Slashdot Mirror
Ask Slashdot: Make Windows Update Install Only Security Updates Automatically?
An anonymous reader writes: After the news earlier this month about Microsoft forcing the Windows 10 upgrade on people who don't want it, my sizeable extended family has been coming to me for a solution. They don't want to be guinea pigs this early in the Windows 10 release cycle, but it looks like Microsoft may not be giving them a choice. My reading of Woody Leonhard's advice is that the only way to ensure the upgrade doesn't happen is to disable Windows Update, but that seems extreme. I want my family to install security updates, but I don't relish the idea of explaining to them how to install just those and hide the less-desireable updates.
The ideal solution would be to have only security updates install automatically, but it looks like it's easier said than done. I've looked at third-party tools like Autopatcher and Portable Update, but a security-only option doesn't seem to be very standard. From what I've read, Microsoft doesn't even package security updates separately, sometimes mixing merely Important and Recommended updates in the downloaded CAB file. I wish I could get them off Windows, but it's not an option. They use Windows at work or school, and don't want to go through the process of learning another OS. Maybe the current situation with Windows 10 will convince them eventually, but they need something now. I would really like to come up with a solution before the next Patch Tuesday on October 13. Do any of the more knowledgeable Slashdotters out there have any advice?
The ideal solution would be to have only security updates install automatically, but it looks like it's easier said than done. I've looked at third-party tools like Autopatcher and Portable Update, but a security-only option doesn't seem to be very standard. From what I've read, Microsoft doesn't even package security updates separately, sometimes mixing merely Important and Recommended updates in the downloaded CAB file. I wish I could get them off Windows, but it's not an option. They use Windows at work or school, and don't want to go through the process of learning another OS. Maybe the current situation with Windows 10 will convince them eventually, but they need something now. I would really like to come up with a solution before the next Patch Tuesday on October 13. Do any of the more knowledgeable Slashdotters out there have any advice?
If any number of people did this, then Microsoft would just push a "security" update that offered you Windows 10 or installed spying on the basis that they could somehow offer you more security. "KB6666666 - improve security by making windows phone home at every opportunity"
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"
Disable updates on Windows XP, or don't install any Microsoft (or American) software.
But any way I know of of blocking any updates blocks all of them. like pulling the cable or disabling wifi.
The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
I was going to suggest Debian GNU/Linux as an alternative OS, but then I remembered how I was treated like a filthy guinea pig when Debian decided to transition to systemd. When I upgraded my Debian testing (which, contrary to its name, has little to do with testing and has historically been far more stable than even the stable releases of other Linux distros) workstation and systemd was unexpectedly installed, everything went to hell. My workstation wouldn't boot, the error logging was all fucked up, and all I found when googling for help were many other complaints about various problems from many other victims.
Knowing how frustrating it can be when an operating system provider ends up trashing an existing installation through what should be routine updates, I realized that I could not possibly recommend Debian. Perhaps the submitter could do what I did: switch to FreeBSD. It's a mature, reliable, robust operating system that can still run a wide variety of the software that runs on Linux. Its developers care deeply about not damaging existing installations. FreeBSD has shown itself to be the future.
You'll get what Microsoft wants and like it, or not - they don't care about your preferences anymore.
If you want to send them a message, stop buying their software. This is a less painful option than it used to be, believe it or not.
Left MS Windows for Linux Mint and never looked back!
Vote for Bernie in 2016!
According to microsoft policies [microsoft.com] Windows 7 is already out of mainline support. It will have extended support till 2020. But according to its own policies, win7 should be getting only security updates, no "improvements" nor "enhancements". So in a just and fair world, you should get only critical security updates alone for Windows 7.
But, as Scar told the mouse, "Life isn't fair, is it?".
WHO THE FUCK CARES if it gets no "improvements" nor "enhancements"... 7 was the last tolerable Window s version, and if you can keep that insidious "telemetry" crap off of it, it should be good for the next 5 years or so, if for *some* reason you HAVE to stay on Windows...
THANK YOU, Edward Snowden!! Americans owe you a debt of gratitude (whether they know it or not..)
First off, If there's no reason not to upgrade other than FUD, then they should update. 7 only has a little more than 4 years left and is already in extended support and windows 8/8.1 interface is crap vs 10. If they're worried about being spied on stay with a Local account and don't setup a Microsoft account. It will only take the same telemetry that they've been doing since the customer experience program in vista, which you can then turn off. That being said MS shouldn't have started downloading the OS on PC's without explicit reservations but even that can be disabled.
Easiest method to disable windows 10 from updating is to use the DisableGWX Policy setting. This site's Method 3 will walk you through setting the registry key. Microsoft Also has some other blocking methods as well.
If you just want security patches from that point forward go to windows update settings and uncheck "give me Recommended updates the same way I receive important updates"
In Soviet Russia, Trojan exploits YOU!
Run your work and personal stuff in Linux, only run games with Windows 10 (or buy a console). I don't understand why people find this such a difficult concept.