Not happy with USOClient.exe in Windows 1803

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While running v1709, I made frequent use of the command line “usoclient.exe StartScan” to begin a check for windows updates. This command listed any available updates on the settings  screen but not download or install anything – exactly what I wanted.

I upgraded to v1803 and can no longer get update to start a scan using that command. Checked the web and learned that others are experiencing the same change in behavior.

The command “usoclient startinteractive” does work but works too well as the result is exactly the same as clicking on the “check for updates” button. Of course it scans, then downloads then installs whatever it finds (ignoring the group policy settings not to download anything). Definitely not what I want to happen.

Has anyone who used to use usoclient and has upgrade to 1803 figured out how to make it work as it did in the previous version of windows? Is there another solution other than running wushowhide?

Thx.

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I posted it long time ago in the early days of 1803.
I am on Windows 10 1809 now.
The correct command is usoclient startinteractivescan
I think the old one still works, but only after a certain time passes, which I don’t know what reference it uses.
Your only other option is to use WSUS, run the command above, go to command line and run wuauclt /reportnow to report quicker to WSUS as otherwise you would have to wait about ten minutes until it reports automatically.
Check WSUS for what is required and approve when it suits you.
Or otherwise just wait until the updates are offered and install.
They are rarely offered immediately after release and you should ALWAYS install the regular ones, released on the main Patch Tuesday.

1 user thanked author for this post.

jomargon

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I don’t have a WSUS server. In my post I mentioned that startinteractivescan produced results that I do not want – like downloading and installing when all I wanted to know is what’s available.

Thanks for taking the time to reply. I’m afraid your suggestions won’t work for me.

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Try this one instead
https://www.askwoody.com/2018/patch-lady-scanning-for-updates/

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I saw that post this morning. I’ll be thanking Susan shortly.

Again thanks for taking the time to ensure I did not miss the info.

Cheers.

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Search long enough and you shall eventually find…

UsoClient.exe StartInteractiveScan  – Works on my v1803

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I experimented with some of the UsoClient.exe options and found that despite the online description saying otherwise, the following works on 1809 (ie initiating a scan and then asking to install):

UsoClient.exe ScanInstallWait

I don’t use WSUS and I have the group policy set to ask before installing, but some other UsoClient.exe options as well as clicking on the “Check for Updates” button ignore this and download and install without asking. As with the OP, I also found “UsoClient.exe StartScan” no longer works.

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