How to stop Windows Update from installing PREVIEW updates?

For some strange reason, my Windows Update is starting to download and install preview versions of updates. I don’t mind regular updates, but I have no interest in preview versions of updates. Is there a way to set Windows Update to only download and install updates that are done?

Conversation 3 comments

  • james.h.robinson

    Premium Member
    01 July, 2021 - 8:16 am

    <p>Are you part of the Insider Program? </p>

  • Greg Green

    01 July, 2021 - 9:55 am

    <p>I think manual is an option, but then you have to manually download the desirable updates.</p>

  • dftf

    01 July, 2021 - 12:17 pm

    <p>In my experience (on my main devices, which run Windows 10 21H1 stable; not Insider enrolled) if you go to <em>Windows Update </em>in <em>Settings</em>, sometimes it will install the "Cumulative Update Preview for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8 for Windows 10, version 21H1" previews without confirmation.</p><p><br></p><p>Not sure why, as it doesn’t do this for the <em>Windows </em>ones: right now I have "2021-06 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 10 Version 21H1 for x64-based Systems (KB5003690)" sitting waiting for me to choose to install it.</p><p><br></p><p>The only way to avoid the .NET previews would be to click the "Pause updates for 7 days", and remember to (1) do that again on the last day, to renew for another 7-day period (or go into Advanced, and you can go up-to 35 days from today for the pause-period) and (2) remember to unpause on Patch Tuesday so those updates do get installed. (Or you can manually download and install them from the <em>Microsoft Update Catalog</em>, though it can be tricky to always find the ones you’ll need.)</p>

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