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Prevent Windows 10 pro from downloading updates without explicit permission

I am using Windows 10 professional on a notebook which normally is not connected to the Internet while I am not at home. However, I could open a hotspot on my smartphone and connect by WiFi if necessary.

Since one or two months Windows 10 automatically downloads huge update files when it detected the wifi connection. Within a few minutes the the monthly maximum of 700 MB available with my cell was running out what slows down any future internet access to inacceptable speed.

As told, I didn't experience the issue before Nov/2015. My current workaround is to not using the hotspot connection.

Is there any way to prevent Windows 10 from download without explicit permission? Note, I don't mind if it would install the updates automatically.

Thanks In Advance

Sara

John

You need to get to Build 1511, Version 10586 which will allow you to defer updates up to two weeks. You cannot defer like this with Version 10240.

So get to the new version and then plan update deferral to fit your schedule.

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Scott C

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Matt Minor

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John

Metered connection just means that huge (> 3GB update) will download in pieces and still use a lot of cell phone bandwidth.

I prefer to get this update done and out of the way so that you can then defer (and not use bandwidth).

sarabande

ASKER

which will allow you to defer updates up to two weeks.

I meant to have read that this only affected the installation of the updates but not the download?

Isn't it that even on Win 7 systems the download of the Windows 10 msi was done without permission?

Configure your Wi-Fi as a metered connection.

Scott, Matthew, sounds great. I will try.

Metered connection just means that huge (> 3GB update) will download in pieces and still use a lot of cell phone bandwidth.

John, I hope you are wrong. Actually Windows 10 (which I installed in May 2015 from 8.1) had respected my limited bandwidth for half a year.

The defer of updates wouldn't help if it only defers the installation but not the download. Also, it ought to be repeated for each further (big) Update what rarely is a convenient way.

Thanks so far. Tomorrow I will know better.

Sara

John

Once you have the new build you can defer all updates for a period of time. This includes new builds so far as I know, because new build as just updates to a properly working machine. That is how my two Windows 10 machines did the November update.

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John

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Qlemo

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John

That is interesting. There are other pitfalls of metered connections but I did not think it would stop updates. So Microsoft is wrong. We do NOT have to update our machines. Just use Wi-Fi (I always do) and Meter the connection. No more updates.

sarabande

ASKER

All the solutions worked. I already had the Update which allows to defer updates for two weeks. When I switched it on, the automatical download of updates freezed at 0 %. Then it took me a few time to find the "metered" settings, but then the description of the switch exactly tells that it would defer downloads until I was connected to a device which was not "metered". All the updates and downloads found, have status 'waiting' what is perfect.

Many Thanks.

Sara

McKnife

And if the metered connection setting has side effects, you can still undo it and disable the update service instead and only enable and start it if you are connected to a wifi.