Comments on: Disable or Hide Optional Updates on Windows Vista

By: Tim!

Tim! — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:02:14 +0000

On Windows 7 you can select the first language pack then shift-click the last language pack to select them all. When you right-click, the Hide Updates context menu option applies to all the selected items.

Don’t know if Vista allows you to select multiple updates in this way, but it probably does — it’s a pretty standard UI feature when Windows displays a list.

By: Ann

Ann — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 18:49:04 +0000

I am having issues with Windows Vista updates as well. I have had my new HP notebook since Feb and after the first month whenever I install the updates it will be fine for a day or two and then on the next start up I get the lovely blue screen telling me Windows has shut down to prevent damage…oh goodie…back to the safe mode and system restore. I am in contact with HP and have disabled automatic updates but am now afraid to do manual updates (my ESET virus protection wants me to). From what I am reading here Vista just plain sucks? Is this the consensus? Is there nothing to be done? I am only slightly above beginner when it comes to tech savvy so…auuuggghhhh!!!!!

By: GU// Critical

GU// Critical — Sat, 16 May 2009 01:31:18 +0000

HOW TO STOP THIS UPDATES???!!!! THEY’RE ALWAYS DECREASING MY MEMORY ALMOST 6GB?

By: Paul

Paul — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:49:06 +0000

You disabled Windows Update, or Automatic Updates?

Windows Update doesn’t do anything on its own, it is a totally manual process; Automatic Updates does. If you have gone into the Control Panel for Automatic Updates and turned it completely off, there should be nothing updating whatsoever (you should then do manual updates with Windows Update).

Without any more information provided, there’s not much else I can recommend other than checking that Automatic Updates is disabled, or at least set to only notify you of available updates.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 12 May 2009 13:38:07 +0000

Dave, I am having exactly the same problem and have found no resolution. Once a week my machine starts downloading and installing all of the language packs on it’s own. I have disabled Windows Update but am at a loss for other things to try.

By: Paul

Paul — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:44:29 +0000

That’s easy, I wish it were as easy to remove them, but the right-click+H thing is better than the alternative.

Just go into Windows Update and choose Restore Hidden Updates, works on any version of XP, Vista or 7.

If you are referring to the BETA software updates, you have to turn on beta in the settings.

If you want to see something really funny, go to Windows Help and Support from Windows Update, type beta and hit enter. The first entry is “Activate Windows on this computer”

By: Ted

Ted — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:13:47 +0000

Thanks for the help. It worked perfectly for my Vista Ultimate edition.

By: lostinlodos

lostinlodos — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 19:41:35 +0000

Now, if only someone will tell us how to go the OTHER way and show all the optional updates that used to show up in Microsoft Update under XP
Windows Update and Microsoft Update under Vista only gives you (overtly) the option to see High Priority and Recommended updates. There is no longer an Optional option. I, personally, want some of those updates. Where has the Optional option gone to? Having to download updates (for .Net, drivers, betas, et al) manually is a pain.

By: Dave

Dave — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:35:54 +0000

I’m having a problem where UPDATE is forcing the language packs to install even after I’ve hid them, and uninstalled them, they keep re-installing themselves.

MAKE IT STOP!!!!!

ADVICE?

By: Minhal

Minhal — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:57:13 +0000

Thanks. And yes Terry it takes it took me around 20-30 second to hide my 37 language pacts so it shouldn’t be much of a problem.