Windows 8 updates won't install

I have been having an ongoing problem with Windows 8.1 64-bit updates. I am no longer afforded the option of simply rebooting or shutting down. Windows *insists* I install updates (which always take 'forever' and always fail to install). After installing updates, I get a message that Windows was unable to update and is undoing the updates (which repeats the uninstall process 2 or 3 times) before rebooting often taking up to an hour to uninstall whatever it is I didn't want in the first place. The on the next shutdown, even if I simply hard shut down (holding the power button in until computer shuts off), it *still* tries and fails to install the same updates as before. How do I stop this insanity?

I have been having same problem. Called Microsoft today and talked to two different techs they remotely controlled my computer and ran a couple scans they said it would cost me around $200.00 for a one year contract with them and they could fix it right that old them I could add a little more to that and buy brand new laptop , they never once suggested anything for me to try and help. What phone number do any of you use when contacting Microsoft for support?

Well, that's because Microsoft sucks. There, I said it. Jesus Christ someone had to.  We got two refurbished Dell tablets today with Win 8 installed. No problem, I thought, I'll install 8.1. I have a laptop that had Win 8. installed and my surface came with 8 that I upgraded to 8.1. Holy ****. Both of them cannot update. 145 updates before I can install 8.1? Seriously? And one of these tablets never even sees the updates. The other, after downloading nothing, tells me updates were installed. They also "check" for updates until the end of time!!! Meanwhile, MS is out there creating Hololenses to go along with their already obsolete Kinect 2. MS's biggest problem is moving forward before fixing the messes they leave behind.

I am tired of having to refresh evertime I need to update. Please fix this!

I reset my PC.

I know theirs new updates because my PC is so different now. like its the old updates. i click check for updates but that bar just keeps going. never stops. so if they wont get detected i cant update.