Can I Refuse to Update My Windows PC/Laptop?

Technology Technology: Chat / Discussions
1

The short answer is NO.

The long answer (still NO) is given in the Settings/About/“Read The Microsoft Software Licence Terms” page.

You don’t buy the MS Windows Software, you only lease it.
In leasing it, you agree to all of their terms & conditions.

(Note - this same rule applies to nearly all of the Software you have on your equipment).

Reading the full Licensing Terms might be boring so here is the part relating to Updates:-

“6. Updates. The software periodically checks for system and app updates, and downloads and installs them for you. You may obtain updates only from Microsoft or authorized sources, and Microsoft may need to update your system to provide you with those updates. By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice.”

So, all that you can do, legally, is delay! (or stop using the product!)

Delay is not a bad idea when updates are causing problems for the early installers (Windows Insider Users get them early, Big Users install them to plan but are likely to be at the front for any issues discovered.) If you put a delay in for all of the updates you can watch for problem floods and look for the fixed versions which sort all this out fairly rapidly.

1 Like
2

Thanks for that Ted, they are nagging me to install the latest release…:frowning:
And yes, I was aware of the licensing terms so I guess I’ll just have to grin and bear it…Thanks again Ted…

3

Not doing so you may miss out on the latest security settings leaving your computer more vunerable to cyber attack

4

Managed to download the new update and thirty minutes later it was completed. Haven’t noticed any changes and all my programmes and files were just how I left them…:041::023:

5

I’m sure what you say is perfectly true, and I make a practice of delaying for as long as I can. There are ways and means.

On the other hand, if I was really determined, I’ sure I could avoid Windows Update indefinitely!

If I turned off any internet connection permanently, I believe I could go on using Windows without any Updates.
Of course I could be wrong, but how could Microsoft ever be aware of how long I’ve had my Windows installation or what state it is in?

I had once thought about this actually: to use Linux for all internet use, emails, etc. and keep an unconnected Windows laptop for programmes like Photoshop which, I assume, will not run on Linux.

6

Not using Windows or Linux I cannot make much of a reply, however, I did find the information below which may be of use to you:

https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/5-photoshop-alternatives-can-run-linux/

7

If you are using Windows & connect to the Net, I think that you’ll find that Windows does a pretty thorough checkout, of your system, and updates all of the basic settings, as it connects. If you look in Windows/Settings, you’ll see that Big Brother has been watching you.

I’ve read reports that some people, who want Windows without being monitored, create a Windows PC without the internet. (:shock:)

The other way, is when you get any kind of problem, as the fixer will, most likely, have to go on line to check that you have all available fixes & patches on board.

Apparently, some PC shops insist on bringing your PC up to latest levels, on your money, before fixing starts.

Sorry to be a doom monger, but, with MS & some others, you’re either fully in - or out!

They own the System Software.

8

Oh yes, I did have a look at Gimp some time ago.
I didn’t like it, I’m afraid. In fact, I found it harder to use, probably because I’m used to Photoshop.
Thanks anyway.

9

Exactly what I suggested.

If the computer needs fixing, and the repairer needs to connect to the internet, that’s fine.

I think that I’d first try to find a repairer who can do the job without connecting to the internet. That would depend upon what exactly has gone wrong with the computer, of course.

Even so, once it’s up and working again I can disconnect from the internet again. Microsoft may wish to continue to control my computer, but without the internet it cannot.

Please don’t tell me that Microsoft implants a time bomb on my computer which is set to go off if it doesn’t receive any ‘updates’ after a given length of time. :shock:

10

Microsoft monitors how W.10 is used if you allow it but they don’t tell you what programs to use or how to use them. All they want to do is to make sure the OS is up to date. I don’t see this as controlling. Quite a good service in fact.

System and software updates are just a fact of computer life with all platforms and software. Updates for any platform can have glitches. Even so, I’ve rarely experienced any with Windows 10 and see no reason to avoid updates. As pointed out though, those wary of new updates can always defer them until a later date.

I don’t have any experience of Mac computers and their updates but a little research brought up this page…

Android as well (plus it has the smaller updates between major ones)…

I often use Linux Mint (Cinnamon), so can show a few of the update logs this has. Note the frequency of them. Updates don’t have to be done but accepting them does mean the system is being constantly honed and looked after. That’s all to the good with any platform as far as I can see.

