How to turn Automatic Updates off

I'm running a new desktop with windows 8.1.  I am the only computer user and the only account.  I am also the administrator.  Still, I can't change settings, specifically, I want to turn off automatic updates.  

Any help?

Hi

I split your post from the outdated thread to a new question.

You can change the settings for Windows Update using the following steps.

1. Press the WinKey+X to display the system menu and select Control Panel.

2. In Control Panel select Windows Update.

3. On the left side menu, click Change Settings.

4. In the Important Updates section, click the drop down menu and select the option you want to use.

Click OK.

Regards

Why do you want to "turn off automatic updates?"

Did a Norton free-trial or a McAfee free-trial [pick one] come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)

Why do you want to "turn off automatic updates?"

Did a Norton free-trial or a McAfee free-trial [pick one] come preinstalled on the computer when you bought it? (Doesn't matter if you never used or Activated it.)

1.  I have found it best to not install automatic updates until they are out there for a couple weeks to avoid updates causing problems.

2.  Yes, the computer came with preinstalled McAfee.  Is McAfee not letting me use my administrator status?

I'm running a new desktop with windows 8.1.  I am the only computer user and the only account.  I am also the administrator.  Still, I can't change settings, specifically, I want to turn off automatic updates.  

Any help?

Hi

I split your post from the outdated thread to a new question.

You can change the settings for Windows Update using the following steps.

1. Press the WinKey+X to display the system menu and select Control Panel.

2. In Control Panel select Windows Update.

3. On the left side menu, click Change Settings.

4. In the Important Updates section, click the drop down menu and select the option you want to use.

Click OK.

Regards

this did not work.  When I get to the "Change Settings" window, there is a highlighted note indicating that "some settings are managed by system administrators" and the dropdown option box is greyed out.  I am the system administrator and I should be able to manage my downloads.  How can I get passed this?

[1] I have found it best to not install automatic updates until they are out there for a couple weeks to avoid updates causing problems.

[2] Yes, the computer came with preinstalled McAfee.  Is McAfee not letting me use my administrator status?

A1. Then you needn't turn off/disable Automatic Updates, just change AU's setting to the Check for updates but let me choose... option (no updates will be downloaded without your approval - but any approved updates will be downloaded & installed without any further prompts).

• Note that Windows Defender will ONLY auto-update itself when AU's set to the Automatic configuration! See the ANSWER post in this previous, related discussion: http://answers.microsoft.com/thread/c8118228-db90-4f9f-b6f1-3545751a3271

A2. Possibly. When (exact date, preferably) did you purchase the computer? Have you activated the McAfee free-trialware and/or purchased a subscription yet?

• Fact: McAfee (and Norton) applications are notorious for not uninstalling or upgrading cleanly. The "leftovers" may be your troublemaker here.

A1. Then you needn't turn off/disable Automatic Updates, just change AU's setting to the Check for updates but let me choose... option (no updates will be downloaded without your approval - but any approved updates will be downloaded & installed without any further prompts).

• Note that Windows Defender will ONLY auto-update itself when AU's set to the Automatic configuration! See the ANSWER post in this previous, related discussion: http://answers.microsoft.com/thread/c8118228-db90-4f9f-b6f1-3545751a3271
• 
  

In 8.1 I don't have that option.   I can't change anything even though I am the system administrator.  

http://download.mcafee.com/products/licensed/cust_support_patches/MCPR.exe

Might want to try running the above.   McAfee Consumer Products Removal tool... should get rid of most traces of left overs.   Highly recommended by John McAfee :)

For a temp measure until you figure it out in computer management  / services ..  you can disable windows updates or maybe try setting to manual.

Now answer my second set of questions.

REPOSTING => When (exact date, preferably) did you purchase the computer? Have you activated the McAfee free-trialware and/or purchased a subscription yet?

• Fact: McAfee (and Norton) applications are notorious for not uninstalling or upgrading cleanly. The "leftovers" may be your troublemaker here.

PS: There's more to it than running the removal tool.

The computer was purchased from Dell on 6-12-2014.  I didn't take it out of the box until 7-20-2014 and started setting it up.  I have a free Mcafee account that came with the computer.  

I have not tried running the removal tool because I fear the ramifications.  (fix one thing and mess up others.)

Answer-by-number:

1. How long has the Win8,1 computer been connected to the internet since 20 July 2014?

2a. Have you activated the preinstalled McAfee free-trial and if so, when (exact date, preferably) did you do so?

2b. Is it a 30-day free-trial or...?

2c. Are you planning on purchasing a McAfee subscription before the free-trial period expires?

3. Is KB2962872, KB2971850, KB2973201, KB2961072, KB2972280 and/or KB2974008 listed in Installed Updates (not Update History)? [1]

4. What Update Version & KB number are displayed in the second line of text in IE11's Help | About [Alt+H+A] tab; e.g., Update Version: 11.0.54 (KB1231231) ?

5. Is Firefox, Chrome or any other alternate browser installed?

6. Is Adobe Flash Player v14.0.0.145 for Internet Explorer installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/

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[1] Control Panel | Programs and Features | View installed updates (in left-hand menu)