Sharing Microsoft PC updates

Rich

Rich

Member
Location
Florida
I wasn't aware that MS can use your computer to deliver updates to other people or use other's computers to deliver updates to your computer. Perhaps this is why some updates download quite quickly while others seem to go on for far too long. Here's an excerpt from the article I read about this and instructions on how to stop this behavior if you choose to do so:
By default, Microsoft configures Windows to receive Windows Update files not only from Microsoft’s own servers, but also from other Windows PCs located around the Internet.
Here's how to stop this and receive al updates direct from MS:

Windows 11:
1 – Right-click the Start button and select Settings from the menu.
2 - In the left-hand pane, click Windows Update.
3 - In the right-hand pane, click Advanced options.
4 - Click Delivery optimization.
5 - Toggle the “Allow downloads from other PCs” setting to Off.

Windows 10:
1 – Right-click the Start button and select Settings from the menu.
2 – Click Update & Security.
3 – Click the Delivery Optimization link in the left-hand column.
4 – Toggle the “Allow downloads from other PCs” setting to Off.

That’s all there is to it. From now on ALL of your Windows Update files will come directly from Microsoft and your PC will NOT send any update files to other computers.
 

Rich said:
I wasn't aware that MS can use your computer to deliver updates to other people or use other's computers to deliver updates to your computer. Perhaps this is why some updates download quite quickly while others seem to go on for far too long. Here's an excerpt from the article I read about this and instructions on how to stop this behavior if you choose to do so:
By default, Microsoft configures Windows to receive Windows Update files not only from Microsoft’s own servers, but also from other Windows PCs located around the Internet.
Here's how to stop this and receive al updates direct from MS:

Windows 11:
1 – Right-click the Start button and select Settings from the menu.
2 - In the left-hand pane, click Windows Update.
3 - In the right-hand pane, click Advanced options.
4 - Click Delivery optimization.
5 - Toggle the “Allow downloads from other PCs” setting to Off.

Windows 10:
1 – Right-click the Start button and select Settings from the menu.
2 – Click Update & Security.
3 – Click the Delivery Optimization link in the left-hand column.
4 – Toggle the “Allow downloads from other PCs” setting to Off.

That’s all there is to it. From now on ALL of your Windows Update files will come directly from Microsoft and your PC will NOT send any update files to other computers.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your informative thread. I had Vista as my first laptop. Then I switched to a chromebook. It was such a relief. Grew to hate MS for its update methods to Vista which often interrupted a working session and completely took control of my computer. When MS 10 came out I bought another MS laptop. But, eventually, especially after Windows 11 came out, 10's updating method grew long and tedious as well. So, I've given up on MS and am now a dedicated user of chromebook. Anything I use an MS computer for I can do much easier and faster on a chromebook. I am convinced MS is not in my future.
 
Rich said:
By default, Microsoft configures Windows to receive Windows Update files not only from Microsoft’s own servers, but also from other Windows PCs located around the Internet.
Click to expand...
I doubted this at first, but followed the instructions and there it is. My computer isn't networked with any others (the default setting), but I nevertheless clicked it to off.

Thank you for the info.
 

Whenever I turned any of that stuff off on my Dell, the MS would just override it and do it anyway. So good luck to ya.
 
I'd read that years ago, and switched it off on both our computers so that we download ONLY from Microsoft.

Not connected to a network? By that, they mean "the internet".
 
I have disabled Microsft Updates so don`t get ANY, it has always yes always been a pain, what worked yesterday before updates often now does not ! It will often change several things on your PC without permission. And then when researching your problem, more than likely the answer is to remove Windows Update "OPIT254l9" or whatever. Probably the only thing worth having is Defender updates, but I turn that off also, too many false positives. For virus protection, I use Total AV (Paid Version) excellent.
 
kburra said:
I have disabled Microsft Updates so don`t get ANY, it has always yes always been a pain, what worked yesterday before updates often now does not ! It will often change several things on your PC without permission. And then when researching your problem, more than likely the answer is to remove Windows Update "OPIT254l9" or whatever. Probably the only thing worth having is Defender updates, but I turn that off also, too many false positives. For virus protection, I use Total AV (Paid Version) excellent.
Click to expand...
I don't disagree. One of the most recent updates completely jacked up my File Explorer. I use Bitdefender and also keep Windows Defender turned off.
 
Devi said:
I'd read that years ago, and switched it off on both our computers so that we download ONLY from Microsoft.

Not connected to a network? By that, they mean "the internet".
Click to expand...
My main Windows 10 desktop computer is updated regularly and automatically. I only turn on my old Windows 7 desktop a few times a year. It contains programs whose versions aren't compatible with W10, but are still occasionally useful for business purposes. I'm not about to purchase the newer versions of those programs, having already bought them at least once already.

I put in a fake wifi PW for my W7 computer and keep it on airplane mode so there's no chance of automatic updating from any program sneaking through.

I move info back and forth between the 7 and the 10 using a flash drive stick. Yes, it's a bit of a hassle, but it's not a huge deal.
 
It seems I was able to correct my file explorer issue. To recap, every folder and subfolder would default to listing by time. No matter which method I used to set them the way I like, they would default back to "by time". I was used to my folders and files being organized by name or date modified. I downloaded "WinSetView" and using this program I was able to reset the file explorer defaults. Nice.
 
