Is Microsoft Forcing Windows 10 on You? - Comments Page 1

Bob: If uninstalling Windows updates and subsequently blocking them is too complicated for your readers (and you didn't include KB 2952664 {likely on Win7 systems} and KB 2976978 {likely on Win 8.1} which also have to be uninstalled) download and run the GWX control panel from Josh Mayfield at http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/
Read the page first; this is the easiest way to simple block the Windows 10 download and nags without system changes. And it’s fully reversible.

In this regard, it's worth remembering that Microsoft intends to abandon giving out any information to Windows 10 users. So we won't know what is being installed on our computers. Last recourse will be uninstalling unwanted updates in Programs and Features and Windows Update Log. Microsoft seems to be sneering at us: "All your drives are belong to us!"

It's sneaky stuff like this that makes me not trust Microsoft as far as I can throw my desktop.
I like Windows 10, but I'm curious about why all of the underhanded tactics are deemed necessary by our Software Overlords.

When my Win 7 becomes useless at some time in the future, I will be switching to Linux. This marketing campaign for W10 must have some ulterior motive, because I haven't met anyone that likes it, yet; so apparently the push is based on the fact that it is not a saleable product. If GM marketed cars the same way, they would have a real problem selling new ones. Microsoft forgot, a long time ago, that when you paid for that computer and took it home or to work, that it became yours and they had no further ownership interest in it.

I have heard many different "horror" stories concerning Win10. Some believable, some not. But there is no doubt MS is pushing really hard to get Win10 on all PCs. I am going to wait for the other shoes to drop before jumping off of Win7. That is, if I ever, jump off of Win7.

I've installed WIN 10 on a few of my Desktops....All I can say is,.."I'm not impressed" It totally wouldn't recognize an AMD Video Card Higher screen setting on one machine. AMD said, Tough S*** ! So had to purchase new video card. I'm convinced Mr Softie is using the consumer for it's BETA Testers! To figure out WIN 10.

I appreciated your guidance in keeping WIN-10 from installing and removing pre-installation files. HOWEVER all who would rather WIN-7 or 8 will suffer the MS “customer enhancements” of 10 if they purchase a new computer. Unfortunately, virtually all computer manufacturers sell their wares with 10 loaded and clearly state that removing/replacing the OS will irrevocably void the warranty.
Bend over darling and listen to the yada yada about it increasing customer convenience,… sure it is.

Microsoft tried to download Windows 10 on my computer without telling me. I thought they were down loading an update, but I wondered why it took so long. When I checked on Windows Updates, I discovered what they were doing. I put a stop to that immediately.

Hi Bob,
Thanks for the great info. When trying to uninstall "sysWOW64" I get an error msg. telling me I need permission from "TrustedInstaller". Any ideas?
Thank you,
Michael

I have a Dell. Microsoft initially said that it could run Windows 10. Then Dell tells me that they will not be updating drivers, etc., for my model computer if it's running Windows 10. Some programs may not work or may be faulty. Dell and Microsoft both could not or *would* not tell me how to remove the stuff that's already been downloaded. So a big "Thank You," Bob for your help. Hey--MS: Ubuntu is looking better all the time.

I like Windows 10. It has worked well for me, thus far.

Where can I begin to learn about installing alternate OS instead of being a pawn of MS.

EDITOR'S NOTE: See http://askbobrankin.com/a_free_windows_xp_alternative.html

"On 64-bit systems, KB3035583 creates another folder called C:\Windows\SysWOW64 that also contains GWX.exe. You will need to select the folder with your mouse, then press the Delete key to remove it. If you get a prompt asking for Administrator permission, go ahead and grant it."

I would recommend only deleting the gwx.exe file from this folder and not the entire folder. SysWOW64 contains drivers and other files used by Windows to run your 32-bit applications and hardware. See this MSDN blog post for more information. Deleting the entire folder is a bad thing... =)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Thanks, I should have said "delete the file" and not "delete the folder." If anyone made that mistake, you can recover the folder from the Recycle Bin.

Update to last post: managed to change ownership (several times) of "sysWOW64" and it's sub files. When trying to now delete I'm not allowed because "the folder or a file in it is in use by another program". Cleaned system files & restarted to no avail. Any ideas now? Thanks.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I've updated the text to note that only the GWX.EXE file should be deleted, and not the entire folder.

I feel Microsoft should have asked those that wanted an update with a simple form requesting a yes or no answer to upgrading. Not the arrogant approach where they download a "Get Windows 10" icon onto my toolbar without an easy option to remove, and lots of unwanted data and WOW files on the hard drive that I DONT want. Microsoft should now supply a removal program to run to remove all this unwanted clutter they have written onto the drives. I also feel there should be one place where cloud computing can be stopped so information remains on my hard drive. My computer system worked just fine for me before the cloud computing arrived to complicate security. If Microsoft wrote the Windows system correctly in the first place there would be no need for all these constant updates. Perhaps the updates are just a way of milking data off your hard drive. I am now becoming more and more disillusioned with Microsoft each year.
Now we must pay a yearly fee for minor upgrades when the current system is working just fine. The updates are needed because the system was not written and planned correctly in the first place.

Thankyou! I can't upgrade to Win10 for at least a while, due to old software (so old, there is no upgrade available), and the notification was driving me nuts!

It seems that MS might be guilty of violating the anti trust laws. Forcing the customer to accept an item is emblematic of an abuse of monopoly power. Constantly cluttering up the desktop of clients with unwanted messages is an abuse of power. Where is the Justice Department or the FCC?

I disabled Windows Updates a few months ago and I seem to have avoided the problem... I am concerned that I may have thrown the baby out with the bathwater though... Do you think that - as a Windows 7 user who is completely content - that there ever may be updates that I need?

I checked my updates and found windows 10 but it was shown as a failed install. I have just left it there. I am currently have win 7 and it suits me just fine!!!

very useful Bob, thank you for this article.