Is Microsoft Forcing Windows 10 on You? - Comments Page 2

I was unable to delete the gwx.exe file; I got an "Access Denied" error. Even after resetting permissions or using the hidden administrator account, access was still denied.

Bob, when the KB updates were first installed, I went ahead and "reserved" my copy of W10. I then changed my mind on advice from you and others and cancelled my reservation. The end result was that I got TWO instances of gwx.exe: "C:\Windows\winsxs\amd64_microsoft-windows-gwx_31b... ...GWX.exe" and
"C:\Windows\winsxs\wow64_microsoft-windows-gwx_31b... ...GWX.exe". So I'd reccomend a system-wide (or at least Widows-folder-wide) search for that executable (granted, it might just be that I have an AMD processor, but I can't imagine why that should be different from any other). And since I cancelled in time (I guess), I did not receive $Windows.~BT at all. The two instances of gwx.exe are only 501 and 429 Kb respectively, so I'm going to leave them alone for now. I'm assuming they'll be replaced, if necessary, when I finally perform the upgrade.

With all the speculation about the motives behind Microsoft's aggressive Windows 10 sales pitch, I now very much regret making the changeover from Windows 8. I am not, however, computer savvy enough to go through the intricacies of uninstalling Win 10, so I will cast my fate to the wind.

Without intending to sound conspiratorial, I fear that Microsoft, with a little help from Cloud, may soon have direct access to every hard drive on the planet.

Very interesting article, Bob. Thanks.

So far all I've received was an invite to reserve my free upgrade to Win 10. That was way back several months ago. Nothing since. I have the little icon on my task bar and when I click on it I am informed that MS is still working on the upgrades for certain PC's. I reserved the free upgrade for both my HP desktop and my HP ENVY m6 laptop....both 64 bit machines. I have received no further information on when the upgrades will be forthcoming. So I'm just being patient and sticking with the Win 8.1 that I have.

I find myself wondering if there have been screw ups somewhere along the line and the MS gang was not as prepared to perform upgrades as they thought they were. I'll save this message from you and print it out so I can use it when the time comes.

Deleting GWX exe gets me permission from trusted installer message, and don't see any responses on this request? thank you

A warning regarding this part of your newsletter:

"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 took your word for it (obviously too hastily) that the whole folder was an evil spawn of Windows 10 upgrade reminder, and tried to delete it, as you suggested. (My current system is Windows 7.) When the system informed me that Trusted Installer special permissions prevented me from deleting the folder, I worked around it, giving myself ownership and total control of the folder, and removing Trusted Installer account permissions. To my shock, after deleting the folder, I realized I could no longer start Microsoft Office apps, my Control Panel lost all its contents, and, looking for Recycle Bin, I saw I could no longer run other vital parts of the system, like the Personalize Desktop app.

Luckily, I deleted most of the folder to Recycle Bin, instead of permanently (which I usually do). So I found Recycle Bin in my Explorer sidebar and proceeded to restore all the folder contents I had deleted. Fortunately, the regular system behavior, Control Panel contents and applications like MS Office were restored - although I'm not sure if that's the end of it, as I may have had deleted parts of the folder permanently after all, I don't quite remember - it remains to be seen.

So, to sum up, a word of warning to anyone who would want to remove C:\Windows\SysWOW64 completely - back up your system beforehand, or simply don't delete the folder if your regular Administrative Permissions are not enough.

Thanks for the excellent advice, Bob.

I hate 'nagware' too and I'm very satisfied with Windows 7 and won't be upgrading (although not necessarily a term I would use) until I'm forced to.

The removal method for KB3035583 also seems to have got rid of the file GWX.exe, as it is nowhere in evidence. So, thanks again.

@ Roger; Windows 7 arrived and I installed it. Before it I was an ATI video hardware fan. Amd bought Ati. Immediately, no support for many Ati legacy products. 3 Ati tv tuners rendered useless. Also 2 video display cards. So your situation does not surprise me. And After I had 2 handfuls of trashed hardware I would never again purchase Amd video hardware.
@Michael; Try booting a Linux live disc or usb drive at startup. Like Mint OS. Then delete the folder from Computer.

