I have it 8 that came with my computer. they (you ?) keep wanting to update to 8.1. I have tried to update with multiple problems. do not want 8.1 at all. how can I keep it from trying to update to 8.1 and yet still get other critical updates.

• Moved by Yolanda ZhuMicrosoft contingent staff, Moderator 22 hours 18 minutes ago

Hi tioljk,

" I have tried to update with multiple problems."
How did you upgrade your Window8 to Windows 8.1 ?
We can refer to the following link to upgrade the machine
Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-hk/windows-8/update-from-windows-8-tutorial

We would appreciate it if you share us the exact issue you have come across and we will try our best to help you to resolve the issue .

"how can I keep it from trying to update to 8.1 and yet still get other critical updates."
What do you mean by saying this ?
If you want to downgrade the Windows 8.1 to Windows 8 , we can make it if we have got a Windows Recovery Disks .Here is a discussion about this operation for reference :
Windows 8.1 downgrade back to windows 8
http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/53806-windows-8-1-downgrade-back-windows-8-a.html
NOTE: This response contains a reference to a third party World Wide Web site. Microsoft is providing this information as a convenience to you. Microsoft does not control these sites and has not tested any software or information found on these sites.

Best regards

TI

Microsoft is pushing 8.1 out to all users so even if you revert back to 8.0 it will update you again.  Your best bet is to fix the issues you are having in 8.1,  There is even some evidence that MS is going to push the win 10 upgrade out to all users when it is released to the public