Microsoft really asking for it this time, as if their updates are all that good.
I tried different approaches and somehow Microsoft found a way back:
General knowledge: Updates are downloaded into Windows / Software Distribution / Downloads. Remove this folder.
Phase 1: If on Wi-Fi connection: turn on Metered On Mode. This "discourages" the Updates
Phase 2: Services > Windows Updates > Disable + Stop running > Recovery > First Failure > Take No Action. This is reactivated sometimes by Windows.
Phase 3:
- Hide with tool: http://download.microsoft.com/download/f/2/2/f22d5fdb-59cd-4275-8c95-1be17bf70b21/wushowhide.diagcab
Hide "Feature Update to Windows 10...." & "2018...Update for Windows..."
- Uninstall: Update for Windows 10, Windows 10 Update..., Windows Setup Remediations
- Remove folders in Windows folder => UpdateAssistant & UpdateAssistantV2
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\DisableOSUpgrade = 1 (DWORD)
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade\AllowOSUpgrade & ReservationsAllowed = 0
Of all the works above, the Updates seem to come back in different form.
Especially one with this form:
Important updates needed
After April 10, 2018, Microsoft will no longer support your version of Windows 10, and this PC won't receive official security updates.
These security updates help protect your personal data from harmful viruses, malware, spyware, and other malicious software. Microsoft recommends updating to the latest version of Windows 10 immediately.
Select Download updates to begin downloading and installing the new version of Windows 10. The update may be up to 6 GB, and may take a few hours to download depending on your internet speed and PC performance. Internet access fees may apply.
Download updates (and) I need help (buttons)
Not right now (button)
The only solution I can think of now is, find a time, use the Media Tool to do a complete Update. This supposedly reboots the computer a few times, and a user needs to be present at the station to click "Next" & "Use Express Settings" before remote in is possible.
Ref:
https://www.kapilarya.com/how-to-block-feature-updates-in-windows-10
https://www.askvg.com/how-to-remove-get-windows-10-app-and-its-icon-from-taskbar/