Reformat now or after Windows 10 offer expires?

Background: I had gotten the black screen saying my windows (7 ult retail) was not valid couple weeks ago, along with clicking. Narrowed the clicking to an external hard drive. After I fixed that issue, I was able to boot fine. Upon investigation, though saw that this install (after I reverted from 10) was in a vm environment, so I need to reformat and start over. I do NOT want Windows 10. Tried on this machine and it's just not what I want (I've tried 3 machines out, so please don't warn me about I have to upgrade some day - I've decided to go with different os when this finally dies).

Question: Should I reformat now (my disk is Win7 ult sp1 retail) and reinstall windows, or would it be easier after the deadline for upgrading to Win10? I am dreading the search for all the updates that want to push 10 and would like to avoid that issue altogether if possible. I am still able to use the machine, just have to reboot several times a day.

Any guidance appreciated.

I've read through these and sounds like perfect solution. However, the caution about bluetooth has me concerned. Is this just with Intel bluetooth or would it also effect Logitech b/t keyboard and mouse?? I will look in the closet and see if a wired one of each is available in my stockpile, but I'm not sure.

Thanks tons!

Okay, so it was actually handled for me. My brother-in-law had a short stay in hospital out of town and then passed away. By the time we returned and I decided to do anything, it was well past the end of free Windows 10 offer. So I updated as normal and working with no issues. Good grief even. I really thank you ThrashZone for the help and just wanted to update why I seemed to disappear.