Solved Ignore and shut off Windows 8.1 updates...

Eaglesailor

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I have been on-line since Windows 95...I'm 60 years old... I followed as everyone then into computers (not everyone was at that time) onto the new Windows 98...then there was 2000 and variations ..but then XP arrived. It was the best thing to happen for the new Internet.... (remember all of this was brand new) for me..this was by far a better experience into the new world of 'internet'.......Windows had a STAR in XP....it worked for the world........ Windows made profits as a result never recorded on planet! Unfortunatelly....Windows announced it's end of support for XP in 2013...... Vista, 7, I had read were awful OS systems and not to go there. I waited out....keeping my XP up to date...including SP-2...then SP-3...then onto cancillation in April 2014..........

In August 2014, I bought the latest Windows OS, Windows 8.1.....I had no choice....I had no complaints before with XP..but the support had ended...and so it was time for me to move on into the future......XP was a bit of work keeping it up and running...but I could always find a way to keep it current and fast......Not so I have found in Windows 8.1

Since I have been on Windows 8.1......The best thing I have found.....is to NOT....I repeat...NOT turn on Windows Update....

Everytime I allowed updates...some major problem has occured....This happened with XP too, but I was able to find resolutions.....not so with 8.1.........8.1 in my opinion was designed for dummies...and not the mechanic of XP.....Problem after problem after updates.

I have had several deeper problems with 8.1.......I have had to reset (Used to be called system recover) losing all data....

February 12, 2015.........RESET PC....ALLOW NO WINDOWS --Up-Dates---see what happens!

March 21, 2015........Fastest computer I have owned to date.........

I have looked on the world web....nobody has ever entered anything with regurd to "NOT UPDATING" 8.1

I'd really like to understand updates better.....everybody seems to be hypnotised by Windows that updates are mandatory...or nessesary...but my observation is 180 degrees different!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
I install all of the updates. I am a Windows fan boy, and I have not had a problem with any updates. Of course I am a newbie to this whole thing, but I really think that you missed a great OS when you skipped Windows 7. It is still for sale and it is a very nice OS. Right now I am on 8.1 and I love it. Nor problems here.
 
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My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Haswell i5 4690
    Motherboard
    Asus Z97-A
    Memory
    2 x 8gb HyperX, by Kingston
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    None yet
    Sound Card
    Outboard USB DAC
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    Samsung S24D360
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    1920x1080
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    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I concur, I have run Windows 7 altered with nLite without updates, AV and firewall for a year without any problem. Majority of updates just fix/change some things, that you do not really need to update, if you are satisfied. There are pesky security updates, but most of them have a workaround like disable a service, change a setting. So basically, no, you do not really need updates and lately the tend to break something like every few months. If you are happy with your setup, that is fine, keep it. I update regularly and then fix "damage" with optimizers. That is just another way to do it. :D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo E525
    CPU
    AMD A4-3300M @ 2,0GHz
    Memory
    6GB DDR3 1333MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6480G 512MB shared
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    Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Surround 5.1
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    WD 465GB
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    Fusion Tweaker
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    Logitech K360
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    Logitech M705
    Internet Speed
    50/50 MBps
    Browser
    Yandex
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    No AV & No Firewall
    Other Info
    Headphones: Sennheiser RS170
Because you can also roll back, uninstall, almost any Windows Update, one compromise might be to: notify you if/when updates are available for download & install; hide the ones you don't want to meddle with, select only a few at a time to download & install.
Either here, or, Windows Club, or somewhere, is a VBS script/batchfile combination that will let you disable, turn off WU, at the beginning of each Windows session -- which is what I do. After the suggested desired updates have "aged," and perhaps improvements made -- then I select a few to download and install.
 

