Turn Off Automatic Windows Updates in Windows 7 and Windows 8.1

Historically, and specially now with Microsoft's Windows 10 intrusive upgrade, Automatic Windows Updates have caused many of my clients significant downtime and billable technical support hours.  Although many updates fix problems, others cause them.  Issues after Automatic Updates range from glitchy mouse to full blown computer crashes.

Please note I am not recommending you don't run updates, as they are needed to fix security issues in the Windows operating systems, just not with the Automatic settings.  Accordingly, I recommend my clients run "manual" updates in a controlled manner, and on their terms.

With the above in mind, here is how to turn off Automatic Windows Updates for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1:

Turn off Automatic Updates for Windows 7:

Step 1:

Via Windows 7 search box,

Search for "Windows Update Settings"

and then from the results select "Windows Update"

 

 

Step 2:

In the Windows Update screen select "Change Settings"

Steps 3:

Via pull down select "Check updates but let me choose whether to download and install them"

Check off "Get me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates"

When done, hit OK

Turn off Automatic Updates for Windows 8.1:

Step 1:

Select Windows 8.1 Search

Step 2:

Search for "Windows Update Settings"

Select" Windows Update Settings" from results list

Step 3:

Select "Choose how updates get installed" in the Windows Update screeen

Step 4:

From the pull down list, select "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them"

Check off, "Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates"

Check off, "Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows"

Hit Apply when done.