How to cancel a forced update to Windows 10. Pausing the update via the command line

Even if the user has not made a reservation for a system upgrade on his computer to an operating system with index 10, data on the PC from Microsoft resources will be saved in memory and the device will regularly and persistently recommend installing Windows 10. The notification is displayed in the tray and there is no option to refuse to download files .

Therefore, a large number of people have already asked the question: “How to refuse Windows 10?” Below are specific steps to resolve the above issue and at the same time to ensure the correct further functioning of the Update Center.

Step one - installing the client

From the Microsoft resource support.microsoft.com you need to download and install the current Operating System Update client. This is important to do before you decide not to upgrade to Windows 10. After installing the required client version (for a 32-bit or 64-bit system), you will need to restart the PC.

Step two - cancel in the registry

To cancel the update you will need to do the following:

Ready. Completing these steps will save your computer from installing the tenth version. However, it is advisable not only to cancel the transition to a new OS, but also to delete the directory with the files of the intrusive “Ten”.

Step three - getting rid of downloaded Windows 10 files

They are located in the “$Windows.~BT” folder and take up about 4 GB of space on the computer.

In order to delete this directory, you must use the following algorithm of actions:

These steps allow you not only to cancel and refuse to install Tens, but also to significantly free up disk space on your computer.

How to prevent a notification from appearing in the tray?

To resolve this issue, do the following:

What to do if the computer owner canceled the installation, but then changed his mind and decided to install a new OS?

You should take the following steps to return your PC to its original state:

open the window "Update Center";
enter the list of hidden upgrades and reactivate “KB3035583”;
then open and uninstall the “DisableOSUpgrade” parameter;
reboot your PC.

Microsoft resources will again begin to receive offers to upgrade to Windows 10 and files of the new OS will be downloaded for its subsequent installation.

Since yesterday, Windows 10 has become officially available, and users can update the previous version to it for free, starting with Windows 7. But for most users, such an update remains reserved, and they will have to wait a few more days until it is their turn to update. However, there is a way to force the update process so that you can download and install the new version of Window 10 today. Users of Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1 can also install a full Windows 10 from scratch. But here you have to overcome a little more obstacles. In our review, we will show you how you can force the installation process and also get a “clean” copy of Windows 10.

If you want to upgrade an old Windows system, starting with Windows 7, to the new Windows 10, you must first update the “old” system. To install Windows 10, you will need Windows 7 with Service Pack 1 installed - and Windows 8 users should first upgrade to Windows 8.1 and install the latest patches. Only then will the free operating system update feature appear on the taskbar.

If you want to take advantage of the free upgrade, which will only be available in the first year after Windows 10 is released, you must first reserve the upgrade. When the deadline approaches, Windows will download the update in the background, after which it will inform the user about the possible installation. Although Microsoft has reserved a decent capacity of Internet channels for the launch of Windows 10, the update will be offered in waves, depending on the load on the servers. Regardless of whether you reserved the update many days ago or just yesterday, the download process may not have started yet. But you can force it to start using a number of tricks.

Forced installation via command line

The process of downloading and installing the Windows 10 update can be forced through the command line. But to do this, you must have a reserved Windows 10 update, that is, the corresponding icon must appear on the taskbar. And Windows updates should be set to install automatically. Then you should empty the folder "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download" and run the command prompt with administrator rights. To do this, click on the "Start" button, type "cmd" and right-click on the executable file that appears, selecting "Run as administrator". A command prompt will be launched, where you should run “wuauclt.exe /updatenow”. In a few minutes, the Windows 10 download process will begin via the Windows Update function. You can reset your router so it gets a new IP from your ISP, and you can also restart your computer to speed up the process.

Set up automatic installation of Windows updates
Delete the contents of the folder "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download"
Launch a command prompt with administrator rights and run "wuauclt.exe /updatenow"
The update will be downloaded through the Windows Update function

Update via Media Creation Tool

It's fairly easy to update through Microsoft's Media Creation Tool, which can be downloaded directly from Microsoft. The utility not only allows you to download and update the system on Windows 10 directly, but also download an ISO file or prepare a USB key for installing Windows 10. Here, too, a completed update reservation is required. Downloading and installation are performed automatically, the user only needs to confirm the installation.

