Here is an example of Linux Mint Cinnamon 19.1 update manager. On each item a right-click allows one to ignore all updates from this item. None of these updates are 'forced' on the user.
Good Hunting... from Varmint Al
Posted on 07/11/2019 8:39:22 PM PDT by dayglored
This month's Security-only update package for Windows 7 includes an unexpected compatibility/telemetry component that has some skeptical users up in arms.
As expected, Windows Update dropped off several packages of security and reliability fixes for Windows 7 earlier this week, part of the normal Patch Tuesday delivery cycle for every version of Windows. But some hawk-eyed observers noted a surprise in one of those Windows 7 packages.
Under Microsoft's rules, what it calls "Security-only updates" are supposed to include, well, only security updates, not quality fixes or diagnostic tools. Nearly three years ago, Microsoft split its monthly update packages for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 into two distinct offerings: a monthly rollup of updates and fixes and, for those who are want only those patches that are absolutely essential, a Security-only update package.
What was surprising about this month's Security-only update, formally titled the "July 9, 2019—KB4507456 (Security-only update)," is that it bundled the Compatibility Appraiser, KB2952664, which is designed to identify issues that could prevent a Windows 7 PC from updating to Windows 10.
Among the fierce corps of Windows Update skeptics, the Compatibility Appraiser tool is to be shunned aggressively. The concern is that these components are being used to prepare for another round of forced updates or to spy on individual PCs. The word telemetry appears in at least one file, and for some observers it's a short step from seemingly innocuous data collection to outright spyware.
[Lots more at the link: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-stirs-suspicions-by-adding-telemetry-files-to-security-only-update/]
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This is why I shut off updates on my Win7 machine years ago.
If any of their updates in the time since were necessary for anything, I haven’t noticed.
” Die hard Win 7 user here. I have all MSFT updates turned off.”
I do too on both my HP and Dell desktops . No problems !
before my win7 died, one time even with everything turned off, MS forced an update,
I had to turn the computer upside down and pop the battery.
Slightly off topic, but in regards to the MS “malicious software removal tool”...
The log file it creates indicates that a “heartbeat report” has been sent back to the mothership.
Should that be of concern?
You have an expensive CAD program that isn't Win-10 compatible? Too bad, your computer is compatible, therefore you get Win-10...
Nahh, they’ll be updating your heart shortly.
It will be cloud based with an annual fee, fail to pay the fee and you get wings and a harp...
Later
My computer says it cannot find it. Can I be sure it is there. Where?
Never mind. I found it and deleted it. Thank you for telling us which one to delete. I appreciate all the computer information I read on FR.
I run ubuntu but as dual boot with win7. Once I got a look at win 8, I said screw that. Looks like it was designed for children. I have updates turned off and wifi not configured so that they can’t even connect to the internet. I do all my surfing on ubuntu.
Win 7 seems to run very smoothly this way.
How did you do the search?
My usual CTRL-F doesn’t work on that massive Win Updates list.
Good Hunting... from Varmint Al
Control Panel / Programs and Features / View Installed Updates
Then scroll down listing for Microsoft Updates and look through that list for the KB #.
Which is?
Thanks for the ping.
My update lists the security update as KB4507420 and doesn’t show that it’s bundled with the Compatibility Appraiser, KB2952664.
is there a way to block or uninstall this update?
I do too, I get a lot of info here.
Precisely why I changed to Linux Mint for all use with the exception of needing Windows to play one game I subscribe to. I bit the bullet, pulled the hard drive, bought 2 240gig SSD's installed Linux on one and Windows on the other. The linux SSD is formatted to ext4 that windows cannot even see.
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