Disable Windows Update

Summary

This video discusses a method to permanently disable Windows updates using a custom toolbox, highlighting the potential security risks while stressing the importance of knowing how to re-enable updates when necessary. The process involves disabling key update services, clearing out pending updates, and ensuring that update-related tasks won't run during gaming or benchmarking. The creator also provides a solution to restore updates if needed and criticizes third-party update blockers. The video concludes with a humorous clip about a potential Linux user, showing a lighthearted take on the state of Windows vs Linux for developers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Windows update can be permanently disabled using a custom utility, but this comes with security risks.
• 🔧 The custom utility adds several new services and unregisters DLS files to prevent updates from running.
• 🧹 The utility clears out pending update files from the software distribution folder, preventing problematic updates.
• ⚙️ The utility disables update-related tasks in Task Scheduler to prevent automatic updates during benchmarking or gaming.
• 💻 The update blocking method is designed to prevent Windows from automatically re-enabling updates after a reboot.
• 🔒 It’s important to understand how to re-enable Windows Update in case you need to install critical security updates.
• 📅 The utility should be used intermittently, as Windows updates are necessary for security; a re-enable process is recommended every 2-3 months.
• 🛠️ After disabling updates, the utility also removes and backs up any critical update-related files to prevent self-repairing by Windows.
• 🌐 The video highlights the importance of keeping Windows updated but acknowledges the frustration caused by problematic updates.
• 🚫 The creator's approach aims to avoid the use of third-party services or extra software running in the background to block updates.

Q & A

What is the main function of the toolbox mentioned in the video?

The toolbox is used to disable Windows updates permanently, with an option to disable updates 'forever' as a 'nuclear' option, while also clearing downloaded update files and preventing update-related tasks from running.

What are the potential risks of permanently disabling Windows updates?

Permanently disabling Windows updates can expose the system to security vulnerabilities, as it prevents important security patches and updates from being applied, potentially leaving the system open to attacks.

What new features have been added to the toolbox for disabling updates?

In the latest version of the toolbox, new features include disabling additional Windows services related to updates, unregistering essential DLS (Dynamic Link Library) files, and clearing pending update files from the software distribution folder.

How does the toolbox prevent updates from re-enabling?

The toolbox goes beyond disabling just the Windows Update Service. It also removes and renames essential DLS files, cleans up the task scheduler, and removes scheduled update tasks, effectively breaking the update process so Windows cannot repair itself or re-enable updates.

What happens when you reset the updates to default settings in the toolbox?

When the updates are reset to default settings, the backup DLS files are re-registered, and the task scheduler is restored to its original state, enabling Windows to resume normal update operations.

Why is it important to occasionally re-enable updates?

It's important to re-enable updates periodically to ensure that critical security patches are applied. Although updates may sometimes cause issues, regular updates are essential for maintaining system security.

What is the purpose of clearing downloaded update files in the toolbox?

Clearing downloaded update files helps ensure that outdated or unwanted updates, especially problematic ones, are removed from the system, freeing up space and preventing any pending updates from being automatically installed.

What role does the task scheduler play in the update process?

The task scheduler manages tasks related to updates and repairs, including orchestrating Windows updates and other update-related processes. The toolbox disables these tasks to ensure they don’t run automatically, which is particularly helpful for benchmarking and gaming.

Why does the speaker caution against using third-party services to block updates?

The speaker prefers not to rely on third-party services or extra software running in the background to block updates, as these solutions can add complexity, use system resources, and potentially introduce unwanted software into the system.

What was the significance of the shout-out to Jay's Two Cents in the video?

The shout-out to Jay's Two Cents was in recognition of his coverage of the toolbox. The speaker appreciated Jay's benchmarking efforts and wanted to ensure that the updated toolbox would prevent automatic updates from interfering with performance tests.