Reserve your free upgrade to Windows 10
Choose to update your computer and follow the instructions

When updating, all settings and data will be transferred to the new operating system. All of our test computers successfully completed the update process. If you wish to return to Windows 8.1 or Windows 7, you have 30 days. During installation, your old Windows system data is automatically saved. Of course, if you want to be on the safe side, it makes sense to create a backup.

Clean installation of Windows 10

If you want to install a “clean” Windows 10, not contaminated by old Windows programs and files, then this option is supported. Optional installation from DVD or USB stick is possible. The ISO file can be downloaded from Microsoft directly or through the Media Creation Tool mentioned above. You should then burn the ISO file to a DVD, boot from it, and select a clean installation of Windows 10. To install from a USB stick, you should prepare bootable media. To do this, you can also use the Media Creation Tool utility. The USB flash drive must have a capacity of at least 8 GB and FAT32 formatting; the utility will automatically create all the necessary files for installation on it. Then you can boot from the flash drive and start the installation.

You can download Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home, in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, and Windows 10N is also available. If you do not have the retail version and do not have the appropriate CD Key for Windows 7 or Windows 8(.1) on hand that can be used for Windows 10, you will first have to update using one of the methods shown above. Otherwise, you will not be able to activate Windows 10 after installation. During the upgrade process, the license of the old Windows operating system will be automatically transferred to the new Windows 10.

For subsequent installations of Windows 10, the key will no longer be required, since Microsoft servers automatically recognize the installed hardware, which allows activation. Many users indicate the possibility of installation using the correct key for Windows 8.1 or Windows 7, but we did not succeed. During tests, we were unable to install Windows 10 with the old Windows 8 key. During installation, the key request simply did not appear.

Reserve an update to Windows 10 and complete it(!)
Burn the ISO file to a CD or create a bootable USB stick
Perform a clean install from prepared media without specifying a CD key
The license will be automatically activated by Microsoft servers

Conclusion

In our tests, we did not encounter long download times; the required 3 GB were downloaded at full speed of the Internet connection. However, it did make sense for Microsoft to release the update in waves. Not all users need Windows 10 from day one of the announcement. After completing the update, you can perform a clean installation. However, it seems to us that this is not at all necessary. Windows 10 will work very quickly even when installed on top of an existing “old” system. So decide for yourself whether the extra effort is worth it. But if you need a “clean” installation, then you can do it using the tips in our article.

Those wishing to upgrade their operating system to the new Windows 10 are faced with problems. If you tried to reserve an update, but you don’t receive it or don’t find the update icon in the taskbar where it usually appears, after reading this article everything will fall into place, and you will have the best OS from Microsoft at the moment. The problem is solved in several ways, the meaning of which is not significantly different. This is a forced update via:

command line;
"Windows Update";
Media Creation Tool application.

Through the Support Center

Such an update is implemented by launching the “Support Center” using several methods.

Launch via control panel

Find the installation icon in the form of a white flag in the taskbar and click on it with the left mouse button.

Click on the link with the appropriate name.

The installation tool for Windows Update will launch.
In the left frame, click on the link that says: “Search for updates.”

Via "Control Panel"

Such a launch is implemented by sequential actions:

We go to the Control Panel, which is launched through Start.
We visualize its contents in the form of large icons.

Immediately launch Windows Update » .

Via Start

Open the Start menu and enter the appropriate installation query in the search bar.

Launch "Update Center".

In the Windows response that appears, click on the “Get Started” button.

After the Update Center has started doing its job, you will have to wait a little. When the message “Upgrade to Windows 10” appears, follow the steps below:

Click on the “Get Started” button.

We wait until the Windows 10 update downloads and the installer prepares before installing the downloaded files.

Once the download is complete, the installer will prompt you to restart your computer before installing the Windows 10 update.
We confirm the restart so that the update to Win 10 will start.

Before the PC boots, updates will be installed, system files will be modified, after which the computer will start with Windows 10 installed.

Command line procedure

This is a forced update — A simple and quick way to get a Windows 10 update is to use the command line.

We reserve the download of the update files (after this the corresponding icon will appear on the Taskbar).
We enable automatic updating (the Update Center service must start along with the operating system).
We clear the “SoftwareDistribution\Download” directory in the Windows folder.
You will then need to run a command interpreter with administrator privileges.
Enter “command” in the Start search bar, call up the context menu of the corresponding icon and click “Run as administrator.”

Insert or enter the command “wuauclt.exe /updatenow” into the line, confirming its execution by pressing “Enter”.

