How To: Turn off Annoying Windows Security Update Messages

How To: Turn off Windows Security Update messages.

You know the ones I mean, the pale yellow balloons in the lower right corner of your screen that are constantly telling you your anti-virus software is not working - but you are certain your anti-virus is working just fine.  Warning, you may be the victim of a Trojan called "fakeavalert" in one of its many forms.  More than likely, the pop-ups are appearing merely because you are using an Anti-Virus product that has not paid a fee to be endorsed ("certified") by Microsoft.

Note: Windows UPDATES should not be confused with UPGRADES.  Microsoft has proven itself to be less than truthful about the purpose of "updates" and has been known to install malware, such as the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) pop-ups.  Generally, if you are using a somewhat less-than-legal version of Windows, you do NOT need or require any Microsoft Windows updates and they should be avoided.

These instructions are only for those who are certain that the popups are not being caused by a virus infection, and who simply want to stop the annoying Windows Security Update messages.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Go to control panel.  There are many ways to do this, I cannot cover them all, there are plenty of instructions on-line how to get to control panel. If possible, display the "classic view" in control panel.

2. Locate the Security Center icon.  Do not use the Automatic Updates icon, as it has no adjustable settings.

3. Double-click on the Security Center icon to open "Windows Security Center".

4. Read down the left-hand navigation panel, usually to the bottom and locate "Change the way Security Center alerts me."  Find the hot spot and click on that sentence. The "Alert Settings" window will open .

5. UNCHECK all the boxes EXCEPT Firewall.  You definitely want to leave the Firewall warning in place unless you have a very good reason otherwise.

6. Click OK to close the window and apply the new settings.  Close ("red-X") the Security Center.

You are done.  Be aware that various Windows configurations can and will reset these check boxes, so you may find you periodically have to go back and repeat the above steps.  Admittedly, this is not the most technical posting, but since nobody else has taken upon themselves to help over this matter, this is my contribution.  The misspelling of Microsoft is intentional.

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Disclaimer: veryatlantic™ is a non-technical source for advice and entertainment and is not responsible for any damages under any theory. All posts sacrifice technical accuracy for user-friendliness. If unsure, get help. Please feedback any errors for correction.

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