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System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Pro 64bit [MS blue-disk set]
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    2 Acers & 1 Antec[?]
    CPU
    i7 in 2 Acers, i5 in desktop
    Motherboard
    Desktop w/Gigabyte
    Memory
    Two w/16GB, 1 w/8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
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    Monitor(s) Displays
    flatscreens; 2 are BluRay worthy
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    1368x768; 1600x900
    Hard Drives
    1TB internals; 2 ext usb WD 1TB HDs
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    what's PSU?
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    Regular plus external fans
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    desktio w/PS2
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    desktop w/PS2
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    DSL middle level [160?]
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    from Netscape 0.9 to FF 36
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    well-balanced, well-configured mult-layered defense is best
    Other Info
    From MS-DOS 3.3, MS-DOS 6.22, from Windows 3.1 to WFW 3.11 to Windows 95-98SE, now to Windows 7 Pro.
    Security for now: Windows 7 Firewall, Emsisoft AM, MSE [scan-only], SpywareBlaster, Ruiware/BillP combine
Hi Rocky

I thank you for your response... I am NOT a pro here...but I have been around the block.....I would really appriciate a pro to explain my experiment....My NOT allowing ANY Windows updates...Yes, I turned OFF Windows Updates..... I eliminated Norton, Macafee, did not install SuperAntiSpy, or any softwear...including also directory cleaners, or any outside influence......What I have maintained is "Windows Defender" a full time virus checker...that came free with my 'Acer PC'
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Thanks Roland Js.....

My objective here is to discover if Widows Updates 8.1....really work.....or is it bunk!.....XP rallied several fixes, and severl screwed up....only with further patches that corrected earlier patches....in the finalend...sp3, did they begine to get it right!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
I've been a user for many years myself and I've never had the issues I have with windows 8.1.
The system seems to be so very sensitive to every movement that the computer keeps changing screens, fonts, etc. without my understanding why. Especially font size. Anyone have any ideas before I just admit defeat and go back to 7?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    etali
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Inspiron
    Browser
    google
    Antivirus
    Kaperky
I have also had the same issue......After automatic updates did their updates....maybe 4th or 5th since I bought my new 8.1, and not unexpected from past Windows up-dates, screw-ups began to appear.....This time worse than any time in my past when I was on XP........Two weeks ago, my pc automatically received and downloaded 'updates'.....next time after that I turned the PC on, All pages and words were enlarged..and blurred...I spent hours inside my PC to find resolution...including: areas needing administration approval....nothing worked...I even 'reset the pc' losing all data...it didn't work! However....4 days ago, I tried something koo koo, and now everything is back to normal.....and I cant remember what the crazy sequence was...This is why I'm so mad about this crazy OS......I nor you, should need to encounter this BS.........!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
I'm sorry to hear about your negative experiences. I have not experienced anything changing on my system in all my years with a PC, so I guess that it must be frustrating. I have really only been using PCs since about 2003, I started with XP and then went to Windows 7 and now 8.1. I will also migrate to Windows 10 when it is available. That is really the main reason that I built this computer, so that I can be ready for Windows 10. For me it is just a hobby, I do not play games or anything else real intense on my system, just some light photo editing and stuff.

Welcome delldumb and you too Eaglesailor. This forum is a fun place to hang out.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom
    CPU
    Intel Haswell i5 4690
    Motherboard
    Asus Z97-A
    Memory
    2 x 8gb HyperX, by Kingston
    Graphics Card(s)
    None yet
    Sound Card
    Outboard USB DAC
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung S24D360
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Your PC will not crash, or slow, or act weird...it will remain as fast and track tasks only as fast as the desingers of 8.1 intended.......It's always helpful to have anti-virus...but look and see that 8.1 comes with REAL-TIME anti-virus...look in your 'control panel' far right side....there it is...and it works..........
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Thanks..it's all an experience to learn...

What will OS 10 have better for all? ...Ease of use, ease of self correction (some control) would be interactive, as was XP for me and other...but 8.1 seems redundant...so simple it's too stupid...at least for me...Most of us aren't stupid and learning up in 8.1 has been cancelled....so only numb can operate...but it is so numb that even numb dumb get lost!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
If you turn off Windows update you'll not get the updates for the built in anti-virus so it will cease being useful.