In a few minutes (not immediately), Windows 10 will begin downloading through the OS update tool.
After the download is complete, the computer will ask to restart, as a result of which updates to your operating system to Windows 10 will be installed.

Using the Media Creation Tool

The update program will not only help you update the operating system to Windows 10, but will also download an image with its installation files, and also create a bootable USB flash drive for a clean installation of Windows 10. This method is notable for the fact that it does not require a reservation or a long waiting process until it comes time , - the user only needs to select the OS version and confirm its download, and the installation will be carried out automatically. All user data will be saved in case of update. MCT also allows you to roll back the system state to a previous version from a backup within 30 days if something is not to your liking or does not go as expected.

Download the Media Creation Tool and launch it.
Select the item as in the screenshot and click “Next”.

We wait while the application downloads the necessary update files to Win 10. At this time, you can minimize the window and go about your daily business.

The completion of the process will be marked by the appearance of a window with the license terms.
We carefully study them and, if accepted, click “Accept”.

Be sure to select the first option if you don’t want to reinstall all applications and lose your own data.

We check the specified settings and click “Install” to get Windows 10.
The "ten" version is detected automatically. In our case, we installed Windows 10 Pro.

We are waiting for the update installation operation to complete.
You can still cancel the update at this step if you change your mind.

Confirm PC restart.
After this, its parameters will be configured. After a couple of minutes, the computer will restart again and boot with the new OS.

Possible problems

Windows 10 includes automatic updates with no option to reject or cancel them. Often, automatic installation of updates leads to graphics system failures, which can cause monitors to turn off. One of the first updates from Microsoft included numerous bugs related to the security system, which resulted in the permanent termination of the “explorer.exe” process, which is responsible for the window interface. The reason for this was that the update process, one of the first Windows 10 updates, could not complete correctly. Therefore, a message appeared about the impossibility of completing the installer’s work correctly, and cancellation would result in a mandatory reboot of the PC. After which the process would begin again, and this could continue cyclically due to the fact that updates are imposed by Microsoft without the ability to cancel the installation process or refuse it.

Recently, these problems have been solved, but no one is immune from their reoccurrence or the emergence of new, possibly more serious ones.

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The announcement of Windows 10 turned the world upside down in some ways: for the first time, you could get a new version of the operating system from Microsoft for free. But the joy did not last long. As it turned out, the new system often conflicted with hardware drivers and collected data about users and computers.

Analysts, market participants, and even ordinary users were very surprised - why would Microsoft give away its OS for free? After all, the cost of maximum versions of previous systems sometimes reached up to $500! Among the main reasons, experts cite, for example, the desire to promote a new platform to the market with new programs and the Windows Store, applications in which Microsoft itself controls - and also collects money itself.

The free upgrade program to "ten" was supposed to last exactly one year after its release on the market, and the period officially expires on July 29. Microsoft has so far promised that the program will actually end and that everyone will then remain on the version of the OS that they originally had.

“My struggle”: how Windows 10 tried to get onto users’ computers

To make our instructions and the steps described in it clearer, we will briefly talk about the history of the latest confrontation between users and Microsoft.

Over the past year, Microsoft has made great efforts to migrate the maximum number of users of current Windows 7 and Windows 8/8.1 systems to the new version - even those who did not want to. And the transition program to Windows 10 took a lot of blood from people.

First, the GWX.exe (GetWindowsX) utility was installed on the computers of all users with suitable operating systems, which began to irritate them with a constantly popping up window asking them to update. Moreover, GWX is quite well protected from attempts to disable it or remove it from the system.

Gradually, users learned to remove it, removing the KB3035583 update that installed it from the system, and the game began. This update persistently returned to the system - either on its own or through packages with other updates. Microsoft has transferred it from the category of regular ones to security updates that should be installed on the system automatically. In general, “it’s on the door, it’s on the window.” This struggle continues to this day with varying success.

Many users received a system distribution package of about 4 GB in size on their hard drive for free, which is hidden in a hidden folder; you can’t find it that easily. For those who were completely unlucky, it downloaded via cellular networks.

With the final weeks of the "free offer" approaching, Microsoft is likely to go all in. So, it's time to brush up on your knowledge and sharpen your weapon.

The easy way: disabling all updates and third-party utilities

The easiest way to avoid any offers (especially if nothing has arrived on your computer yet) is to disable Windows updates and not enable them until July 29th. This is the most effective way. In theory, it opens the system to new unknown vulnerabilities, but today such a probability is minimal, especially since home computers are protected by routers. In the vast majority of cases, the user himself downloads and launches the virus.

