Please note, Microsoft's approach to updates is very different that earlier releases. They are basically mandatory because of Microsoft's past history with customers sometimes failing to install important updates.
See options for managing how and when Windows Updates are installed.
Option 1:
Set your Internet connection as metered:
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/manage-windows...
Option 2:
Use Active Hours and Restart options:
https://www.groovypost.com/howto/managing-windo...
Option 3:
Use Show/Hide Updates tool to block the update:
Is there an option or work around to block updates or hardware drivers that might cause problems?
Yes, Microsoft has released a KB update (KB3073930) that will let users block or hide Windows or driver updates.
You can download it at the following link:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3073930
Option 4:
Press Windows key + R
Type: services.msc
Hit Enter
Scroll down to Windows Update
Select it then right click it
Click Properties
Under the General tab, choose Startup type to DIsabled
Click Stop
Click Apply then OK
Option 5:
Before carrying out this procedure, disconnect from the Internet. That means turning off Wi-Fi and disconnecting from a wired connection. If you don't, Windows 10 will indicate some files are in use and cannot be modified or the command will be non-responsive. Also, you should restart your computer after disconnecting from the Internet. The easiest way to do it is to enable Airplane mode from the Action Center - Windows key + A.
Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and the Windows Update Services. To do this, type the following commands at a command prompt. Press the “ENTER” key after you type each command.
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Option 6:
Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro which can pause updates for up to 35 days or block them for a year.
Open Start > Settings > Update & security > Activation
Click the link ‘Go to the store to upgrade or enter a product key’
Click the $99 button to make your purchase (the price might vary by region or depending on the edition you are upgrading from or upgrading to).
Follow the on screen instructions to make your purchase.
Within 5 to 10 minutes, your system will be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro, your personal files, apps and settings preserved.
You won’t get a product key, you get a digital license, which is attached to your Microsoft Account used to make the purchase.
Additional options:
Open Start, type: CMD
Right click CMD
Click Run as administrator
Type in at the prompt OR Copy and Paste these one at a time : (Hit enter after each)
sc stop wuauserv
sc config wuauserv start= disabled
Adding WindowsUpdate/AU options keys to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
thanks for your help.