Linux is pretty good for those who dislike Microsoft but if switching to avoid updates, it probably won’t be found any better. Mint is based on Ubuntu and that’s why this shows up a lot in the lists below. Linux updates show the updated files separately so the lists look large. However, they are fairly quickly processed, although some updates can be slower than others…

Commit Log for Mon Sep 21 16:14:21 2020

Upgraded the following packages:
linux-generic (5.4.0.47.50) to 5.4.0.48.51
linux-headers-generic (5.4.0.47.50) to 5.4.0.48.51
linux-image-generic (5.4.0.47.50) to 5.4.0.48.51

Installed the following packages:
linux-headers-5.4.0-48 (5.4.0-48.52)
linux-headers-5.4.0-48-generic (5.4.0-48.52)
linux-image-5.4.0-48-generic (5.4.0-48.52)
linux-modules-5.4.0-48-generic (5.4.0-48.52)
linux-modules-extra-5.4.0-48-generic (5.4.0-48.52)

================================

Commit Log for Wed Sep 23 16:07:05 2020

Upgraded the following packages:
busybox-initramfs (1:1.30.1-4ubuntu6.1) to 1:1.30.1-4ubuntu6.2
busybox-static (1:1.30.1-4ubuntu6.1) to 1:1.30.1-4ubuntu6.2
firefox (80.0.1+linuxmint1+ulyana) to 81.0+linuxmint1+ulyana
firefox-locale-en (80.0.1+linuxmint1+ulyana) to 81.0+linuxmint1+ulyana
libc-bin (2.31-0ubuntu9) to 2.31-0ubuntu9.1
libc6 (2.31-0ubuntu9) to 2.31-0ubuntu9.1
libc6-dbg (2.31-0ubuntu9) to 2.31-0ubuntu9.1
libc6:i386 (2.31-0ubuntu9) to 2.31-0ubuntu9.1
locales (2.31-0ubuntu9) to 2.31-0ubuntu9.1
python3-apport (2.20.11-0ubuntu27.8) to 2.20.11-0ubuntu27.9
python3-problem-report (2.20.11-0ubuntu27.8) to 2.20.11-0ubuntu27.9
secureboot-db (1.5) to 1.6~20.04.1

==========================

Commit Log for Thu Sep 24 14:35:11 2020

Upgraded the following packages:
alsa-ucm-conf (1.2.2-1ubuntu0.3) to 1.2.2-1ubuntu0.4
aptdaemon (1.1.1+bzr982-0ubuntu32.1) to 1.1.1+bzr982-0ubuntu32.2
aptdaemon-data (1.1.1+bzr982-0ubuntu32.1) to 1.1.1+bzr982-0ubuntu32.2
finalrd (5) to 6~ubuntu20.04.1
fonts-opensymbol (2:102.11+LibO6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 2:102.11+LibO6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libjuh-java (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libjurt-java (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-avmedia-backend-gstreamer (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-base (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-base-core (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-base-drivers (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-calc (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-common (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-core (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-draw (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-gnome (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-gtk3 (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-common (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-de (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-en-gb (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-en-us (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-es (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-fr (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-it (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-pt (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-pt-br (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-ru (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-zh-cn (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-help-zh-tw (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-impress (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-java-common (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-de (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-en-gb (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-en-za (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-es (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-fr (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-it (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-pt (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-pt-br (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-ru (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-zh-cn (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-l10n-zh-tw (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-math (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-ogltrans (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-pdfimport (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-sdbc-hsqldb (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-style-colibre (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-style-tango (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libreoffice-writer (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libridl-java (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libuno-cppu3 (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libuno-cppuhelpergcc3-3 (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libuno-purpenvhelpergcc3-3 (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libuno-sal3 (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libuno-salhelpergcc3-3 (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libunoil-java (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
libunoloader-java (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
python3-aptdaemon (1.1.1+bzr982-0ubuntu32.1) to 1.1.1+bzr982-0ubuntu32.2
python3-aptdaemon.gtk3widgets (1.1.1+bzr982-0ubuntu32.1) to 1.1.1+bzr982-0ubuntu32.2
python3-uno (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
uno-libs-private (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1
ure (1:6.4.5-0ubuntu0.20.04.1) to 1:6.4.6-0ubuntu0.20.04.1

