Windows

[R J Kinloch]

Does anyone know how to stop windows offering to install windows 10 on my computer? It's driving me mad! Microsoft.

[Saab Dastard]

Simplest to just google it. Lots of posts out there - someone has even written a program to automate it!

You will need to uninstall some updates, then switch to manual updating (select "Check for updates but allow me to select which ones to download and install") so that you can select the updates you don't want and hide them.

SD

[R J Kinloch]

Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou

[le Pingouin]

SD, for most users I'd have thought it was rather fraught suggesting they pick which updates to install.

[dazdaz1]

Le Pin "for most users I'd have thought it was rather fraught suggesting they pick which updates to install"

Simples, when updating (my W7) I have a choice between 'important' and 'optional' before downloading the important updates one can click on the specific update to review (shown right of of screen) what the update does.

Keep well away of the optional updates where I think the W10 nasties lurk.

[Saab Dastard]

SD, for most users I'd have thought it was rather fraught suggesting they pick which updates to install.

Not really - if you've just gone through the exercise of identifying which updates to un-install, it's hardly rocket science to find the same numbers in the updates offered for new installation again, now, is it?

To keep it simple, I would say always install updates described as "security update for...", never install hardware drivers from MS update (always go to the manufacturer's website for those) and, as dazdaz1 says, you can look at the optional ones and see what they do and if you want them or not.

The optional updates for upgrading to Windows 10 are pretty clear when you look at the description.

SD

[The Flying Pram]

Firstly:

Someone has even written a program to automate it!

Code:

http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/

Secondly:

So that you can select the updates you don't want and hide them.

Use the "More Information" link in the lower RHD corner for each update selected (highlight them in turn). Anything which talks about "improving the update experience" is a No No.

Thirdly:

Microsoft adds 'non-security updates' to security patches

Code:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/03/11/microsoft_adds_nonsecurity_updates_to_security_patches/

And note that several of the intrusive updates will keep reappearing despite being hidden! It's getting to the stage where even some security conscious people are are talking about turning off updates entirely. Along with the above, and the well documented "Telemetry" issues, MS's behavior is becoming damn close to malware...

[andytug]

GWX control panel all the way. You might get W10 for "free" now but sooner or later the monthly charges will start. Google for which updates to hide and not download/install-here's some: Especially KB3035583!
KB2952664 Compatibility update for upgrading Windows 7
KB2990214 Update that enables you to upgrade from Windows 7 to a later version of Windows
KB3021917 Update to Windows 7 SP1 for performance improvements
KB3022345 Update for customer experience and diagnostic telemetry
KB3035583 Update installs get windows 10 app in Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 SP1
KB3068708 (replaces KB3022345) Update for customer experience and diagnostic telemetry
KB3075249 Update that adds telemetry points to consent.exe in Windows 8.1 and Windows 7
KB3080149 Update for customer experience and diagnostic telemetry

[le Pingouin]

TFP, you do realise Win7 support ends in 2020 and then you'll be at MS's tender mercies anyway?

[The Flying Pram]

Who knows what things will be like in 5 years time? I might be living on an idyllic deserted island (or be six feet under), Linux might finally work "out of the box" (which one version I tried recently most certainly did not), or I may just stick with Win7. Despite all the scaremongering trotted out when XP support ended (Hi, Mixture), I haven't seen any reports to back that up yet. If it's a case of re-purposing one of my old XP laptops with Linux just for accessing the internet, and keeping W7 for all the other applications I'm familiar with, that's probably what I will do...

[le Pingouin]

I suspect this is how many view MS:

[dazdaz1]

The sneaky devils. From another site.....

"But this last month's update included an ad for Windows 10 integrated into the Internet Explorer security update"

So I imagine the ad will only pop up when browsing with IE Or there again???

Keep safe out there

[R J Kinloch]

Two days of peace and it's back.

[le Pingouin]

This article makes for interesting reading: How Microsoft copied malware techniques to make Get Windows 10 the world's PC pest ? The Register

[Booglebox]

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\GWX
Dword DisableGWX = 1

[TheChitterneFlyer]

GWX control panel all the way. You might get W10 for "free" now but sooner or later the monthly charges will start. Google for which updates to hide and not download/install-here's some: Especially KB3035583!

Many thanks for the update numbers... after uninstalling KB3035583, Groundhog Day has finally gone!

[Saab Dastard]

after uninstalling KB3035583, Groundhog Day has finally gone!

Remember to change from automatic updates to manual (Check, but let me choose), because if you leave it on auto it will just re-install again.

Also, uncheck the "Get recommended updates the same way as important" tickbox, so that you can weed out the crap more easily.