Experiment interrupted by Windows Update on Windows 10 PC

Tech Note: TN0964
Product: OpenEx, Synapse
Version: All
Date Added: 2015-09-09

Issue

Long or overnight experiments might be interrupted by Windows Update on PCs running Windows 10.

Workaround

In Windows 10, non-enterprise editions, Windows Update is set to automatic updates by default and the only way to inhibit updates is to disable the service.

Important

If you use this workaround, you will need to return to the Services regularly and turn it on to update your copy of Windows. To be able to install the newest updates, you must install each available update in turn, from oldest to newest. When your computer has no more updates to install, remember to turn off the Windows Update service again.

We don't recommend disabling automatic Windows Update in Windows 10 unless you are making long/overnight recordings or are experiencing problems with automatic updates.

To turn off Windows Updates:

1. Right-click the Windows Start icon on the desktop.

   

2. Click Control Panel.

   

3. Click Administrative Tools.

   

4. Click Services.

   

5. In the Services window, scroll down then right-click the Windows Update process and click Properties.

6. Next to Startup type, select Disabled.

   

7. Click OK.

Group Policy

If your Windows 10 computer uses a Group Policy, you can also change some settings using the Group Policy Editor. Run gpedit and navigate to the following policy setting:

1. Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components > Windows Update.

2. On the right side, double-click Configure Automatic Updates and change its setting to suit your requirements.