Q: I had a Microsoft automatic update about a week ago and since that time I was not allowed to remain signed in to my email accounts. Even with the “stay signed in” box checked it would not stay signed in. I followed your instructions and reverted back to the previous level and the problem went away. So now my question is: How to I keep the automatic update from installing again? Or is there a way to override it. — Bob Marttila
Tech+ You should only turn off automatic updates if you are confident that you will maintain Windows and check for updates manually. Otherwise, you may miss important security fixes.
But of course, there is sometimes an update that is not quite ready for public use, so Microsoft has added a newish feature: Defer upgrades. You’ll still get the security fixes but the other software updates — such as the recent Windows 10 Fall Creators Update — will be delayed a few months.
To turn off automatic updates:
- In Windows search bar, search for “Update & Security.”
- Select “Windows Update”
- Select “Advanced Options”
- A new window opens and look for “Choose how updates are installed.”
- Make your selection. The “Defer upgrades” should be an option.
There is a second way to disable automatic updates — but you won’t get the “Defer upgrades” option:
- Type “Services” in the Windows search bar (it’s also found by going to the Control Panel, then Administrative Tools and then Services).
- In the Services window, scroll down until you find “Windows Update.” Double click.
- In the area to select “Startup type,” select “Disabled.”
Hopefully it won’t come to this.
As for email programs forgetting logins and passwords, some of the top fixes out there (assuming you’ve tried checking the “stay signed in” box) are these:
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- For web-based email: Clear the browser’s memory so it can start fresh.
- Your browser may be set to delete cookies on exit, which means your web email service doesn’t recognize you when you return.
- Try a different browser to see if it still can’t remember your password. If the problem goes away, your regular browser may just need an update.
- Search for your own issue by typing in the email service you use and “won’t stay signed in.” Share what works with the rest of us.
- For Outlook on a PC, Microsoft says you could have a corrupted Outlook profile or a conflict with other software or antivirus software. Fix this by creating a new Outlook profile. The steps are available on Microsoft’s site: dpo.st/outlooklogin
And if you’re having a problem signing in to your Microsoft account, the company offers a slew of tips at dpo.st/signinproblem
By the way, I’m still getting messages from readers on how they fixed the issue, and I’m posting updates on the bottom of last week’s question here: dpo.st/2zhgOZ0.
Happy New Year everyone!
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