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How to prevent Windows 10 installation on Windows 7/8.1 PC
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Microsoft introduced a couple of new policies withWindows 10, like making the system available as a preview, before its actual release, offering it as a free upgrade to all legitimate Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users, and more. And since the company offersWindows 10as a free upgrade, it also have chosen to ‘force’ all users who are currently on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to upgrade to the new system.
Some users who still find using one of the previous versions of Windows better, don’t agree with this Microsoft’s decision, but there wasn’t much they could do about it. Until now!
How do I prevent my PC from upgrading to Windows 10?
1. Use GWX Control Panel
You probably noticed that various third-part developers are making apps which offer some services and features thatWindows 10itself doesn’t. And this time, we have a revolutionary tool which will preventWindows 10from installing on your computer.
The tool is called GWXControl Panel, and it’s developed to stop the installation ofWindows 10on your computer without your permission. As Windows Update automatically installs files need forWindows 10Upgrade, and changes certain settings to make the installation happen, this tool will prevent your settings from being changed, which will keepWindows 10out of your computer, as long as you run this tool.
The latest version of theappallows you to run thissoftwarein the background, and it will continuously ‘keep an eye’ on any attempts to change your settings without any interruption of your work. Ultimate Outsider, the developer of GWXControl Panel, calls this ability the Monitor Mode.
The only noticeable change this tool will bring to your computer is a small icon in the system try. By clicking on this icon, you can access GWXControl Panel, where you can see various info about the current state of your system, like if ‘Get Windows 10’ app is enabled, or if there are anyWindows 10download folders installed on your computer.
Besides monitoring all Windows’ attempts to change your settings, this tool also offers some other useful features:
The developer also joked a little with Microsoft’s way of installing Windows 10 through “Get Windows 10” feature, by saying: “Unlike the Get Windows 10 app, this one includes an Exit option! Just click Enable Monitor Mode to turn the feature on.” You can read the full presentation of the tool on Ultimate Outsider’sBlogspot page.
So if you’re unsatisfied with Microsoft decision to install Windows 10 against your will, and if you want to stick with your current Windows operating system, this tool will be very helpful to you.
You can download GWXControl Panelfor free fromUltimate Outsider’s official website.
2. Use Never10 software
Another third-party software that will help you prevent Windows 10 upgrade is Never10. Theapplicationis incredibly simple to use, and you just have to do the following to stop the update:
3. Download the updates manually
In order to prevent Windows 10 update from installing, it’s important not to download its update. Windows 10 update is labeled asKB3035583, so if you have it on your system, be sure to remove it.
To do that, follow these steps:
After removing the update, you need to change your Windows Update settings. To do that, follow these steps:
After doing that, you’ll be able to choose which updates you want to download. Be sure to download all security updates in order to keep your system safe, but don’t download theKB3035583update since this update will force you to upgrade toWindows 10.
There you go, these are several quick and easy methods that you can use in order to prevent your PC from automatically upgrading toWindows 10.
More about the topics:windows 10,windows 7,windows 8.1
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