Robb.hisself said:
Thank you for your informative thread. I had Vista as my first laptop. Then I switched to a chromebook. It was such a relief. Grew to hate MS for its update methods to Vista which often interrupted a working session and completely took control of my computer. When MS 10 came out I bought another MS laptop. But, eventually, especially after Windows 11 came out, 10's updating method grew long and tedious as well. So, I've given up on MS and am now a dedicated user of chromebook. Anything I use an MS computer for I can do much easier and faster on a chromebook. I am convinced MS is not in my future.
Click to expand...
Thanks for your insight on chromebook. Been waffling with whether or not to pull the plug on MS and transition wholly to GooleOS.

Have a Dell chromebook, but continue to rely heavily on my Dell/MS desktop. Hesitate to make the change. But now with MS/AI/Copilot upgrade coming like it or not am re-looking a global change over. Of course, Google is implementing its own AI so guess there is no escaping it. At least not with the minimal PC skills I possess.
 
A Chromebook is nothing more than an Android (Linux) tablet with a keyboard that's completely controlled by Google. If you have a gmail account you can do a factory reset with a key combination to restore the Chromebook (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r).
 
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Roadwarrior said:
A Chromebook is nothing more than an Android (Linux) tablet with a keyboard that's completely controlled by Google. If you have a gmail account you can do a factory reset with a key combination to restore the Chromebook (Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r).
Click to expand...
Thank you Roadwarrior. Thanks for the tip. What I'd like to know is how to convert my Windows 10 computer into a chromebook. I read that it can be done. Just not sure how to do it. Most importantly, would the conversion have the hated end date that all chromebooks have so I wouldn't have to buy another one. Otherwise there'd really not be much point since my current chromebook has until '25 as its end date.
 
Robb.hisself said:
Thank you Roadwarrior. Thanks for the tip. What I'd like to know is how to convert my Windows 10 computer into a chromebook. I read that it can be done. Just not sure how to do it. Most importantly, would the conversion have the hated end date that all chromebooks have so I wouldn't have to buy another one. Otherwise there'd really not be much point since my current chromebook has until '25 as its end date.
Click to expand...
The Chrome operating system is a type of Linux based distribution, so converting from windows on a PC is quite doable. All my machines run Linux of various types, I love the freedom.
 
Robb.hisself said:
Thank you Roadwarrior. Thanks for the tip. What I'd like to know is how to convert my Windows 10 computer into a chromebook. I read that it can be done. Just not sure how to do it. Most importantly, would the conversion have the hated end date that all chromebooks have so I wouldn't have to buy another one. Otherwise there'd really not be much point since my current chromebook has until '25 as its end date.
Click to expand...
You want my honest opinion. I use Linux exclusively & have since the late 90's early 21st century. I personally like Manjaro Plasma, rolling release. I would convert the Win10 over to a Linux unit. I was looking for the best live median distros & happened on Linux Lite. Has everything I needed but it's hard to replace my Plasma distro (very comfortable with it). Linux Lite is geared for simplicity and coming from a Windows environment should be easy or so their hype says.

I am one of the worst distro hoppers around & have kept the Plasma installed longer than most. By doing that you are avoiding the limited time support you mentioned with the Chromebook. A good site for info is www.distrowatch.com & you won't have to purchase any gear. The point being it's all 'Free' & well supported, with good forum help. In fact I was playing around downloading distros, converting them to a USB drive in bootable format just yesterday then deleting all because I'm happy with the Plasma. Listen to @Nathan he's the goto guy for help.
 
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Robb.hisself said:
Yes. But how?
Click to expand...
First, back up your data in the manner you usually do, external drive or USB stick. Then choose a Linux "distro" that you want,download the .ISO file to your computer.
Use a program such as Rufus or Ventoy to "burn" the ISO to a USB drive. You then boot your computer(boot menu typically F 11 or F12 at startup) to the USB drive. There will be an installer that will guide you through the procedure. If you have more than one hard drive in the machine, take note of it's identity so that you choose the one you desire, for the installation.
 
Roadwarrior said:
You want my honest opinion. I use Linux exclusively & have since the late 90's early 21st century. I personally like Manjaro Plasma, rolling release. I would convert the Win10 over to a Linux unit. I was looking for the best live median distros & happened on Linux Lite. Has everything I needed but it's hard to replace my Plasma distro (very comfortable with it). Linux Lite is geared for simplicity and coming from a Windows environment should be easy or so their hype says.

I am one of the worst distro hoppers around & have kept the Plasma installed longer than most. By doing that you are avoiding the limited time support you mentioned with the Chromebook. A good site for info is www.distrowatch.com & you won't have to purchase any gear. The point being it's all 'Free' & well supported, with good forum help. In fact I was playing around downloading distros, converting them to a USB drive in bootable format just yesterday then deleting all because I'm happy with the Plasma. Listen to @Nathan he's the goto guy for help.
Click to expand...
I like Manjaro, right now though this machine I'm on is running EndeavourOS, with the Mate desktop environment, in dual boot with Debian 12, which is smooth as warm butter, but not a rolling release like the Arch Linux based derivatives.
 
MarciKS said:
actually enjoying my chromebook far more than i expected to
Click to expand...
Lesson learned, I had been support for one of our female neighbors since early 2011. She is now 90 & have helped her many, many times. But when they went to the different login routines recently, it was beyond her & I thought a Chromebook might be the answer. Nope.
 

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