Updates to any software are critical to mitigate security risks, but things can get annoying with auto-updates as one can figure out from popularity of our article on how to disable Adobe updater. As now confirmed by Microsoft, the Windows 10 Home Edition would not have any configuration for user to disable automatic updates to the operating system. As per the official line the EULA (user agreement) of the new Windows OS says:
“The software periodically checks for system and app updates, and downloads and installs them for you. You may obtain updates only from Microsoft or authorized sources, and Microsoft may need to update your system to provide you with those updates. By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice.”
This seems a very good step to ensure security of the computer but flip-side to the story is the fact that these are not limited to ONLY security updates but anything Microsoft decides to have on your computer like the recent popup advertising the upgrade to Windows 10. Another issue considering the automated nature of these downloads is the fact that many times a user's PC is connected via a limited bandwidth, high-cost internet connection like 4G which could result in unnecessary data charges for something which could be allowed to be postponed or scheduled for another time to achieve cost effective downloading over a unlimited bandwidth connection later.
Microsoft provides Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) for system administrators allowing them to locally manage and distribute Microsoft hotfixes and updates released through automatic updates to computers in a corporate environment easily, free third-party utility WSUS Offline Update makes use of WSUS enabling everybody to download and create custom automated installers to update computers offline with ease.