Cannot update Windows 7 without being forced to download Windows 10

[AndarielHalo]

I'm holding off on upgrading to Windows 10, and Windows 10 has been intentionally trying to install itself despite that. I cannot shut down my computer without going through the log-off screen to pick "Shut down" without installing updates.

Then a bunch of updates for Windows 7 were released, and I can't install any of them because as soon as I do, Windows Update starts downloading Windows 10 again after I had deleted it.


I had uninstalled KB3035583 yesterday to avoid the install message coming up every time I booted up, but now the GWX tray icon never shows up and it just tries to automatically install via windows update.


What do I do to stop this? I'm absolutely sure as a result of this program behavior that I do not want Windows 10 at all (for the foreseeable future)

 

[NoelDP]

There is NO compulsion to upgrade to Windows 10 - simply click on the notification Icon and refuse the upgrade - this should set Windows Update to ignore it at least for the present.

 

[AndarielHalo]

I semi-solved the issue as it stands; I can install updates... so long as I let windows re-download Windows 10, which defeats the whole purpose of this thread as it is.


But going back to earlier problems, you say there's no compulsion, yet I'm not receiving the notification icon on the taskbar anymore, even after reinstalling the kb3035583 (double clicking GWX.exe doesn't launch it at all), and I'm being harassed every time I try to shut down with downloading/installing Windows 10.


Before I first uninstalled the GWX, every time I booted up I was getting Windows Update automatically launch the Windows 10 installer, making me close it by clicking Decline on the first screen. I considered this a minor annoyance and so went and looked up how to uninstall GWX.

After that happened, I'm no longer getting any notifications of this sort, but Windows Update is still automatically trying to install Windows 10 when I shut down the computer.



EDIT: Installing Windows 7 updates, Windows Update still says it's downloading Windows 10, but checking the folder "$Windows.~BT", it's not increasing in disk size over 140 MB, and the taskbar icon for Update shows windows is installing updates and giving me a percentage done. Is it just "pretending" to download Windows 10 while installing all the other updates?



UPDATE: I successfully installed the updates without Windows 10 being installed or even fully downloaded. Now GWX is back and running on the taskbar, so I guess this specific problem is solved. Thanks for the information about postponing the upgrade

 

[mikem201]

I too am having the same issue. I previously reserved my upgrade, then tested it out on our media PC and decided it was a load of poop, to put it kindly.

Anyhow, I then removed the updates to get rid of the notification, and disabled the 'Upgrade to 10 Pro' update. I also removed an update for Windows Update itself that added in functionality for it to also hassle you.

12 Updates available today, none of them to do with windows 10 that I can see, about 140mb in size. Soon as I click install updates it states it is downloading setup files for Windows 10 and then checking requirements. On the icon, it now says installing updates, so I assume what the updater is showing, and what the programme is actually doing, are 2 entirely different things. What I do know however, is that the updates are taking alot longer to download than previously.

Microsoft should never have forced this onto users in the first place. It may not be compulsory, but they are certainly doing all they can to make people forced into it.

 

[AndarielHalo]

mikem201:

what I did ultimately was cancel my reservation for Windows10 entirely. It stops the nagging download/installs ahead of updates and the like. Also you can re-reserve at any time from now until July 2016 to get it for free. I didn't realize this when I first reserved it

 

[mikem201]

Unfortunately my reservation already came through and there is no way that I can see to say you no longer want it after they provide it.

Looks like the 12 updates installed, so it is a case of them buggering up windows update to display the incorrect process of what it is doing. Would not have happened if they didn't shove 10 down everyones throats so much.

Guess this is an annoyance I will have to live with for the time being until they fix it.

 

[AndarielHalo]

You can always cancel the reservation (unless you've already upgraded to Windows10).


It's in the Windows logo on your taskbar (GWX.exe). Click on the three horizontal bars on the upper left hand corner, go down to View confirmation, and select "Cancel reservation"


You can do it as many times as you want, like I just did now in order to get the specifics of how.

 

[mikem201]

As explained previously, I've already been given the reservation and the download for Win 10 Pro has been made available.

There is no way to now remove this other than hiding the update. This still causes Windows Update itself to display incorrect info making it appear like it is going to install Windows 10.

 

[NoelDP]

If you rename the download folder, what happens (it may be a Hidden one - in the C:\ root directory)

 

[Starkman]

Well, I'm up against the same issue; trying to install updates without installing, as it suggests, Win 10. There is no option for me to refuse the upgrade, because I think it already happened -- the download, that is. Either way, the Windows Update shows the darned Win 10 ready to install. I'm going to update and hope it doesn't.

 

[AndarielHalo]

This issue is actually back for me as well, despite having cancelled my reservation.

 

[Starkman]

Here's a great site I found to cancel the reservation in the way MS doesn't tell you how to do so.
Successfully Cancelling Your Windows 10 Upgrade Reservation | Windows 10 content from SuperSite for Windows

 

[tealover]

See:

https://www.maketecheasier.com/stop...letter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=21092015

The Policy Group Editor wasn't available on my system, The regedit worked, backup first.

 

[GaryR]

I need to update Win 7 and Windows 10 is in the list of optional updates. I unchecked Win 10 there and hided it but after I clicked on "Install updates", the first thing that appeared over the progress bar was "Downloading Windows 10"!! I am not sure if it was actually trying to download Win 10. I thought that unchecking and hiding the Win 10 download would prevent it from being downloaded. Please advise how I can download Win 7 updates without downloading Win 10 as well.

Oh, I stopped the update immediately after noticing the "Downloading Windows 10" message.

 

[Saynotowin10]

Not updating to Win 10

I have the same problem. I've tried everything, but when I try to update Windows 7, Windows 10 is automatically thrown in there. The only way I've been able to install Windows 7 updates without upgrading to Windows 10 is to go ahead and run the update, and when Windows 10 starts to install I just turn off my computer. Somehow I still get the Windows 7 updates without installing Windows 10. Not the best solution but it's the only thing I've gotten to work.

 

[MeOnMine]

Install this and run it.
It will block win 10.