Windows 10 automatic updates.

cjt55 · Senior Member

Windows 10 automatic updates.

Yuglamron · Guru

I am led to believe that there is a major update/Change coming soon to Windows 10. There have been so many complaints about automatic updates but the major problem is that Windows 10 has your total history, every keystroke and every site you visit is logged. Talk about big brother.

What the new Windows10 is going to be like is still speculation but that side of the Operating System may have changes due to many complaints about spying on consumers.

Time will tell.

cjt55 · Senior Member

I have just pulled out my old computer which I updated to Windows 10 via the free option and reverted it back to Windows 7 which was the original version. I immediately went and cancelled automatic updates. So am much happier. Am now resigned to the fact that I will have to wait until I am either home or in a free wifi area to update either computer.

Hylife · Guru

cjt55 wrote:
Be aware that you cannot turn off automatic updates on windows 10 as you could with previous versions. I

NOT true.

Windows assumes that if you are using an Ethernet cable bandwidth is not a problem because you have a fixed line broadband connection, which these days is pretty much unlimited if you also have a fixed line home phone.

If however, for us nomads, if you are using a wireless connection either, from WiFi to a stand-alone device (mobile or fixed line modem), or a USB Mobile dongle that IS (some do not) displayed as a wireless device, you CAN turn automatic updates off.

Basically you click the settings icon (cog), --> Network & Internet --> WiFi (heading on left pane), --> Advanced Options (heading under your Wifi or wireless connection), --> now slide the toggle switch to ON for "Set as Metered Connection"
(Tablets running Windows RT is slightly different (being designed for touch screen and swiping), but you need to end up in the same place)

I know that as you get older it is harder to learn new stuff but you know the old saying, 'Use it or loose it'. The same base code has been used for all Windows versions (Vista, 7, 8, 9 (aka 8.1 or 8+1), and 10) so there is nothing you can't do now that you could do then.
So, rather than trying to teach an old dog new tricks (how to use your PC), if you need more help learning this stuff, remember that Google is your friend.
Try a Google search such as "Windows 10 set as metered connection"
https://www.google.com.au/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=RXxmV_KUA6HM8gft4IGQCA#q=windows+10+set+as+metered+connection

Be aware the whilst using a metered connection, app updates will also be disabled as will live tiles, BUT, if you are using online storage/sharing programs such as One Drive or iCloud these apps will continue to perform their sync functions and use up your precious data.

https://www.microsoft.com/surface/en-au/support/mobile-broadband/manage-mobile-broadband-data-use?os=windows-10#SetW10

PeterD · Guru

I can't find it quickly but I spotted something that said you can not switch off security updates. You can only turn off updating features.

Hylife · Guru

No, set as metered connection turns off all windows and app updating.
The only thing using up your data then will be the other apps you are running such as Internet Explorer (or other web browser), mail client, etc, etc.
There are other programs on your PC that you should manually disable like I mentioned, One Drive, iCloud, Location Services, etc.

You click the settings icon (cog), --> Network & Internet --> WiFi (heading on left pane), --> Advanced Options (heading under your Wifi or wireless connection), --> now slide the toggle switch to ON for "Set as Metered Connection"

If you are NOT using WiFi or a Wireless Connection then you are using an Ethernet Connection for a fixed line Internet connection and in this case bandwidth is not a problem and so you cannot choose "set as metered connection" on an Ethernet connection.

stoney123 · Senior Member

it still downloads priority updates

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-AU/windows-8/metered-internet-connections-frequently-asked-questions

The updates never end. ever.

If you in nsw drop into library and get free wifi and update. they give out 5 gig voucheers, i can use it parked outside 24x7

GerryP · Veteran Member

Hylife is correct. I have Win10 on my laptop and have set my Telstra modem and my phone hotspot to 'metered'. We're on the road full time for a year and have not had one update. There's plenty waiting for me when I'm ready, but zero auto update activity while on metered connections.

cjt55 · Senior Member

Hi Hylife,

Thank you for that. I searched for a few days and all I could find was complicated ways to do it (cutting and pasting files etc) and going into places I did not dare to go if you know what I mean. I have done as you suggest and will now monitor closely.

Cheers

-- Edited by cjt55 on Monday 20th of June 2016 02:20:54 PM

exa41 · Guru

col , there is a option to 1/ update automatically or 2/ only when on WiFi / internet.

snap1946 · Senior Member

hi cjt55
how did you go back to windows 7 I have tried but cant do it
snap

cjt55 · Senior Member

snap1946,

Windows gave you an option to revert back to your previous version but it gave you one month. I am sure I had over one month but still had the option. Anyway I went to the recovery area and saw the option to revert back to the previous version so look for that. Any problems let me know.

cjt55 · Senior Member

Thanks to everyone who replied. This is what this forum is all about. We all learn from each other.

Thanks

Hylife · Guru

stoney123 wrote:
it still downloads priority updates

No it doesn't.

Hylife · Guru

exa41 wrote:
col , there is a option to 1/ update automatically or 2/ only when on WiFi / internet.

You either have it on or off. There is no in between.

Users generally lack the knowledge or are too stupid to know what is important and what will break things. Many updates may rely on a previous update.

As I mentioned, "Ethernet" connections are the only ones where you cannot turn off automatic updating.

All wireless connections are treated the same.

Why? Because many mobile users these days have a common mobile phone device that provides a WiFi connection (hotspot) for more than one user, rather than the old style and rather poor performing single user USB dongle.

Hylife · Guru

snap1946 wrote:
hi cjt55
how did you go back to windows 7 I have tried but cant do it
snap

During the upgrade there was a backup image made and stored on your hard disk drive for 4 weeks.

Click the Start icon --> click the Settings icon (cog)
In the settings window click the 'Update & Security' heading.
In the Update & Security window click Recovery in the left pane.
In the right hand pane will be displayed the option to "return to your previous windows" if the backup is still available.

If it isn't listed as an option you have waited too long.

However there is still an option for Brand Name PCs and laptops.

Because brand name companies are trying to shave every last cent off their costs they now no longer provide you with the Windows CD when you buy your computer.
Instead they store a copy of all the original install software and original Windows CD on your hard disk drive in a hidden recovery partition.

It varies from brand to brand but there is a set of key sequences that are pressed when you first power up your computer that will give you access to this "Recovery Partition".

If you let me know what brand of computer you have I may be able to tell you what to do.