Is there a way to permanently disable updates of all Google software?

Question

Is there a way to stop updating Google Chrome, Picasa, Google Desktop, Sketchup - all Google products?

@Sathya: I can think of two scenarios: 1. A slow internet connection. A couple of years ago, automatic updates would render my internet connection unusable. 2. Problems with the latest version. I never had that problem with Google, but Adobe is another story... — Dennis, Dec 27 '12 at 14:00
@Sathya: There's an old saying, you may have heard it: "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" — Adrian Pronk, Jan 01 '13 at 10:04
@AdrianPronk doesn't apply because you don't know what's broken or how bad. — Sathyajith Bhat, Jan 01 '13 at 11:35

score 12 · Accepted Answer · answered Dec 27 '12 at 13:33

12

Yes, there is.

Steps:

Press Win + R and execute regedit.
Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Google\Update.
Add/modify the DWORD DisableAutoUpdateChecksCheckboxValue and set it to 1.

(Source: How to Customize or Disable Google Update)

Make sure you update at least Chrome periodically to fix vulnerabilities.

answered Dec 27 '12 at 13:33

Dennis

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Does Other Software Giants Like Yahoo , Microsoft or Other use the same thing for updating??? means they are using registries to check out update or not... – vishal sharma Dec 27 '12 at 13:38
Microsoft probably does (they store *everything* in the registry), but it's easier to modify the updating behavior from the Control Panel. As far as I know, the only way to "disable" Yahoo!'s updates is to remove/rename `yupdater.exe`. – Dennis Dec 27 '12 at 13:43
why they are not providing GUI Based something ... like in firefox only when we click "Check For Updates" then only it will check.. – vishal sharma Dec 27 '12 at 13:46
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You'll have to ask them. I suppose it's because they *don't want you* to disable the automatic updates. Periodic updates are necessary to keep the system secure, and most people can't be trusted with manual updates. – Dennis Dec 27 '12 at 13:51

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Dec 27 '12 at 13:33

3

You can disable the check for updates in task scheduler.

You could find out what up or a record the updates are done via and block them in your hosts file.

answered Dec 27 '12 at 13:33

Dave

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this is actually a LOT simpler and avoids messing with the registry. +1 – Lorenzo Von Matterhorn Dec 27 '12 at 16:33
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I remember doing this a long time ago, and if my memory serves me, this method didn't work very well. Every time you install a new Google product (and maybe every time you run a Google product), the task will be reenabled. – Phil Dec 27 '12 at 17:13

LeMontréalais · Answer 3 · 2013-10-17T13:13:53.080

Alternatively you can install and use the Chrome versions that do not have an automatic update feature like Chrome Canary and Chromium.

The difference between the two to update the build:

With Canary, you have to click on the "Customized and control Google Chrome" button (it's the button with 3 dark horizontal bars at the top-right of the browser) then click on "About Google Chrome".
With Chromium, you must actually download and install the update build. -

Please note that both Canary and Chromium are designed for early-adopter and developers so they may occasionally have issues although they always have the cutting-edge features ahead of all other versions.

score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Dec 27 '12 at 13:36

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Try removing Google Auto Update service:

Hold window key with R key; it will bring the Run window.
Type cmd then hit . This will bring up the command window. c. Type sc delete gusvc then hit . You will get confirmation of the service deleted.

answered Dec 27 '12 at 13:36

salih0vicX

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Is there a way to permanently disable updates of all Google software?

4 Answers4