14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft “accidentally” forced the Windows 10 upgrade on some Windows 7 PCs following a change it has made in Windows Update a couple of days ago, so lots of users out there were close to installing the new operating system even though they hadn’t asked for it in the first place.
In a statement released today, Microsoft says that it all happened because of “a mistake,” but the company hasn’t explained what exactly went wrong and how Windows 10 ended becoming a selected install on Windows 7 PCs.
In the last 24 hours, we’ve received lots of messages from our readers confirming that they were no longer allowed to opt out of the upgrade and that Windows 10 was pushed to their PCs even if they hadn’t specifically selected the download in Windows Update.
The upgrade was still there after forced reboot
Reader Shogotsu explained how exactly this happened on his PC and how he actually managed to stop his computer from being upgraded to Windows 10. You can read his message in full below and scroll down for more information on the upgrade.
“I started my computer and it installed some updates and after I was told to restart I noticed something strange. There was a notice on my update window telling me that after I restart the windows 10 will be installed. I had not made anything to authorize the upgrade and I did not even reserve the windows 10.
I tried to cancel the operation and used the hide update function but after a reboot it appears again and again trying to force me to upgrade. I did find a way to get rid of the forced upgrade after spending a hour in google searching for answers. After deleting certain ‘security updates’ and 3 other updates that were pretty small, I managed to get rid of the upgrade mess once and for all.
I use Windows 7 Ultimate for a reason and do not and will not upgrade to Windows 10 because I have tested it with another computer and It is a complete mess. I think that my next operating system will be Linux Mint running a virtual PC with Windows XP without networking so I can do some work without constantly being harassed by Microsoft to upgrade to their Botnet 10.”
While many users explain that Windows Update actually displayed an option to view the selected optional updates, Shogotsu says it didn’t, so the upgrade to Windows 10 was pushed again and again after every restart.
Removing the Windows 10 installation files seems to be the easiest way to get rid of this problem, but you could also try deleting the KB3035583 update, which is responsible for the “Get Windows 10” app that sits in system tray and prompts you to perform the upgrade.
Right now, it’s not yet clear how many users have actually installed Windows 10 following this new Microsoft blunder, but it’s pretty clear that such “mistakes” aren’t helping the company bring more users on its new operating system. In fact, it does exactly the opposite and Shogotsu’s message is living proof.