@Read the EULA before you click....

I'm curious. In order to update Windows MS has to go through my hardware (modem, NIC card, CPU, Etc). Could turning off automatic updates be used as implied denial of access to my hardware? In short MS trespassed on my property without my knowledge to get to their software.

If I manually start the update process I could see them doing a hidden update and getting away with it legally as it can be implied that I gave them permission. If they had put up a window that requires me to agree to an update is also permission to access my hardware. Doing it behind the users back cannot be legal no matter what rights they may have to 'their' software.

So, does the EULA say that they also own my hardware?

Careful everyone, one of these days they are going to stick a line in there that says 'By agreeing to the EULA all property that you own is hereby transferred to our ownership. Please vacate the premises within 30 days.'