A possible unwanted "upgrade" to Windows 10

[Lataxe]

MS have become very aggressive in their attempts to force Windows 10 on to the computers of those running earlier versions of Windows. There is uproar from huge numbers of people about their draconian take-overs of personal computers. Their latest trick was to embed a Win 10 upgrade nag in an MS Security update. You need the security update but can't have it without also installing the nagware.

The first act of those who wish to resist this Borg-like assimilation is to make Windows update a non-automatic process. Set Windows Update to tell you about updates but to allow you to decide whether to install them or not.

The second act is to employ this handy software (GWX) from a fellow who has put the facility together for ridding yourself of Win 10 nags, auto-updates, multi-gig Win 10 download files and so forth:

http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2016/03/gwx-control-panel-release-notes-and.html

As far as I can determine, this software is safe to use and doesn't seem to contain any PUPs of it's own.

Lataxe

 

[bendorsey]

If you uninstall it like I did it re-installs itself the next day, lol.

So I guess I need to uninstall it again and when that process is all completed, find the list of pending upgrades and tell W7 not to install it?

Where would that list of pending upgrades be? A little icon in the lower right hand corner of the screen perhaps? If so it isn't there.

Ben

 

[p-dehnert]

There is another tool for disableing the automatic upgrade to win10: https://www.grc.com/never10.htm

Peter

 

[bendorsey]

Hi Peter:

That certainly looks nice but the inevitable question is: Is it safe?

Ben (heap big chicken)

 

[Smileyman]

That certainly looks nice but the inevitable question is: Is it safe?

That's the one I use, and it's perfectly safe.
It doesn't install any software, and simply adjusts the settings that Micro$oft were forced to add by complaints about the Windows 10 auto-upgrade (but still hid them from plain sight so that most people wouldn't know how to set them).

Brian

 

[bendorsey]

Hi Brian:

OK - I'll give it a try - thanks,

EDIT a few minutes later: Well that was quick and easy.
Interesting to note that even though I had uninstalled KB3035583 a little while earlier STOP10 said W10 upgrade was still enabled on my system.

Mucho thanks (again).

Ben

 

[cressjl]

...software developers will be demanding to know when Microsoft will be releasing the tools necessary which will allow them to easily port software that is now on the Android and iOS platforms into Windows...

Why in Heaven's Name would I want to port toy apps onto my desktop or laptop PC? The purpose of scaled-down apps is to provide extremely limited functionality on hamstrung, but expensive toy devices that provide time-wasting bling to techno-addicts. Software applications running on my PC run circles around anything any "app" could ever provide.

Windows 10 won't support half my software, either, from accounting software to music and graphics applications.

I keep up with http://www.askwoody.com/ to keep Microsoft malware at bay...

 

[clam1952]

That's because removing that update only gets rid of the Nag, doesn't stop MS downloading it while you are not looking or providing it as an update, to stop that happening you need to see Microsofts instructions on how to turn it off!

How to manage Windows 10 notification and upgrade options here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3080351

 

[wholbr]

Hi everybody.

Why in Heaven's Name would I want to port toy apps onto my desktop or laptop PC? The purpose of scaled-down apps is to provide extremely limited functionality on hamstrung, but expensive toy devices that provide time-wasting bling to techno-addicts. Software applications running on my PC run circles around anything any "app" could ever provide.

Windows 10 won't support half my software, either, from accounting software to music and graphics applications.

cressjl,with every respect to your above posting, I feel you are ill informed in regards to the abilities of Google Android and their OS system as well as the Apple iOS systems. As testament to the foregoing Microsoft have recently placed Word and Excel for free download on the Android system. Along with the foregoing, this posting is being verbally dictated by way of Google Now on their OS system by way of my Chromebook which in my humble opinion is far superior to the Cortana voice recognition available in Windows 10.

Google Android is now available on high-end laptops and Google OS the cloud based system is available on desktops with screen size up to 21 inches of which we have eight in our company main office. Those eight have replaced the same number of windows machines within the last year.

Windows 10 is only one of 6 operating systems now on the market, that being Google Android, Google OS, Apple Mac, Apple iOS and the latest one being the Amazon system. Therefore software developers who invest large sums into the development of applications want that software to be available across as many platforms as possible. Hence the pressure on Microsoft to come forward with the tools that will make that easily possible.

Cressjl Again with every respect to your above posting, but I am one who enjoys gaming and working within the Android, Google OS and Windows platforms but the latter windows gaming now only being in carried out in Trainz and the DTG train simulator. However, I am pleased that you consider yourself so much above me and millions of others in your computer status.

I am now off to watch the football ( England vs Holland) considered by some to be another expensive bling pastime, but yet again brings hours of thoroughly enjoyable entertainment to me and millions of others throughout the world

Bill

 

[pdkoester]

https://techjourney.net/disable-rem...de-reservation-notification-system-tray-icon/

I'd suggest the method with registry change:



If you just want to disable the GWX (Get Windows X) app, and keep the update installed, use the Registry Editor (Regedit) to create the following registry key and value. Or, copy and paste the following code into a text file with .reg extension, and then execute it.
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Gwx]
"DisableGwx"=dword:00000001In addition to the registry key above, you can also rename the GWXUXWorker.exe and GWX.exe files that are responsible for the nag message (as if they’re deleted). To do so, end and terminate the GWX.exe process using Task Manager. Then, rename the GWXUXWorker.exe and GWX.exe which are located at C:\Windows\System32\GWX folder to another name, such as by appending an suffix likes backup or old. If you prefer, you can delete and remove the entire GWX folder too. Note that you may need to give the system permission’s to respective files if you’re facing with access denied issue.

