Disable Microsoft Automatic Updates

[abstibus]

Can I assume it is safe to do this? I have Windows 7 and find it a pain. If it's safe, how do I do it?
Many thanks.

[EDDIE51]

Don't do it you will miss important security updates and leave your computer vulnrable .

[Old_Geezer]

Depends on what you mean by safe. You PC is no more vulnerable the moment you click the tick box, but as soon as you miss the first update your PC is more at risk than all those that had the Windows bug fix.

I don't have mine on automatic update as it gives MS carte blanche to go rebooting my PC when I'm not there, but I have mine on 'inform me' so I can ok things.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-GB/windows7/Change-how-Windows-installs-or-notifies-you-about-updates

[abstibus]

Thanks, O_G. That link is really helpful.

[rojash]

"You PC is no more vulnerable the moment you click the tick box"

I know that seems obvious, but in fact it's not quite true. When a security vulnerability is detected and a patch issued, the nature of the vulnerability generally enters the public domain. This means that machines that don't have the patch are more vulnerable than they were previously, simply because the knowledge on how to compromise them is now more widespread.

Like OG, I have my machine set to always notify me, but let me choose which updates to apply, and when.

[abstibus]

Can I ask another question? Let's say I set the update for Monday night, what setting do I leave the lappy at? If I use 'hibernate' will it update automatically at the set time?
Thanks

[abstibus]

Sorry - being silly. It's in OG's link. Hang head.

[Buenchico]

The vast majority of Microsoft Security updates simply aren't relevant to most people. For example, they'll update Internet Explorer (which many people don't use anyway) or provide fixes for problems which only occur on server-based systems. I've disabled them onm this computer but I'll run an occasional scan of my system with Belarc Advisor to see what's listed as 'critical' and then choose what to update manually.

[abstibus]

Chris
What is Belarc Advisor?
I had some problems with the lappy and the work tecchie re-installed Windows 7 for me.
This morning when I booted it, I got the message 'Windows failed to activate' and something about DNS, but it seems to be working OK but a bit slowly.
Now I am totally confused!!!
I have McAfee (installed by tecchie) and MSE, so I wonder if you could reassure me/give me any advice? Tecchie said McA is part of the work package, but that he didn't think much of it.
Many thanks

[Buenchico]

Belarc Advisor is a free program which analyses what's in, and on, your computer. It's mainly used to identify the physical components inside the case (so that, for example, new drivers can be identified or the correct type of additional memory can be purchased if required) but it also tells you (near the bottom of the report) about any important updates that are missing. (It provides links if you want to manually install those updates):
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html

I can think of few better ways of slowing a computer down than having two anti-virus programs on it! Get rid of MacAfee!
http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=TS101331

[abstibus]

Chris
Thank you again.
Will disable McAfee as you recommend and save the Belarc link you sent.
Please don't sigh in exaperation if I ask you if I need to have Malwarebytes also, or is that OTT?
Muchias gracias

[Buenchico]

The FULL version of Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware (Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware Pro, either paid for or in the free TRIAL version) 'runs in the background', so there's a possibility that it might conflict with other security programs such as MSE which are trying to do the same tasks. I would advise against having that version running at the same time as MSE.

The (wholly) FREE version of Malwarebyte's Anti-Malware only functions when you actually run it (i.e. it's 'run on demand'). That means that it can't conflict with programs such as MSE. So I'd advise keeping it on your PC (but remembering to actually run it occasionally, as it's entirely useless if you don't!).

[abstibus]

Chris, you're a star.
I'll instal the free version - will have a look for the link that I'm sure you're tired of supplying to idiots like me.
But if you don't mind...?
Go raibh mile maith agat!

[Buenchico]

Click here for the download, Anne:
http://downloads.malwarebytes.org/mbam-download.php

As usual, once you've downloaded the file, you need to double-click on it to run the installation. Now here's the important bit:
You DO want the entirely free version of the program. You do NOT want the free trial of the 'Pro' version (which is time-limited and then prompts you to pay). When you get to this screen
http://static.malwaretips.com/blogs/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/malwarebytes-installation.jpg
you'll find that all three boxes are ticked by default. Click to REMOVE THE TOP TICK before proceeding!

Chris

[abstibus]

Chris
I've done it - removed McAfee and installed the free Malwarebytes. I feel as if I have jumped off a very high cliff!
Thanks very, very much for your time and help.

[Old_Geezer]

I have Belarc Advisor also, but I think you would need to wish to be quite "hands on" to schedule regular checks and update downloads. Unsure that would suit most users.

[Baron Man]

How I agree with a few peope. Please get rid of McAfee. Don't use it. It's very heavy on resources, consequently slowing down your computer's speed. If you do delete McAfee you'll also need to download a McAfee removal tool (free). Make sure that you've downloaded another anti-virus programme first. I THINK ESET has a free edition, or there's AVG or Zone Alarm. Both of these have free editions.
I have ESET but I paid for my version. I've known them for many years and I know of nothing better.