Windows 10 Version 1709 - Big problems - can I block this specific Windows Update?

[di_Sulmona]

This is my daughters's PC.  When this laptop was updated to Windows 10 Version 1709 (which tooK forever to download), my daughter'scomputer began to have serious problems.  It was starting up slower than a snail race JUST to get to the login page and when she did login it would take 3 to 5 minutes to actually reach the login screen.  Once she logged in, unfortunately most of the time it would just keep spinning for 10+ minutes and I (by this time my daughter asked for my help) needed to shut it down and try again.  Once we actualy did login, many of the Windows Programs (such as Control Panel) would freeze the computer and force me to shut down and try again.

I pressed F11 during startup but when I tried Refresh, Startup Repair and System Restore, each of them gave me Error Messages and indicated that there was a "File System Corruption onthe disk".  Fortunately , once I could actually login into the computer I was able to go into Settings >> Updates and Secutiry >> Update History >> Recovery Options >> Go back to preious version of Windows 10.  That "previous version" was Windows 10 Version 1709.  Once I did that her laptop worked fine.

So here's the problem.  For the last 6+ hours (no joke) her laptop has been downloading Version 1709.  My fear is that we will be dealing with the same damned problem that caused me to remove Version 1709 in the first place. 

ESTEEMED HP EXPERTS: Is there any way to prevent this Version from being installed?  If it is installed and we experience the same problem as before, what to we need to do to avoid a Sisyphean Tragedy?

Thank you very much!

[Photoray002]

Hello @di_Sulmona

The only way I know to block 1709, yet continue to recieve other updates is to use Windows Wushowhide tool.

Here are a couple of links to read up on for it.

https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-update/windows-10-fall-creators-update/...

For detailed instructions on using wushowhide, open the link below and scroll down to Wushowhide...

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3232632/microsoft-windows/how-to-block-windows-10-fall-creator...

Hope it helps.

[di_Sulmona]

Here is some more strangeness.

Yesterday, after 6.5 hours, Windows Version 1709 finaly downloaded to my daughter's PC.  I shut down the laptop clicking on "Update and Shut Down".  So, this morning I start up her PC and things seem a little slow but I was able to log in.  I went to the Update History and I saw two messages under "Features Update (2)":

"Feature update to Windows 10, version 1709

Requires a restart to finish installing"

"Feature update to Windows 10, version 1709

Requires a restart to finish installing"

Yes, the message was written twice.  So I rebooted.  Same situation.  So I went into "Fix problems with Windows Update" (in Control Panel), ran it as Administrator, and was told that the following two problems were fixed:

- Service registration is missing or corrupt

- Check for pending updates

So I rebooted.  And the Update History is telling me the same thing - 1709 has not finished installing.

Thoughts anyone?

[Photoray002 · Accepted solution]

No idea why that says that.

BTW you are plugged in to the AC cord during all this I assume (sorry, dumb question) so its not going to sleep to save power at any point.

If you really want the Fall CU now...

Only other "option" I can suggest can be somewhat lengthy as you would want to create a backup image of the previous working system first.

If you have an external USB drive, you can make a backup image using a third party tool like Aomei Backupper or Macrium.

Then do a clean install of Windows 10 with the FCU via the Media Creation Tool and a usb thumb drive.  Use the Download Tool Now button not Update now.

Yes you will have to reinstall any extra programs you have now and some of the drivers from the HP website.

If you do this option, during the new installation - do a custom install and manually delete all previous partitions first, then continue.

Best I can offer unless someone finds and reports a specific fix for your issue.

[di_Sulmona]

1709 Reloaded - better but still not good.

After I went back to the previous version of Windows, my daughter's laptop worked just fine.  As feared however Windows automatically downloaded version 1709.  Here's the results:

First Download of 1709:

1. Login either took very long (> 10 minutes) or would require forced shutdown and reboot.

2. Startup Repair& Refresh (using F11 at Startup) would not function.

3. Once the Laptop finally booted and was available, it operated very slowly.

4. Opening Control Panel would freeze the laptop.

5. Many apps would not open.

Solution: Settings >> Update & Security >> View installed update history >> Recovery options >> Go back to previous version of Windows 10

Second Download of 1709:

1. Login either took very long (> 10 minutes) or would require forced shutdown and reboot.

2. Startup Repair& Refresh (using F11 at Startup) would not function.

3. Once the Laptop finally booted and was available, it operated very slowly.

4. All apps worked, albeit slowly.

So, my question is what do I do?

Option A: Tell my daughter to live with what she has and pray that it either doesn't get worse or perhaps gets better?

Option B: Go back to previous version of Windows 10 (while I still can since this option will expire soon) and either:

 i. Tell my daughter to keep the internet off as much as possible so that she can hold off the inevitable 1709 download as long as possible;

ii. Bite the bullet, allow the 1709 download to happen and hope that the third time is the charm.

Esteemed experts: Your sage advice would be gratefully appreciated!!!

[Photoray002]

"First Download of 1709:"

I dont know what you mean. HOW are you installing? Are you doing a clean install with a USB drive as I mentioned above? Or are you still downloading and running the update the same way you did before?

This is why I mentioned to first go back to the previous version FIRST, then back up the image onto a USB external drive with a tool like Aomei or Macrium. Then wipe the drive and clean install.

You have not mentioned if you done any of this.

Startup Repair& Refresh (using F11 at Startup) would not function.

If you clean install, F11 will no longer function. This is normal becuase you did not use HP Recovery. Your USB installer replaces F11.

If you clean install with a USB drive and the Microsoft ISO, you need to install the drivers manually from the HP website.

You need to tell me what the full product number of your laptop is before I can point you to the page.

AFTER this, I would also have you download the UEFI Diagnostics tool and run it to check for any hardware issues.

AfterNote:

I assume you also did not create the HP Recovery Media prior to all of this.

If not, you can order a copy from HP for a small fee. This will also return the machine back to original factory settings and return the F11 functionality.