 

[ray_whiley]

Many thanks to all who have joined in and especially for the advice on what to do. I came across references to never10 whilst doing some research on W10 this afternoon and am pleased to hear that it works and is safe. Incidentally, I assume that it can be reversed if one decides to get W10 later?

In the meantime, I have disabled automatic updates so that at least I have control over what is installed.

Ray

 

[itareus]

...When we all paid through the nose to get Windows XP and 7 and 8 etc then I am left wondering how we can be offered Windows 10 for free? ...

My guess is it's all down to support, if everybody that is currently on older MS operating systems switched to Win 10 then the cost to Microsoft of ongoing support to older operating systems would reduce - and worldwide that is a BIG saving.

I have been with Windows since 1.0 confused and have Win 7 Pro on my desktop and Win 10 on a laptop, both are fine and 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' applies. When I revamp the desktop I will upgrade to Win 10, why not ?

Chris M

 

[OddRails]

....
I have been with Windows since 1.0 confused and have Win 7 Pro on my desktop and Win 10 on a laptop, both are fine and 'if it ain't broke don't fix it' applies. When I revamp the desktop I will upgrade to Win 10, why not ?

Chris M

I remember adding Windows 3.1 to an MS-DOS system, a graphical interface seemed quite amazing at the time. I miss the stuff we could do with a Command Line though ...

Each new OS version seems to have more features -- and in my opinion -- less regard for your privacy. If you'd like to know more about Windows 10 wander over to arstechnica.com and do a search on Windows 10. They've written quite a lot on the new operating system. Other websites share info on it as well.

I've used Win10, but don't own a computer that has it installed. I like Win10 better than Win8/8.1, but like Win7 better than any of them. I have no affiliation with arstechnica.

 

[Smileyman]

Incidentally, I assume that it can be reversed if one decides to get W10 later?

Yes. Never10 just toggles it off and on via the registry entries, so we get to decide if and when we upgrade, and not Micro$oft.
Probably shouldn't be called Never10.

Brian.

 

[boc61]

This is a good site for info on Windows 10, and a lot of other things. https://www.thurrott.com/

I've been reading it a lot lately in my preparation for having a new PC built in the coming weeks. It will , obviously have 10 on it and I've been going through it learning how to turn off all the stuff that I don't want, from Cortana to the tiles and not using a Microsoft account. reading the geeks fights in the comments is fun too.

This machine that I am using now, will not see Windows 10.

 

[pware]

Each new OS version seems to have more features -- and in my opinion -- less regard for your privacy.

There is always a price that has to be paid if you want new "toys' or, as in this case, new features. It is not just the new versions of the OS that are invading your privacy. I recently noticed that "Ads by Google" have started appearing on web sites that previously had no advertising. I also noticed that the ads were usually related to my recent Google searches.

Google Earth, Google Maps and Bing Maps now all have a "locator" feature that will identify your current location - even on my desktop computer which has a landline connection to the Internet, Google Maps was able to pinpoint the location of my computer to within an accuracy of about 10m. On my Win 10 mobile phone Bing Maps is also able to accurately pin down my location. Obviously, if you want accurate mobile maps then you have to give up your location privacy.

Every year when I fill out my tax return online, the software I use automatically fills in all my income details. It gets that information from my employer, banks, etc. It also knows all my medical costs from my health fund. I have given up my financial privacy for the benefit of being able to quickly and accurately complete my tax return. That's a trade-off that I am happy to live with.

A friend recently applied to his local council for approval to build a swimming pool - over the next few weeks his letter box and email account were flooded with advertising from companies offering services from pool construction to pool chemicals and all accessories in between. Many local councils, it seems, sell the "private" details of building applications.

Many mobile phone apps ask you for personal information so they can provide you with information that you want (but not necessarily need). One I recently saw will give you the location of the nearest restaurant that matches your particular culinary tastes and will automatically book you a table with your personal details (name and phone number). For that to work, the app must know your current location and culinary tastes.

In short, if we want OSs, software or apps with these new features and abilities, then we have to expect to pay for them somehow and that is usually through a loss of privacy - especially if the app is free, in which case "you" are the product. Of course, you can always choose to retain total control over your privacy by not connecting your computer to any network and by not using a mobile phone.

 

[boc61]

A friend recently applied to his local council for approval to build a swimming pool - over the next few weeks his letter box and email account were flooded with advertising from companies offering services from pool construction to pool chemicals and all accessories in between. Many local councils, it seems, sell the "private" details of building applications.

Not just that. I got a traffic ticket a few years back and got half a dozen letters from lawyers offering to help me fight my case in court.

 

[OddRails]

Of course, you can always choose to retain total control over your privacy by not connecting your computer to any network and by not using a mobile phone.

I agree. At least we can be aware of the trade-offs that come with our choices.

 

[ray_whiley]

Thank you, Brian, for confirming that Never10 toggles on / off. I like to have control - as far as possible these days !

As for tax returns, I have recently been told that I no longer need to complete one and I understand that my code for the year will now be based on information from others. (I should perhaps say that I am retired so my only income is from pensions and interest.)

Ray

 

[wreeder]

Hi Guys,
The problem with never 10 is that it is just changing registry settings which Microsoft can and will change back if you update your PC with the monthly updates. I have used a tool called GWX Control Panel to disable the OS updates and the nag icon but since it is installed, it can be set to monitor the settings and alert you that they have changed back. Google it and do your research before installing but it is the real thing and works.

You can get it direct or from major software download sites. It is free.

http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/

William