Too many Windows 10 problems, should I go back to Windows 7?

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  1. Posts : 16
    WIndows 10
       #1

    Too many Windows 10 problems, should I go back to Windows 7?


    Version 1703 was forced on my laptop. 1709 has been trying to install itself since January, without success. That's fine with me because I don't want it. My understanding is that there is no way to disable Windows Update after 1703. So when 1709 tries to install, I simply turn off the computer, which give me a few days of peace before 1709 tries to install again. By the way, the installation violates the set active hours, trying to do it in the middle of my work day.

    I've read dozens of stories of Windows 10 updates wrecking people's computers. I am 100% dependent on my laptop for my work as a freelancer. If my laptop stops working, I will lose thousands of dollars. The problems with Windows 10 and my loss of control over what happens to my computer is scaring me!!!

    Yes, I'm backing up my work files, but I don't have any technical ability to protect myself beyond that.

    QUESTIONS:

    (1) My computer is not on the HP list of computers that are compatible with Windows 10. But 1703 installed successfully. Does this mean that my computer should be compatible with version 1709?

    (2) This problem (forced updates) is disturbing me enough that I'm thinking of installing Windows 7. This would be incredibly laborious and risky. Honestly, it takes me a full month to get everything installed correctly (antivirus, email, word processors, files, etc etc), solve dozens of bugs, update drivers, remove garbage, and set up the computer for maximum usability (I have vision problems and need to modify the interface extensively. I would have to pay a technician to do the main installation of Windows 7 because I don't have enough skill. I have minimal computer knowledge. What do you think of this idea of installing Windows 7, in hopes that Microsoft will come to its senses in a couple of years and restore user control over updates?

    (3) I have a spare computer with Windows 8.1. I assume that if I try to use it, it will also be subject to the forced update to Windows 10?

    Thanks very much for your help!
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 31,398
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #2

    Picadilly said:
    (3) I have a spare computer with Windows 8.1. I assume that if I try to use it, it will also be subject to the forced update to Windows 10?
    No. The free upgrade offer ended on the 29th July 2016. The KB3184143 update in early 2017 should have removed the 'Get Windows 10' app from the system (if it was ever installed at all).
    This update removes the Get Windows 10 app and other software related to the Windows 10 free upgrade offer that expired on July 29, 2016.
    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...-upgrade-offer
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 16
    WIndows 10
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Bree said:
    No. The free upgrade offer ended on the 29th July 2016.
    Good observation. In that case the end of the free upgrade is a blessing.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 31,398
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #4

    Picadilly said:
    (1) My computer is not on the HP list of computers that are compatible with Windows 10. But 1703 installed successfully. Does this mean that my computer should be compatible with version 1709?
    None of mine are on their manufacturer's Windows 10 compatible lists, but they run 1709 without a problem.

    (2) This problem (forced updates) is disturbing me enough that I'm thinking of installing Windows 7...
    If you have Pro you can defer Features Updates (like the update to 1709).

    Windows Update - Defer Feature and Quality Updates in Windows 10
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 16
    WIndows 10
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Bree said:
    . If you have Pro you can defer Features Updates (like the update to 1709).
    Sadly, I have Home. Thanks for the info about compatibility.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 31,398
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #6

    Picadilly said:
    Sadly, I have Home. Thanks for the info about compatibility.
    It has been reported that the Registry settings in Option Two of that tutorial work in Home too.

    Just a heads up, if you happen to use the home editions, tweaking the registry keys actually work. Due to some recent disaster, I had to reinstall windows and tested my luck, because Windows Update was offering me the upgrade to 1709 (which I will skip, sounds problematic), tweaking the defer feature upgrades value actually made it unavailable again, and I could just install updates as usual.
    Windows Update - Defer Feature and Quality Updates in Windows 10
      My Computers


  7. Posts : 1,079
    10 + Linux
       #7

    Disabling Creators Update


    To disable Windows 10 Creators Update in Windows Update. Open Regedit and locate the following:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings:

    Right click the <<Settings>> folder to create a new 32-bit DWORD value and name it HideMCTLink and set its value data to 1. Exit Regedit.

    You shouldn't see 1709 anymore and will be receiving 1703 updates normally.

    I don't know about the HP compatibility list. How old is the laptop? You should not go back to Seven, Ten is better.

    Take care,
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 16
    WIndows 10
    Thread Starter
       #8

    OK, I've made the registry changes suggested by both Bree and MikeMecanic. Should I have done both, or only one of these solutions? THANKS!
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 31,398
    10 Home x64 (22H2) (10 Pro on 2nd pc)
       #9

    They do different things, so there's no harm in using both.
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 1,079
    10 + Linux
       #10

    All I know is that the given method works for my ants on 1607 since a year. She does not like 1607 and wants me to clean install 1709 now.
      My Computer


 

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