No Need To Bash Windows 10 Anymore: Never10 Lets You Stop Microsoft From Automatically Upgrading You To New OS

Microsoft really wants you to use Windows 10. Like, really. So much so that the tech giant began sending popups to newer-gen PCs asking users if they want to try Windows 10 for free. It sounds like a good deal; get a totally new OS with shiny new features for free and all you have to do is provide feedback? Great! Or not.

Some users have been concerned over the lack of privacy in the new Windows 10 upgrade, which supposedly spies on pretty much every move you make. Others are frustrated with the ins and outs of using the new OS. For one thing, the “charms” bar that was almost ubiquitous in Windows 8 is now done away with, and many settings that were once easily accessible are now buried deep within sub-menus.

If your nightmares are haunted by Windows 10 upgrade screens, your prayers have been answered: meet Never10. KENS5 reports that Never10 is a free downloadable program which prevents Windows from upgrading automatically. Head on over to this link if Never10 sounds like something you’re interested in. The product’s website describes it as only being made for Windows 7 or 8, however, which is something to keep in mind if you have a very old system.

Using Never10 carries very little risk considering it’s easier to upgrade to 10 than it is to work backwards. Should you decide to upgrade, the option is always there, yet Never10 makes sure it’s never forced upon you. This is nice considering excessive updates can slow down your computer and take up unnecessary space without adding anything super valuable.

Windows 10 does have some value, though. The new OS introduces features like Microsoft Edge, the browser that lets you write on webpages and sorts a previously messy home screen into apps based on categories. Windows 10 also offers a unique Cortana feature that lets the mobile assistant “pop up” to offer additional information when you browse the web.

So, how exactly does Never10 work its magic? Business Insider reports that the app changes your settings to automatically block any download or installation of Windows 10. That way, Windows won’t be able to do anything without your explicit permission. Hopefully, this will send a message to Microsoft, who is reportedly toning down their efforts to market Windows 10 to non-users.

Microsoft has been using other advertising tactics to convince PC users to make the switch. Ads touting Microsoft Surfaces and PCs compare them to Macs (and mention the Mac’s lack of annotation features), for instance. Is the company desperate to persuade users to upgrade? Windows 10 has been refined a great deal over time, with certain features added, deleted, or tweaked. It seems the company is at least responsive to user feedback and wants to know consumers’ opinions on everything from wallpapers to how well Edge runs on their PC. Hopefully, one day the world won’t need Never10.

Until that day comes, though, Never10 is a decent alternative for those who don’t want to be constantly nagged to upgrade. The program was crafted by a security expert, so it’s likely to be safe for everyday use. Even better, PC Advisor mentions that the Never10 download is lightweight at under 100,000 KB.

If you still have doubts about Never10, you can always unsubscribe from the Windows 10 Insider Program to stop receiving updates. This is as fast as clicking a link and entering your email address. It is sometimes more advantageous to wait for a new update to finish as well, since this gives the company time to work out bugs and you won’t be nagged for every little upgrade.

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