@Michael D.; CORRECTION: One commenter posted to not remove the folder? But GWX.exe. Try booting a Linux live disc or usb drive at startup. Like Mint OS. Or Ubuntu or a smaller OS. Then delete the application from the folder from Computer. You may have to adjust the video resolution to comfortably view the desktop and folders.

I deleted KB3035583. I found the C:\Windows\SysWOW64 folder, but it did not contain GWX.exe. I also searched for it using the Start menu search box but did not find it. Anywhere else I should look?

Thanks!

BOB,
I found the files but could not delete them need the trusted installer, is the first time I could not delete an update

Hi Bob, thank you for the info on Windows 10, esp how to roll it back to my win 7 and win 8.1. I found that both Dell laptops response slowed drastically. When typing it was like an old computer; type six letters then wait for them to start appearing in the document. Also had many momentary freezes and the mouse pointer moved in hesitating jumps. Overall it was very annoying trying to perform any actions with all the hesitations and slow responses. One feature I did like was the extra desktop which is very similar to Linux Ubuntu split screens. As for the KB3035583 update; I found it and hid it but it keeps coming back. So will have to delete it to be rid of it. The other file, C:\Windows\SysWOW64\GWX.exe, I found this on the Win 8.1 laptop but it would not allow it to be deleted. Just kept saying try again. Thanks so much for the info on Win10. I will be sticking with Win 7 and 8.1 until the end of support. By then I will probable need to purchase new computers anyway. Just a note; I still have my old Dell desktop that I run Linux Ubuntu on.

I followed your instructions for removing the forced Windows 10 files from my computer, but they are still there. I have two folders named $Windows.~BT-old (I renamed it to old) and $Windows.~WS.

I also can no longer find KB3035583 when checking Installed Updates.

Update to my previous post. I renamed $Windows.~BT-old back to its original name and re-ran Disk Cleanup and it removed it all. However, the folder named $Windows.~WS is still there, so I'm not sure what to make of that.

Hi Bob,
Windows Vista to Windows 7 upgrade cost $119, and Windows 7 upgrade to Windows 10 is free. Windows 10 cost $199. Really, for making a double upgrade can I spear $80? (prices are as per your blogs)

EDITOR'S NOTE: Sounds reasonable to me. You can probably find a Win7 upgrade disk on Ebay even cheaper than that.

The two files are on my system but they are not listed when I run Disk Cleanup.
Is it OK to just delete them.

Yesterday the nagging began, in which my firewall asked whether I would allow GWXUX.exe (or thereabouts) to modify a protected key in the registry. There was a windows logo nearby. I said no and the request popped up again. And again. And again. After a half-dozen 'no's it stayed quiescent for a while until it started again. Now I haven't restarted my machine yet after deleting the update KB3035583 (have to save a whole lot of stuff I've created and am working on), but I wonder: (1) Has this started because I acted to delete that update? And (2) after I restart the machine and presumably get rid of it, will the relentless requests go away?
Also, I am beginning to wonder whether it would be less stressful to return to my once-trusty pencil and yellow pad. I might even learn to write with a pencil again.
What we need now, Bob, is a newsletter column on how to deal with these issues, mine and the other people's. Isn't it wonderful how computers gives you so much material to write about? Column subjects one after the other handed right to you.

Most Excellent Bob! I just finished running the drill as per your instructions. You can't imagine the thrill of not seeing that nag ware and not postponing again tonight.
Live Well and be Happy!

I did upgrade one of my computers to Windows 10, and I am not thrilled with it. In particular, I am not happy with it being forced down our throats. It is not bug free, and way too intrusive.

I have advised my customers not to upgrade at this time.

Hi Bob, thank you for this article!
I ran across mention of a free
http://win10wiwi.com/, which is described as 'a very simple tool that automates the removal of "Get Windows 10 app" and that recovers the related disk storage.'
They also note, "we hope you would not mind if we display a some advertisement . . . . " which made me a bit nervous.
I am wondering if you or any of your faithful readers have experience with the win10wiwi tool and what you think about it?

EDITOR'S NOTE: It makes me a bit nervous, too. Especially since there is another way to do it for free.