How to stop secret Microsoft's background downloads?

See options for managing how and when Windows Updates are installed.

Option 1:

Set your Internet connection as metered:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/manage-windows-10-data-usage/

Option 2:

Use Active Hours and Restart options:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/managing-windows-update-behavior-using-active-hours-and-restart-options/

Option 3: 

Use Show/Hide Updates tool to block the update:

Is there an option or work around to block updates or hardware drivers that might cause problems?

Yes, Microsoft has released a KB update (KB3073930) that will let users block or hide Windows or driver updates.

You can download it at the following link:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/defer-block-uninstall-windows-10-updates/Option 4:

Press Windows key + R

Type: services.msc

Hit Enter

Scroll down to Windows Update

Select it then right click it

Click Properties

Under the General tab, choose Startup type to DIsabled

Click Stop

Click Apply then OK

Option 5:

Before carrying out this procedure, disconnect from the Internet. That means turning off Wi-Fi and disconnecting from a wired connection. If you don't, Windows 10 will indicate some files are in use and cannot be modified or the command will be non-responsive. Also, you should restart your computer after disconnecting from the Internet. The easiest way to do it is to enable Airplane mode from the Action Center - Windows key + A.

Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer and the Windows Update Services. To do this, type the following commands at a command prompt. Press the “ENTER” key after you type each command.

                           net stop wuauserv

                           net stop cryptSvc

                           net stop bits

                           net stop msiserver 

Option 6:

Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro which can pause updates for up to 35 days or block them for a year.

Open Start > Settings > Update & security > Activation

Click the link ‘Go to the store to upgrade or enter a product key’

Click the $99 button to make your purchase (the price might vary by region or depending on the edition you are upgrading from or upgrading to).

Follow the on screen instructions to make your purchase.

Within 5 to 10 minutes, your system will be upgraded to Windows 10 Pro, your personal files, apps and settings preserved. 

You won’t get a product key, you get a digital license, which is attached to your Microsoft Account used to make the purchase. 

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/defer-block-uninstall-windows-10-updates/

Thanks for useful replies I'll mess around with settings.

It doesn't.

Hi Jani,

Let's take care of your concern. Please visit the article Schedule or pause updates in Windows 10 for steps on how you can set or pause Windows 10 updates for a more convenient time. There's also a link included on the same article on how you can set active hours. This is to set Windows 10 updates and restarts when you're not using your PC/Device.

Looking forward to your response.