Windows 10: Don’t Want It? How To Stop The Automatic Update From Windows 7 And 8.1

Microsoft recently admitted that they are forcing the upgrade to Windows 10. Some users aren’t happy about it, and aren’t ready to switch. As reported in the Indian Express, Microsoft said that it was forcing the download regardless of whether or not the user reserved a copy of the software or not.

The Windows 10 upgrade is being downloaded automatically to systems that are currently running Windows 7 and 8.1. Although it does not automatically update the machine to Windows 10, the software does reside on the host computer for when the user is ready to upgrade. Microsoft said it was preparing users for the update.

“For those who have chosen to receive automatic updates through Windows Update, we help customers prepare their devices for Windows 10 by downloading the files necessary for future installation.”

The new 64-bit version of Windows 10 is requires about 3 GB of space. It also includes an auto update feature that prevents users from choosing which updates they receive. The major advantage to the new update is that it doesn’t work on a metered WiFi connection, so users won’t have to worry about getting the download if they don’t have the internet connection to receive it.

IT Pro Portal recently reported that there is a way to disable the Windows 10 update for those who don’t want it on their system. For those who don’t want the software on their systems because it’s taking up valuable space, there is a way to remove the software, too.

Although it is possible to prevent the updates simply by disabling automatic updates in Windows 7 and 8.1, the problem is that computer users risk missing crucial updates in these operating systems. There is a better way to stop Windows 10 from downloading onto your system.

It requires a Windows Update Client patch, and then making a simple change to the registry. Users can get the client patch they need for their specific operating system from the Microsoft site. Once the patch is made, then load the registry file by hitting the Windows key and then R. According to IT Pro Portal, you’ll do a search for “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPolicies MicrosoftWindows” (without the quotes), and then create a new registry key called WindowsUpdates. Under this key, create a 32-bit DWORD called DisableOSUpgrade, and then set the value to one. To upgrade later, either change the value to zero or delete the key.

As previously reported in Inquisitr, privacy has been a major concern with Windows 10, because it records users’ keystrokes unless users change the privacy settings. For those who want to protect their privacy in Windows 10, it’s a good idea to take the time to adjust these settings from within the control panel, and it only takes a few minutes.

What do you think of Windows 10 and its new features? Have you resisted upgrading because you like your current operating system?

[Photo Credit: Indian Express]