You can set Windows Update to manual mode and decide for yourself what to install. But then you will have to figure out for yourself what is being installed, know the numbers of “harmful” updates... And there is still a chance to miss the new and well-disguised version of the update offer.

And if you have already received an invitation to update your PC, then you will have to clean your computer.

For the lazy, third-party utilities have already been released that will help get rid of all the mess without headaches. Life found two:

But remember: try them only at your own risk (and better - after you've made a safety copy). Firstly, they were written by enthusiasts; there is no full guarantee of correct operation, i.e. in rare cases they can mess up something in the system.

Secondly, we cannot guarantee that these utilities are virus-free. Moreover, even if the utility itself is “clean,” no one is stopping an attacker from downloading it, integrating a virus into it, and placing it somewhere “in a public place.” Be careful, try to download from known places that check for malware.

The hard way: switch to manual control

All update utilities are delivered to your computer through Windows Update. If you don’t want to disable receiving updates (and if you take your computer out of the house and work through external networks, then disabling them is dangerous) or they have already reached your PC, you will have to clean them. Here is a list of "harmful updates" containing the same GWX utility.

For Windows 7

KB3035583
KB2952664
KB3021917
KB2977759
KB3083710

For Windows 8

KB3035583
KB2976978
KB3083711

If you removed the packages listed, but the problem remains, the reason may be in the following updates: KB2990214, KB3014460, KB3083711, KB30383710, KB3035583, KB3021917, KB2977759, KB2976978, 2952664. These were originally released by Microsoft for other purposes, but in some cases, users report that the company disguised the utility in them.

The first way to remove packages is to go to the update center, find the “harmful” updates listed above by searching among the installed ones (it’s in the upper right corner) and remove them from the computer. But this is only the first stage, because after a reboot your computer will definitely try to install them again - after all, Microsoft has carefully transferred them to the status of required (which they call “recommended”, but are installed automatically). Therefore, after uninstalling and rebooting, you will have to run the search for updates again and, in installation offers, manually mark next to each of the “harmful” updates that you want to hide it. Then it will not install.

However, various cunning people learned how to do this last fall, so today such technology does not always help. But it's worth starting with this.

The second way is to operate through the command line (CMD). You need to run it and enter the following line: wusa/uninstall/KB:3035583. And do this with all the numbers from the list above - those that are in the system. And after the reboot, you will also have to go to the update center and mark it as “harmful” so that the system does not install them again.

Next step - We prohibit the system from updating at the registry level.

In 2016, Microsoft released official instructions on how to add a command to the registry that prohibits upgrading to Windows 10. To do this, you need to create a 32-bit DWORD key named DisableOSUpgrade at the following addresses (if the required section does not exist, you need to create it too):

Additionally, you can enter the line: HKLM\ SOFTWARE\ Policies\ Microsoft\ Windows\ Gwx, DWORD value: DisableGwx = 1

And don't forget to reboot the system. All update notifications should disappear.

Now this method works. Previously, it periodically happened that after the next update, a line would mysteriously disappear from the registry, and all the adventures of “Let’s update!” started again.

Covering our tracks

After disabling updates, do not forget to clean your disk. Firstly, Windows leaves copies of update packages, and secondly, you could be “lucky” and the Windows 10 distribution in a hidden folder eats up its 4-5 GB of your disk.

Everything is simple here: the standard Disk Cleanup utility (cleanmgr.exe), which comes with Windows 7 and 8, can remove it. But to do this, it needs to be switched to the mode for removing system updates.

Open the utility and set it to scan drive C. When it displays the results, click on the “Clean up system files” button. It will reboot, re-analyze drive C and show system components in the list for cleaning. Check the boxes for service packs and temporary copies of Windows components.

If you don’t trust the cleaning results or want to do everything yourself, look for a special folder named $WINDOWS.~BT. It takes up 4-6 GB and is located on drive C, but remember - this is a hidden folder, Explorer will not just show it. If you have an alternative file manager that can work with hidden and system files, there will be no problems.

In "Explorer" you need to open the "View" menu, in the old version - "Tools" (if in the old "Explorer" you do not see the main menu at the top, press alt), there find "Folder Options" or "Folder Options", go to "View" tab. Next, look for the “Show hidden files” item. After turning it on, look at your system drive (C:), the $WINDOWS.~BT folder should appear next to the Prorgam Files, User, Windows folders. You can safely remove it.

