How to control updates on Windows 10

Question

Windows 10 re-booted itself last night, presumably for an update, with no warning nor a request to do so.

I am really annoyed (again) by this behaviour which potentially causes data loss or corruption. There seems no way to set it up so it asks before installing/re-booting as we could with Windows 8 which is really annoying and frustrating. I have to say this is a major retrograde step from Windows 8 which at least treated me like an adult.

If I install Windows Server 2022 Essentials on my main PC then use it as a domain controller for my home network will I have control over updates? I would want to install them from one central point (presumably the server) at a time to suit me and only then.

Answer 1

Hello Jeff Gaines,

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

I understand your frustration with the automatic updates in Windows 10. Using Windows Server 2022 Essentials as a domain controller can indeed provide you more control over updates across your network. Here’s how it can work:

1.Windows Server Update Services (WSUS): You can install and configure WSUS on your Windows Server. WSUS allows you to manage the distribution of updates released through Microsoft Update to computers in your network. You can approve or decline updates for deployment, schedule the installation, and use synchronization to ensure all machines have the same update status.

2.Group Policy Management: As a domain controller, you can use Group Policy to manage update settings across your network. This includes setting policies for automatic update behavior, such as only notifying for download and install, instead of automatically installing updates.

Here’s a basic outline of how to get started:

1.Install WSUS on Windows Server 2022 Essentials:

• Open Server Manager, navigate to Manage -> Add Roles and Features.
• Select Windows Server Update Services and follow the wizard to complete the installation.

2.Configure WSUS:

• After the installation, open the WSUS console through Tools -> Windows Server Update Services in Server Manager.
• Follow the configuration steps, including selecting products and classifications of updates, and setting up synchronization.

3.Create and Link Group Policy for Updates:

• Open the Group Policy Management console (gpmc.msc).
• Create a new Group Policy Object (GPO) for update settings and link it to the desired Organizational Units (OUs).
• Configure the Windows Update settings under Computer Configuration -> Policies -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update.

4.Examples of configuring update settings:

• Configure Automatic Updates: Set to option 2 - Notify for download and notify for install.
• Specify Intranet Microsoft Update Service Location: Point to your WSUS server.

By following these steps, you should be able to manage updates centrally from your server and have greater control over when updates are installed on your network’s PCs.

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

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