command prompt and it worked so I have no reason to doubt that it'll work for you. You shouldn't need to do updates again provided that you specify at least one trigger and you should probably go with multiple triggers. For example you could set it to run during a reboot and a specific time during the day that you know that your computer will be on. It'll do you no good to specify a time that your computer is usually asleep or off.

You could also create a bat file with the command in the task, put it on your desktop, and run it at will.

Code:

cd "c:\program files\Microsoft security client\"
mpcmdrun.exe -SignatureUpdate

First make sure that the listed file is in the location shown. Mine is.

MourningStar · 08 Aug 2018

^
Thank you townsbg. Your suggestion is most helpful and I hope others can find it useful. As for me, I have decided it best to leave it be. As I stated, if I ignore the pop-up it eventually fades away and the update is installed anyways. Since it is a 'security' update and one I would install, I will just let the machine do it's thing.