Microsoft Forces the Windows 10 Upgrade on Windows 7 PCs

BReeves said:

Glad I have auto update disabled on all my Windows 7 computers. I kinda like Windows 10 but never did like Microsoft's "we know better than you" stance and taking my choices away.

I agree, if you want to have control, you have to set WU to notify you before downloading. Then if necessary,
you can use DISM to remove unwanted packages. OK for techs and those who frequent the forums, but what about all those novice users ?

UPDATE:

Microsoft says that the optional update was enabled by mistake.

For the first year of its availability, Windows 10 is available for free to most Windows 7 and 8 users, and Microsoft has been trying to coax those users to make the switch by delivering the operating system through Windows Update. Until now, the OS has been delivered as an optional update; while Windows Update gives it prominent positioning, it shouldn't be installed automatically.

This system has already generated some complaints, as Windows Update will download the sizeable operating system installer even if you don't intend to upgrade any time soon, but, over the last couple of days, the situation seems to have become a little more aggressive. We've received a number of reports that people's systems are not merely downloading the installer but actually starting it up.

Read more: http://arstechnica.com/information-t...s-7-8-systems/

Cluster Head said:

UPDATE:








Read more: http://arstechnica.com/information-t...s-7-8-systems/

Thing I really don't get about this is why do they need an update to install an update that is already available.
I don't think it was a mistake at all.

zoo

Antilope said:

You know how to positively avoid all of this? Just don't connect to the internet until July 30, 2016.

Of course then the Microsoft message will say, "Your upgrade copy of Windows 10 is ready to install, right after you have paid."

Well we could, or Microsoft could simply respect our choices allow us to keep the O.S. of our choice, the one we paid good money for. that would be even simpler. People are not complaining that Windows 10 is being offered, just the manner in which Microsoft are going about it.

That it is free is irrelevant, if it's something you don't want on your machine, then it's something you don't want on your machine.

zoo

I wish if MS was forcing us to upgrade they would at least get some of the graphic drivers to work. Yeah, the graphics people should update their drivers, but MS could work around this problem. My PC graphics works just fine in Windows 7 so what's the problem with Windows 10?

Just google a program called GWX Control Panel. It lets you disable the W10 icon from startup and also disable the W10 forced O/S upgrade from Windows Update. You can always enable it by June 2016 if you want the upgrade and it does not interfere with the regular operating system updates for those that want to continue to use W7 or W8.1. It's freeware, has no viruses and works well. Google it and have a look. It even shows you if the W10 update has been downloaded onto your system.

heyyahblah said:

Just google a program called GWX Control Panel. It lets you disable the W10 icon from startup and also disable the W10 forced O/S upgrade from Windows Update. You can always enable it by June 2016 if you want the upgrade and it does not interfere with the regular operating system updates for those that want to continue to use W7 or W8.1. It's freeware, has no viruses and works well. Google it and have a look. It even shows you if the W10 update has been downloaded onto your system.

Thanks for that.
The problem was that it was bypassing this and even those who had altered their registry to set it to no OS upgrades.
Maybe now they have unticked it the Control Panel will work again. It is though a great tool so thanks for the advise.

read this.
Microsoft Forces the Windows 10 Upgrade on Windows 7 PCs - Updated - Softpedia
explains the control panel no longer works to block this.

zoo

@zooburner

yea I was having the same problem thats why I grabbed this little gem and so far it seems to be working, but bookmark the site as the author tends to update it when problems arise like on the link that you posted as the tricks no longer working. This method is still working (for me) and it has the icon disabled and W10 forced upgrade removed from my Windows Update. I am upset however that it decided to download 5.7GB worth of files onto my SSD without my permission.

What if I had a metered internet connection? I would be screwed. I also do not like the facts that it made writes on my SSD without my permission, thats my biggest gripe.

Holy Shirt Batman!
For me, the timing of this debacle is interesting, if not comical, to say least! As a long time Apple user (first confuser in 1998) I have always avoided the Microsoft universe like a plague! I have recently (July 24) purchased my first Windows machine for use with a new school endeavor, including A+, Net+, Security+ and eventually Cisco training and certifications.

I have been absolutely horrified by the whole manner in which MS approaches and handles everything they do, all the way from the methods they employ to try to cajole and now force their will upon users, right down to how they develop new operating systems, by simply writing new code on top of the old (all the way back to Windows 95 at least) and it definitely doesn't appear to be getting any better. The obviously intentional disguising of forced updates/upgrades as items that are needed to keep your system healthy is ludicrous and mind boggling at best!

The more I learn, the more apparent it becomes that my distaste for Windows has been well founded. A phrase coined by Mac users certainly rings true here:

"The day Microsoft makes something that suck will be the day they start making vacuum cleaners!"

I know that's kinda harsh and I realize that training for employment in the IT field requires in depth knowledge and expertise in the most widely used operating system in the world, but come on, this crap is really getting out of hand!

While Apple certainly incorporates the principles of planned obsolescence in everything they develop and sell, I've NEVER experienced anything as insidious as Microsoft's recent antics in Apple Land!

Just My $.02 & Likely Worth Even Less,
Gene