Windows 10 Home: Prevent Updates for Non-MS Packages

[sheepcheetah]

Windows 10 Update was working fine initially, but recently it has started listing updates for non-Microsoft packages, such as:

HP Inc. - System - 1.66.3710.0
HP Inc. - SoftwareComponent - 1.69.3844.0
HP Inc. - Extension - 1.66.3710.0
There is no indication of what these updates are, and one of the HP updates even attempted to flash the BIOS. Thankfully, the HP loader restored the previous BIOS after the update failed, but the experience was alarming and could have potentially damaged the PC.

Now, I have these three packages listed as pending updates in Windows 10. I do not want Microsoft to apply these updates and wish to prevent them from being installed. How can I stop this from happening?

Thank you.

 

[bakalyuk]

Windows insists on downloading the three updates you have listed above and I am scared it might include an update to the BIOS. Did you find a work around?

 

[Grizzly]

You can hide these components through the WUshowhide app from Microsoft.

https://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f22d5fdb-59cd-4275-8c95-1be17bf70b21/wushowhide.diagcab

after starting that app, goto HIDE and checkmark the ones you do not want to install. Restart your computer after that and check your WU if these still appear.

 

[eimajourge]

If you want to prevent Windows 10 Home from updating third-party (non-Microsoft) software while still allowing essential Windows updates, here are some methods you can try:

1. Disable Driver Updates for Non-MS Software

Windows may update drivers from third-party vendors. To stop this:

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Hardware tab and click Device Installation Settings.
3. Select No (your device might not work as expected).
4. Click Save Changes.

2. Block Non-MS Updates via Group Policy (Windows 10 Pro Only)

Windows 10 Home does not have Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc), but you can try a registry tweak instead.

1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

pgsql

CopyEdit

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update

1. Find Do not include drivers with Windows Updates and set it to Enabled.

3. Block Non-MS Updates via Registry (For Windows 10 Home)

Since Home edition lacks Group Policy, you can use the Registry Editor instead:

1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to:

CopyEdit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

1. If the WindowsUpdate key doesn’t exist, create it.
2. Inside WindowsUpdate, right-click, select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it:

nginx

CopyEdit

ExcludeWUDriversInQualityUpdate

1. Double-click it and set the Value data to 1.
2. Restart your computer.

4. Use Metered Connection to Block Automatic Updates

This trick stops Windows from downloading updates, including third-party ones:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
2. Click on your connected network.
3. Scroll down and enable Set as metered connection.

This method is not foolproof, but it can help delay updates.

5. Use a Third-Party Update Manager

If Windows is still forcing non-MS updates, tools like WuMgr (Windows Update Manager) or StopUpdates10 can give you more control over updates.