You will not get security updates for other Windows components either of course.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
Ignore and shut off Windows 8.1 updates
I think that is absolutely terrible advice.

From a security standpoint alone updates are essential and many updates address performance issues and/or bugs.

I recommend setting updates on Notify When Updates Are Available then let the user decide when and what updates to install.

I would not recommend having Updates set on Auto Install
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1 64, LT -Windows 10 Home 64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP 500-075 Desktop + HP 15-f018dx Laptop
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3470 Ivy Bridge 3.2 GHz Quad Core/ LT - i3-4030U 1.9 GHz
    Motherboard
    Foxcon Joshua-H61-uATX
    Memory
    8 GB/ LT - 6GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD (DX10.1)
    Sound Card
    Integrated IDT 92HD73E
    Hard Drives
    1T HDD, 16G Sandisk Cache Drive, 2T Seagate 3.0 External
    Keyboard
    Wireless
    Mouse
    Wireless
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    CyberPower UPS, Macrium Backup, Revo Pro, Malwarebytes Premium
Ignore and shut off Windows Updates if you want - it's your choice.

As noted above you won't get updates for Windows Defender, so over time it will be less effective.

And (referencing your other post on this same topic) do you know that Windows are no longer issuing Service Packs? It's all being done through Windows Update. You kept XP up to date with its SPs, but now you're choosing not to do this with 8.1. Your choice.

Your other post mentioned you had to do a Reset or two. Does this mean you've also decided not to do any sort of backing up of your system either? Making System Images and regularly saving your files can help when things go wrong. But again, it's your choice how you use your computer.

Maybe you will enjoy lots of trouble-free operation. I hope so. Or maybe you will be back here looking for advice on a problem that occurred because you chose not to update something. Only time will tell.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 64bit, Windows 10 TP on VMWare Player
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15 3521
    CPU
    1.80 gigahertz Intel Core i5-3337U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0010T1 A00
    Memory
    8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio & Intel Display Audio
    Hard Drives
    TOSHIBA MQ01ABD050 [Hard drive] (500.11 GB)
    Cooling
    Additional fan
    Mouse
    Kensington Trackball
    Browser
    IE
    Antivirus
    Emsisoft Internet Security, Malwarebytes free & antiexploit
@Eaglesailor
I just hope you don't do ANY financial transactions with your computer or keep any personal information stored on it. Not updating is just begging cyber criminals to steal your information and identity for nefarious uses. Updates usually include web certificate updates, fixes for SSL bugs(FREAK & HEARTBLEED to name a couple).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Update Pro in Hyper-V/Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Cliff's Black & Blue Wonder
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
    Memory
    32 GB Quad Kit, G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series schwarz, DDR4-3866, 18-19-19-39-2T
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 ROG Strix O24G, 24576 MB GDDR6X
    Sound Card
    (1) HD Webcam C270 (2) NVIDIA High Definition Audio (3) Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ BL2711U(4K) and a hp 27vx(1080p)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    C: Samsung 960 EVO NVMe M.2 SSD
    E: & O: Libraries & OneDrive-> Samsung 850 EVO 1TB
    D: Hyper-V VM's -> Samsung PM951 Client M.2 512Gb SSD
    G: System Images -> HDD Seagate Barracuda 2TB
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000i High Performance ATX Power Supply 80+ Platinum
    Case
    hanteks Enthoo Pro TG
    Cooling
    Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB TT Premium-Edition 360mm and 3 Corsair blue LED fans
    Keyboard
    Trust GTX THURA
    Mouse
    Trust GTX 148
    Internet Speed
    25+/5+ (+usually faster)
    Browser
    Edge; Chrome; IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender of course & Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit as a
    Other Info
    Router: FRITZ!Box 7590 AX V2
    Sound system: SHARP HT-SBW460 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
    Webcam: Logitech BRIO ULTRA HD PRO WEBCAM 4K webcam with HDR
@Eaglesailor
I just hope you don't do ANY financial transactions with your computer or keep any personal information stored on it. Not updating is just begging cyber criminals to steal your information and identity for nefarious uses. Updates usually include web certificate updates, fixes for SSL bugs(FREAK & HEARTBLEED to name a couple).
It not much of a risk if you remove your wifi card and fill your usb and ethernet ports with glue.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
@Eaglesailor
I just hope you don't do ANY financial transactions with your computer or keep any personal information stored on it. Not updating is just begging cyber criminals to steal your information and identity for nefarious uses. Updates usually include web certificate updates, fixes for SSL bugs(FREAK & HEARTBLEED to name a couple).
It not much of a risk if you remove your wifi card and fill your usb and ethernet ports with glue.