Everything for the user, everything for convenience

Now you know how to remove persistent offers to upgrade from the system, you know that you need to carefully study all offers to upgrade and click very carefully, and most importantly, you know that upgrading to Windows 10 can start suddenly.

You need to hold out just a little bit, but the enemy is strong and cunning. If you play it safe, you'll be able to welcome July 29th with your favorite operating system. Otherwise... we always have the option to pull the power cord before the first of August!

How would we like to conclude our guide? "We'll hang in here! We wish you all the best, good mood!" And after July 29, when the free update program is completed, it will be possible to add the final one to Microsoft: “No money!”

Microsoft is quite optimistic about the worldwide upgrade of computers to Windows 10: by 2018, it hopes to overcome the mark of 1 billion devices with the new operating system.

In less than a year, Microsoft managed to acquire over 300 million devices running Windows 10. However, the figure would hardly have been so impressive if not for the company’s aggressive actions, which sometimes force users to install a new version of the OS.

Constant offers to upgrade that you can no longer refuse, free distribution of the system, exclusive projects for Windows 10 - all this is part of the company’s big plan to conquer computers around the world.

Despite all the delights of the system, many do not need the update and want to stay on their favorite “seven” or even XP. But Microsoft has a different vision, so the company constantly changes the update system, and each time it becomes more and more difficult to refuse the offer.

A proposal can appear at any time during the operation of the system, which is associated with several curious cases. Thus, a similar proposal appeared during a weather forecast in Iowa. A window popped up live on top of the weather map.

In addition, more and more complaints are appearing that the system has been updated even without warning the user. Just step away from the computer for a few minutes, and at that moment the process of installing a new system can begin. Or the installation of Windows 10 may occur after the system is rebooted during the installation of a new update package.

Also, constant changes occur with the update window. At first, the option to refuse the upgrade disappeared, and the only choice was between “Update now” and “Update at night.” In this case, simply closing the window does not help - soon it appears again.

Now, when there are less than two months left until the end of the free update, Microsoft is going all-in and simply won’t let you refuse it.

Of course, Microsoft claims that the choice is always up to the user, but now the rules have become even stricter, so the system allows you to change the update time only once, after which the process will begin automatically.

But if the user needs more time to weigh the pros and cons, or is terrified of losing his good old operating system, then there are several ways to delay the update's doomsday.

Simple Method

The Get Windows 10 (GWX) application is responsible for updating the system. It is this that displays all these annoying messages and windows. The application appeared on all computers with Windows 7 and 8/8.1 after the system update and is protected from deletion. You shouldn’t even try to get rid of it, because the application will in any case find a way to return to the system during the next update.

Everything related to the transition to Windows 10 gets into the computer through minor system updates, so the most effective way is to simply disable all updates.

After this, if there have been offers to update the system, it is worth cleaning the computer. For this purpose, many enthusiasts release their own utilities (for example, I Don't Want Windows 10), which remove everything that is somehow related to the annoying upgrade. But you should be careful, since such home-made programs can easily “infect” the system with viruses. Therefore, to be sure, it is better to do everything manually.

Uninstalling updates manually

Disabling automatic updates may result in missing critical updates that fix system problems and protect against new threats. Therefore, it is worth selectively removing only those updates that are responsible for installing the GWX utility.

On Windows 7, in the Update Center you need to find updates under the codes KB3035583, KB2952664, KB3021917, KB2977759 and KB3083710; in Windows 8 - KB3035583, KB2976978 and KB3083711. However, after restarting the computer, these updates will return, as they are classified as “required” updates that are installed automatically.

In addition to these packages, there are several more that can install GWX, although Microsoft released them for other purposes: KB30383710, KB3035583, KB2990214, KB3014460, KB3083711, KB3021917, KB2977759, KB2976978 and 2952664. After this, you need to prevent the system from making updates to registry level to these packages did not return after rebooting the system. Full instructions are published on the community website Microsoft .

After all these manipulations, the proposals for switching to a new system should disappear, but some users note that after the next system update, the line disappeared from the registry.

Also, do not forget that the system has downloaded all the files necessary for the upgrade, so they need to be deleted. This is done using the standard Disk Cleanup utility. After scanning the system, you just need to click the “Clean up system files” button.