Although Windows 8 It is not the most current version of the operating system of Microsoft, certainly, it is estimated as one of the most used today, after the most current version, that is, from W10. Therefore, there are many users who They keep looking for solutions to have a better experience on their PC with W8.
In this sense, it should be noted that this is an operating system that is characterized by its remarkable efficiency, as well as por its optimal level of customization and its high compatibility. However, in terms of updates, there is a contradictory point because some tend to reduce browsing speed, slow down the operation of the equipment or are unnecessary.
As a consequence, many people who employ Windows 8 prefer disable automatic operating system updates, in order to avoid all these inconveniences. Therefore, in this post, we will teach you how to disable Windows Update correctly and even the risks that this entails.
What are the risks of disabling operating system updates?
Despite the Automatic Updates of the recognized operating system Windows 8 reveal a series of truly important drawbacks, the truth is that they also provide some advantages with respect to the experience of using the equipment.
Since, with them, factory errors can be corrected, eliminate vulnerability to viruses or hackers and keep the OS fully updated. That is why, at disable updates operating system or Windows update, failing that; There are some risks that should be taken into account when carrying out this type of process in W8.
As a consequence, here we name the cons that exist when deciding to disable automatic updates in an OS:
- Lead to very unfortunate results that negatively influence the operation of the equipment. This usually happens when a user fails to deactivate correctly because they ignore certain steps.
- Gaps in terms of securityas the updates will not run automatically. Therefore, if you do not perform an update manually regarding the security programs, there are risks that a virus or cybercriminal can access the PC.
- For many users, it can be uncomfortable and even tedious, having to search for available updates, select which ones to install and which ones not, manually. Which, even, could reduce productivity when using the computer.
Learn step by step how to disable Windows Updates on your Windows 8 PC
Usually, Windows update refers to the module or network update of the operating system of Microsoft and it was included from Windows 98. In this way, it is the utility in charge of run any update automatically on the system. However, for the reasons mentioned above and despite the risks that exist, many users choose disable this operating system functionality to tailor the experience to your liking.
That is why, below, we present the main methods that can be used to carry out said deactivation correctly:
From the Control Panel
Usually, this method is used to disable W8 operating system updates that run automatically.
For which, you will have to perform the following step by step that we explain here:
- First of all, you have to open the side menu of the operating system and this you get it using the keyboard shortcut "Windows + Q".
- Then click Search and from there, proceed to enter the terms "Control Panel".
- Now, you must select the first result that they show you and then, click on "System and Security".
- Next, another window will open and in it, you have to look for the option that says "Windows Update" which is on the right, to click on it.
- In the settings window, it is time to press on "Enable or disable automatic update".
- Once this has been done, in the menu corresponding to the section "Important updates" and in it, you have to click on "Don't check for updates (not recommended)".
In this way, Windows 8 will stop supporting automatic updates. This, despite the fact that it is an option with which users run several risks (being infected by virus, be controlled by hackers, slow down the equipment, etc.).
From the Microsoft Update site
Although it is the least used alternative for deactivate automatic updates in PC with W8, is about another available method to accomplish this process.
In this case, the steps to follow are also very simple and deal with the following:
- To start, you have to enter the Microsoft Update site and from there, select the option that indicates "Change settings".
- After that, go to the bottom of the page in question and look for the box that says "Disable Microsoft Update software and allow me to use only Windows Update" To proceed, activate it with just one press on it.
- Subsequently, you have to click "Apply changes now".
- Once you do the above, you will receive the following message “Windows Automatic Updates will not be able to deliver updates from the Microsoft Update service. Are you sure you want to continue?" and to continue, you will have to click on "Yes".
When you complete this procedure from the Microsoft Update, you will have achieved disable automatic updates in Windows 8.
Via Windows Update Blocker
In addition to the above, you can also resort to a program that has the ability to disable automatic updates of Windows. Thus, it is about Windows Update Blocker which is very useful to prevent such updates from reaching you. Which, is available for W8, as well as for W7, W10, Windows Vista and Windows XP. Once you download this software, you will have to extract Windows Update Blocker to the location where you prefer to run it.
Then, in order to block automatic updates to Windows 8, it is only necessary check the box that says "Disable updates" in section Windows Updates Option and then press the button "Apply now" to save the changes made. That's it. It should be noted that this program features the ability to link with antivirus software, in order not to put the security of your PC at risk. Of course, as a temporary solution.