:roflmao:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 64bit, Windows 10 TP on VMWare Player
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Inspiron 15 3521
    CPU
    1.80 gigahertz Intel Core i5-3337U
    Motherboard
    Dell Inc. 0010T1 A00
    Memory
    8gb
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Audio & Intel Display Audio
    Hard Drives
    TOSHIBA MQ01ABD050 [Hard drive] (500.11 GB)
    Cooling
    Additional fan
    Mouse
    Kensington Trackball
    Browser
    IE
    Antivirus
    Emsisoft Internet Security, Malwarebytes free & antiexploit
@Eaglesailor
I just hope you don't do ANY financial transactions with your computer or keep any personal information stored on it. Not updating is just begging cyber criminals to steal your information and identity for nefarious uses. Updates usually include web certificate updates, fixes for SSL bugs(FREAK & HEARTBLEED to name a couple).
It not much of a risk if you remove your wifi card and fill your usb and ethernet ports with glue.
:roflmao:

:ditto:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Update Pro in Hyper-V/Windows 10 Pro 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Cliff's Black & Blue Wonder
    CPU
    Intel Core i9-9900K
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus X Hero
    Memory
    32 GB Quad Kit, G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series schwarz, DDR4-3866, 18-19-19-39-2T
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS GeForce RTX 3090 ROG Strix O24G, 24576 MB GDDR6X
    Sound Card
    (1) HD Webcam C270 (2) NVIDIA High Definition Audio (3) Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    BenQ BL2711U(4K) and a hp 27vx(1080p)
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080 x 32 bits (4294967296 colors) @ 60 Hz
    Hard Drives
    C: Samsung 960 EVO NVMe M.2 SSD
    E: & O: Libraries & OneDrive-> Samsung 850 EVO 1TB
    D: Hyper-V VM's -> Samsung PM951 Client M.2 512Gb SSD
    G: System Images -> HDD Seagate Barracuda 2TB
    PSU
    Corsair HX1000i High Performance ATX Power Supply 80+ Platinum
    Case
    hanteks Enthoo Pro TG
    Cooling
    Thermaltake Floe Riing RGB TT Premium-Edition 360mm and 3 Corsair blue LED fans
    Keyboard
    Trust GTX THURA
    Mouse
    Trust GTX 148
    Internet Speed
    25+/5+ (+usually faster)
    Browser
    Edge; Chrome; IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender of course & Malwarebytes Anti-Exploit as a
    Other Info
    Router: FRITZ!Box 7590 AX V2
    Sound system: SHARP HT-SBW460 Dolby Atmos Soundbar
    Webcam: Logitech BRIO ULTRA HD PRO WEBCAM 4K webcam with HDR
Thank You for all your advise...people here responding....

Back-up for photos I have always done...I am not a game player, I do not store vital info. Having to wipe the drive clean I can do without concirn.......Today, I only use my pc for news, casual browsing, car repair forums, GoogleEarth, weather, and streaming online radio...plus the local fire-police scanner stuff. However, I do monitor and interact with my bank, my car insurance...But that has nothing to do with my pc's security or performance.........
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
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