How to stop Windows from installing FoD ?

[ceo54]

Hello,

I've used all possible levers to prevent the auto-updates, while it works, it has no effect on Windows trying to install features on demand that I never asked for. Of course, it cant connect to Microsoft servers and I get a notification in Action center "we tried to add a feature but something went wrong"

How can I stop this behavior. I dont want any features added.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[garlin]

Windows Updates doesn't enable optional Feature on Demand packages, by itself. Are you sure it's not throwing errors over another Windows' app? "Feature" is a generic MS phrase, it doesn't always mean Feature on Demand.

Check the event log if there's a recent errors of interest.

 

[garlin]

Did you try add a new language, or input method (handwriting, speech-to-text, OCR)?

 

[ceo54]

Windows Updates doesn't enable optional Feature on Demand packages, by itself. Are you sure it's not throwing errors over another Windows' app? "Feature" is a generic MS phrase, it doesn't always mean Feature on Demand.

Check the event log if there's a recent errors of interest.

Hello Mr. Garlin

Thank you very much for coming to the rescue.

I tried Windows 11 24H2, updates and update stack services were hard disabled yet Windows automagically added SSHClient, HelloFace and some other features I never asked for and it would also uninstall wmic, which I have a high dependability on for system maintenance.

Anyway, I ditched Win 11 soon enough and reverted to Win 10. I spent some time investigating how can I prevent this behavior, I tightened the screws around Windows update all to no avail. Now CBS won't strip wmic so that's a relief but assessment occurs nonetheless.

Your insight that the generic message could be about anything is very helpful. No sir, I did not try to add any language, keyboard, OCR, input methods or anything of the sorts. I just install, reach the desktop and use the system normally.

Could you please specify which ETW channel should I investigate, if possible ?

Thank you very much for your kind help, highly appreciated.

 

[garlin]

OpenSSH Client and Windows Hello are enabled by default in the 25H2 image.

From the Features screen, you can disable them.
Features / Features on Demand -> Facial Recognition (Windows Hello) -> uncheck
Features / Features on Demand -> OpenSSH Client -> uncheck

WMIC exists on a fresh installed system, but a hidden scheduled task silently removes it before you get to the desktop.
Remove the OOBEFodSetup task from "Microsoft\Windows\Servicing"

The error may be Windows trying to check if there's a newer version of some of the enabled FOD's.