=============================

Commit Log for Sun Sep 27 12:06:41 2020

Upgraded the following packages:
gir1.2-packagekitglib-1.0 (1.1.13-2ubuntu1) to 1.1.13-2ubuntu1.1
gstreamer1.0-packagekit (1.1.13-2ubuntu1) to 1.1.13-2ubuntu1.1
libpackagekit-glib2-18 (1.1.13-2ubuntu1) to 1.1.13-2ubuntu1.1
packagekit (1.1.13-2ubuntu1) to 1.1.13-2ubuntu1.1
packagekit-tools (1.1.13-2ubuntu1) to 1.1.13-2ubuntu1.1
shim (15+1533136590.3beb971-0ubuntu1) to 15+1552672080.a4a1fbe-0ubuntu2
shim-signed (1.40.3+15+1533136590.3beb971-0ubuntu1) to 1.40.4+15+1552672080.a4a1fbe-0ubuntu2

=============================

Commit Log for Mon Sep 28 16:48:01 2020

Upgraded the following packages:
base-files (20.0.0) to 20.0.1
cifs-utils (2:6.9-1) to 2:6.9-1ubuntu0.1
imagemagick (8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11) to 8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11.1
imagemagick-6-common (8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11) to 8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11.1
imagemagick-6.q16 (8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11) to 8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11.1
libimage-magick-perl (8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11) to 8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11.1
libimage-magick-q16-perl (8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11) to 8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11.1
libmagick+±6.q16-8 (8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11) to 8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11.1
libmagickcore-6.q16-6 (8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11) to 8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11.1
libmagickcore-6.q16-6-extra (8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11) to 8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11.1
libmagickwand-6.q16-6 (8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11) to 8:6.9.10.23+dfsg-2.1ubuntu11.1
libsane (1.0.29-0ubuntu5.1) to 1.0.29-0ubuntu5.2
libsane-common (1.0.29-0ubuntu5.1) to 1.0.29-0ubuntu5.2
libuv1 (1.34.2-1ubuntu1) to 1.34.2-1ubuntu1.1
sane-utils (1.0.29-0ubuntu5.1) to 1.0.29-0ubuntu5.2

==================================

Commit Log for Wed Sep 30 14:05:58 2020

*Upgraded the following packages:
gdb (9.1-0ubuntu1) to 9.2-0ubuntu1~20.04
gdbserver (9.1-0ubuntu1) to 9.2-0ubuntu1~20.04
skypeforlinux (8.64.0.81) to 8.65.0.76

11

Wow!

Talk about burying everyone in a pile of horse crap!

My screen ran out of ink reading all that!

12

To be honest, I’m afraid I didn’t really understand it.

13

Thanks for that Tedc …and I always thought you were a clever fellow!

It isn’t there to be read or understood. I don’t think anyone understands the exact nature of updates apart from those who develop and release them. All I try to do is demonstrate how Linux updates itself and show the extent of the updates. Surely useful if thinking of going to Linux to avoid updates.

14

I don’t see it as avoiding updates.
I see it as avoiding compulsory updates.

If Microsoft presented me with a selection of optional updates, for different aspects of my computer’s software, I’d be much happier.

Just one item which immediately springs to mind - Cortana.
Something I never want to use, yet something which I am not allowed to remove from my computer.

Microsoft are too dictatorial for their own good.

15

I’m put off contributing further JBR.

16

Why?

If people disagree with what I say, I don’t let it put me off.

I’m happy to discuss matters with those who disagree with me without falling out about it.

17

It’s not your opinion JBR. It took time and care to put the post together that was thought ‘horse crap!’

I shouldn’t have bothered if rudeness is thought OK.

18

That I can understand.

Many’s the time that I have gone to a great deal of trouble to provide subjects of what I regard as interest either for them to be ignored or even derided.

Such is life! :smiley:

19

Microsoft has learnt from past mistakes that the user cannot be trusted to update the operating system when requested to do so with the result being that computer viruses run rampant across the system. Now with Windows 10, software updates that Microsoft deem non critical, they allow the user to manually update their computer or if auto-update is enabled, Windows does it for them. What users cannot do is prevent updates that Microsoft deem very critical to maintaining the security of the users computer. The ONLY way to stop these type of updates to remove internet access from the computer.

20

As I said before, I am more than happy to regularly update my Windows virus protection and firewall as and when offered by Microsoft.

As long as my Windows installation continues to work, I don’t see any advantage in accepting other updates to the system. For what practical reason should I do that?