Electronics

[Gokat]

I stopped by to read some of the Windows 10 threads here yesterday and see that quite a few of us Windows 7, 8, 8.1 users are experiencing the inconvenience of dealing with Microsoft's aggressive attempts to download Windows 10 to our computers using all the guile available to them to "make it easier" for us to install Windows 10 "when we're ready".

I've read varied reports all over...the "shock and awe" at seeing downloads, attempted installs without permission, etc. Microsoft is making no secret that they want Windows 10 installed so that should come as no big surprise to any of us that are staying abreast.

I have a well-appointed Windows 7 laptop, a year old when Windows 10 was introduced. When I downloaded Windows 10 it took many hours and then, once installed, problematic...so I promptly uninstalled it with the provided option in Windows 10.

Since then, it's been me against Microsoft. A constant race to catch their misnamed updates before they once again loaded my computer up with Windows 10 files...and inherent problems from browser, to keyboard key problems, snails-pace speed reduction. I was ticked, to say the least. I spent hours online researching how to head Microsoft off at the pass, but it was a constant effort on my part...switching my updates preferences to maintain some control, hiding selected updates so they didn't install, making sure certain directories were cleared.

After months checking to see what new had come along to help me ward off the "enemy", I came upon a program written by a well-respected developer which blocks the installation of Windows 10 updates. It is a standalone app that downloads to the computer, scans it, and notifies the user of various states of files, directories, and attempts at Windows 10 updates. It then gives options and recommendations so that when updates are downloaded/installed the program intercepts unwanted Windows 10 files automatically. BTW fully reversible, if you should decide you DO want Windows 10. I've had it on my laptop for 4-5 months now, and it just runs seamlessly in the background...a little David warding off Goliath!

If you "Google" GWX Control Panel, it will present you with the link to the program/app. and all the pertinent info and options for your current version of Windows.  The site where GWX Control Panel originates is Ultimate Outsider.  That's where I downloaded from and I suggest you use it. 

Anyone who knows anything about computer software knows that no piece of code is compatible with EVERY configuration it may run into so I offer it up to you all as you see fit to take advantage. If, for some reason, it is not compatible with a given configuration, it can be easily uninstalled. I know there are all levels of users here, and some will feel timid about downloading something recommended by a "stranger". I get that.  I will say that it is a clean download...no adders. It's working so well here that I felt I had to share with anyone interested. I hope some will find it helpful.

[millieshops]

I have Windows 7 and this old laptop can't be upgraded to 10.  I was hoping it could so I could play with 10 before I get a new computer with 10 already loaded -  that way I figured I wouldn't mess up a new machine.  Oh well - at least Microsoft can't force me to get 10.

[Gokat]

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@millieshops wrote:

I have Windows 7 and this old laptop can't be upgraded to 10.  I was hoping it could so I could play with 10 before I get a new computer with 10 already loaded -  that way I figured I wouldn't mess up a new machine.  Oh well - at least Microsoft can't force me to get 10.

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After what I've been experiencing here, @millieshops , consider yourself lucky.  Not knocking Windows 10 here, but depending on the receiving configuration, it can be a real pain.  I also have an old Acer One with Windows 7 Start.  Get this...Windows 10 installed on that puny little rascal smooth as silk.  I, like you, enjoy playing with it so that when I do make the switch to a new, main computer it'll be an easy transition.  Microsoft is refining Win10 as we speak so when we get it a little later it should be cleaned up nicely and a piece of cake!

[millieshops]

@GokatYou may me happy that Microsoft which sent me the popup about upgrading to 10 then told me my laptop would not accet the upgrade.

And I get what you mean about the benefit of waiting a while.  I'm so pleased I can do that!

[bonnielu]

Last time I tried it I got put in AIRPLANE mode, I kid you not.  I could not get an Internet connection.  I had to take Windows 10 off.  Now I have decided NO way... I have a computer for THAT INTERNET CONNECTION.  I have Windows 8 and Comcast.

[chickenbutt]

I did this GPX Control Panel thing yesterday.  It did take away the thing in my notification area.   The real test was when I turned this computer on again today and it was STILL gone.  Yay for that and thanks to the two posters who posted this information the other day.

One weird thing is that, today, I got 23 option Windows Updates when it scanned today.    I wish I knew if that was related or if any of the Win10 stuff is in that.  I know that that one update with the 3s, 5s, and 8s in it is NOT on my computer because I knew about that one a while back.   

Does everybody with Win8.1 have a bunch of optional updates to install today?

[Gokat]

Hi, @chickenbutt !  Glad to see you're using the GWX Control app and that it is working well for you.  BTW, I posted the other link as well on the other Windows 10 thread.  I thought more would see the info, if I gave it its own thread.

When the app originally scans I bellieve you are able to see the files it finds.  Those are all Win 10 files that were residing on your computer as the program doesn't touch any of your other files.  The Win 10 download is approx. 3GB so you may notice your computer running better. 

Obviouslly, I don't have Win 8.1 so can't help with the updates.  I can tell you that the GWX program will block any Win 10 files included in your updates.  That sure is a bunch!

Providing you went ahead and took care of the options provided in the program, it will now block all those Win 10 files automatically for you from here on out.  I just read that it is now confirmed that MS is attempting to install Win 10 without permission from the user, so sounds like we're just in time! 

[chickenbutt]

Thanks for that info.  Then, I can probably presume that these optional updates have nothing to do with that.

I did check all the boxes pertinent to blocking Win10 'reminders' and updates, as well as taking away that thing from the task bar deal.

The weird thing was that once I x'd out the little screen there is no sign of the software anywhere.  Maybe that's because I didn't install the download tool part of it (?) or something.   I guess that if I wanted to change anything in there (all I changed was Win10 stuff because I already have updates at 'let me know') I'll just have to go back there and hit install again to get the screen - or?

[Gokat]

You can just access it from your Start Menu, @chickenbutt...All Programs.  I left a shortcut for myself, but it isn't necessary.

[chickenbutt]

That's the thing.  Nothing in the start up menu or anywhere else.  I looked everywhere yesterday.  odd...It did the thing it was there to do, but it's just not - well, anywhere on the computer!