How to stick with Windows 7 and not be forced to Windows 10?

[maxseven]

Maybe there is a thread here that discusses this in detail, if so I apologize in advance as I could not find it. There's this thread:

Has MS permanently damaged Windows 7?

and now I look at Brink's Repair Install thread and it's clear it's getting harder for us with many W7 computers to stay on this well-known (and well working!) course.

My question is, after reviewing also this discussion of "what to avoid" is: what do people here think about the idea that we might simply install only Security updates and NO OTHERS at all, whether recommended or optional? It seems to me that MS probably tests all patches/updates as a body, and not one-at-a-time and so being picky/choosy with the updates could in itself cause problems?

https://voat.co/v/technology/comments/459263Script for Win 7/8 to block all telemetry updates and Windows 10 upgrade components

Can there possibly be a consensus in the community about this issue or are we doomed to drink the W10 Kool-Aid?

 

[AddRAM]

As long as you are diligent about not installing any windows 10 updates you should never have a problem, ever.

It`s been discussed here time and time again

Every update should be checked and re checked before even thinking of installing it, including security updates.

 

[Bongo]

Here is a good thread to read http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...windows-10-upgrade-updates-windows-7-8-a.html

Jerry

 

[michael diemer]

I have been doing just that - installing only security updates. Oh, and Office updates. I removed the GWX app when I decided I didn't want W10. I use the lists compiled here by others (muchas gracias as always) to make sure I don't install anything related to W10, or the attempt to "prepare my computer for it." and my W7 is operating fine. So at this point, MS's attempts to "encourage" me to get W10 have failed, and my W7 continues to be fine. Although at this point I spend my time on Zorin. I'm keeping W7 up to date in case there is something I need it for. and on my music rig I have to use it as my software requires it. I use my old computer as a test; if I'm successful updating it, I then proceed to the music machine (which I keep offline 90% of the time). Hopefully, I over-reacted in my thread about MS trying to damage or destroy W7. They certainly have stepped over the line with their sneaky attempts to get you to install updates related to W10, but it would be foolish - and possibly illegal - for them to actually render W7 unusable, in order to force people to get W10.

 

[maxseven]

As long as you are diligent about not installing any windows 10 updates you should never have a problem, ever.

It`s been discussed here time and time again

Every update should be checked and re checked before even thinking of installing it, including security updates.

But it seems this is [much] easier to say than it is to do, especially given that MS has not been especially forthcoming it detailing what their updates are all about. Further, I don't want to make a career out of investigating each & every update they send-down for me to install.

I am at least going to stick with Security updates only for the time being, and do at least have one advantage what with my WSUS server being responsible for all my machines.

 

[ThrashZone]

Hi,
Get your windows update settings in order
Don't bother with Optional/ Recommended updates unless they apply to your usage.
Use this post from the link Bongo posted,
http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...ade-updates-windows-7-8-a-41.html#post3152683
You can remove this update from the list it has nothing to do with win-10

wusa /uninstall /kb:971033 /quiet /norestart

View attachment 374524

 

[AddRAM]

Updates only come out on Tuesdays, it takes less then 5 minutes to go over them.

 

[unifex]

I'm using Windows 7 on two computers and nobody is forcing me to switch to W10.

My Windows update settings are "not recommended" - i.e. "never check for updates". There are several reasons why I do this. I have seen many times how people were starting to give a talk with their laptop only to see a pop up stating "the PC will now reboot to install necessary updates". I find that the best way to avoid any kind of unwanted pop ups (or reboots or whatever else not related to what you actually want to do) is to reduce unnecessary automation to a minimum. Of course, Microsoft claims to perform all kind of automated tasks "when the PC is idle". The problem is, they have a very perverse idea of what "idle" means. In any case, my antivirus software warns me about missing updates.

Now, checking which updates to avoid is very quick. A glance over the Microsoft KB articles might not be sufficient to learn in detail what an update does, but it's enough to spot "improvements to Windows update" or "preparations for future upgrades" that I find completely unnecessary since I am not planning to "upgrade" my OS - I don't consider W10 to be an "upgrade" since I do not believe it improves my user experience in the slightest.

Other than that the OS works just fine.

 

[AddRAM]

I have never had an issue using these settings, and of course reading what each update is for, if you don`t need it, don`t install it.
Along with my current list.

Updates not to Install

KB2876229 SKYPE, If you want Skype then install it.
KB2923545 RDP
KB2970228
KB3035583
KB2990214
KB3021917
KB3068708 Telemetry
KB2592687
KB2660075
KB2506928
KB2952664 x2
KB3050265
KB2726535
KB2994023
KB3022345 Replaced by KB3068708 Telemetry

KB3022345 Caused false sfc result
KB2545698 (IE9)
KB3065987
KB3077715
KB3078667
KB3080149 Telemetry
KB3075249 Telemetry
KB2999226
KB3083710
KB3097966
KB3095649

 

[brotherboard]

I am not planning to "upgrade" my OS - I don't consider W10 to be an "upgrade" since I do not believe it improves my user experience in the slightest.

+1 for that

 

[maxseven]

Your list begs a question. Re: for example 3167760, which is "improvements to WU client" for both W7 and Server 2008.

How can you be sure this is a W10 issue--W10 is not an upgrade path at all from Server 2008 is it??? If it is NOT, then it seems to me one could look at any updates that are also for Server OSes as "safe, not W10 prep" type updates.

I have never had an issue using these settings, and of course reading what each update is for, if you don`t need it, don`t install it.
Along with my current list.

Updates not to Install

KB2876229 SKYPE, If you want Skype then install it.
KB2923545 RDP
KB2970228
KB3035583
KB2990214
KB3021917
KB3068708 Telemetry
KB2592687
KB2660075
KB2506928
KB2952664 x2
KB3050265
KB2726535
KB2994023
KB3022345 Replaced by KB3068708 Telemetry

KB3022345 Caused false sfc result
KB2545698 (IE9)
KB3065987
KB3077715
KB3078667
KB3080149 Telemetry
KB3075249 Telemetry
KB2999226
KB3083710
KB3097966
KB3095649