Service Host "Windows Update" using up a lot of CPU power. How do I close permanently?

I have Windows 8.1. It came with this used computer (MSI GT80 i7-5700HQ 32mb Ram) I bought about a week ago. For some reason I actually like 8.1 and intend to keep it, at least for a while. Also, I've read 8.1 is pretty stable, and that's a good thing in my book. In any event, I am watching resource use carefully, and whenever I start the computer, Task Manager Service Host shows a Window Update process hogging up a lot of my processing power. 13% actually. When I close it, my CPU usage goes to almost zero and stays there, and my CPU temperature drops quite a bit. I have been closing it manually every time I start the computer, but this is getting tiresome. Is there a way to close it permanently and just check for updates manually once in a while?

 

Is it set to 'never check' ?



And yes, 8.1 is good :O)
(after telemetry & (cr)apps removed, & classic start added).

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure. Strangely, I just restarted my computer to find out, and for the first time it did not start automatically. In checking another service host app with right click to see what I would normally see when I right click Windows Update, I don't see an option for 'never check.' I only see Stop, Open Services, and Search Online. Will watch for it and post again if or when I have a problem. If in fact it's no longer engaged, should I manually check online for Windows 8.1 updates once in a while? How would I know if I have Classic Start engaged? This is a brand new computer to me. My old one was Windows 7 so I don't know 8.1 at all. The seller did a fresh Windows install before passing it over to me. He might have configured it for classic start.

 

You'll want to pickup a Windows 8.1 book or look online about Windows Update.

 

By installing it :O) Try it out, get rid of the horrible tiles. (btw, it's now called Open Shell).

https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/classic_start.html