Tech: Stopping a Scheduled Windows 10 Update from Windows 7 or Windows 8

We all knew it would come to this... that with Microsoft's "free" offering of Windows 10 that there would be a catch... or several.  Well, the first show recently dropped as Microsoft began pushing an update that significantly changes the in which the upgrade from Windows 7 and Windows 8 is offered to folks.  If you have not seen a screen like this yet, it is coming to a Windows computer near you soon.  Instead of simply letting you know the upgrade is available, you see a dialog box similar to this one that simply asks you to schedule your upgrade.  Sometimes you can click a red X in the upper right hand corner, sometimes you can not!

And while Windows 10 is a fantastic upgrade, there are a number of reasons why users are nor ready to do it.  If you got this message, or if you have not yet -- do not fret.  No matter what step of this process you are in, there is a way out!

Follow these instructions, and Windows 10 won't be hassling you again (until the next scheme to force the update on you comes down the wire).  

1. First, locate that Systray Windows 10 icon (the systray is where the clock is).  Click on the upwards facing arrow.
2. Next click on Customize.
   
   
   
   
3. This will bring up a list of everything that runs in your Systray.  Find "GWX - Get Windows 10".  It will be set to "Show icon and notifications".  Click and select "Hide icon and notifications."
4. Next, Click Start and then Run -- or hold down the WindowsKey+R.
5. Type CONTROL to bring up the Control Panel.  Not settings in Windows 8, there is a difference!
6. In the Upper Right Hand Corner you should be able to search, in this box type PROGRAMS, select Add/Remove Programs from the list of results.
   
   
7. Next, click on the VIEW INSTALLED UPDATES link in the left pane.
   
   
   
   
8. You will be shown a list of all the updates that have been downloaded and installed.  Your list is likely to be quite long, but there is no need to parse through it with your eyeballs -- you can search.  Just like before, type in the following values one at a time in the upper right hand search box.  Once located, select them and click UNINSTALL. You are looking for KB2952664, KB2990214 and KB3035583.  You may have one of these, or all three.  No matter what -- if you do not want Windows 10 to schedule your update, you'll need to remove them.  Once removed, your computer will need to restart and do some reconfiguration of itself.  No problem, let it happen.
9. Once your system has come back up, you have a decision to make.  What we've done here is enough to stop the scheduled update, and prevent Windows from harassing you every day about it -- for now.  Microsoft may push down new updates that change this.  The only foolproof way to stop these updates from coming back is to *not update* your computer.  I do not recommend this... but if you choose to, you can turn off Automatic Updates in the Control Panel.

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Bruce holds a degree in Computer Science from Temple University, a Graduate Certificate in Biblical History from Liberty University and is working towards a Masters Degree in American History at American Public University.  He has worked in educational and technology for over 18 years, specializes in building infrastructures for schools that work to support the mission of technology in education in the classroom.  He also has served as a classroom teacher in Computer Science, History and English classes.  

Bruce is the author of five books: Sands of Time, Towering Pines Volume One:Room 509, The Star of Christmas, Philadelphia Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel and The Insider's Story: A Lance Carter Detective Novel