GPedit setting to stop Windows 10 upgrade prompts

[thewhat]

You might not know this, but there's an official way to stop Windows 7 and 8 from upgrading to 10 through Windows Update.

Run... gpedit.msc, then go to:
Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Update and enable "Turn off the upgrade to the latest version of Windows through Windows Update"

(You might have to restart or log off for the change to take effect.)

What happens then is that even if you install KB3035583 (GWX update), GWX won't run and you won't get the "upgrade to 10" ads.


EDIT: you might still want to avoid installing that update
http://www.infoworld.com/article/30...-10-sets-its-hooks-into-windows-7-and-81.html

 

[mikeymikec]

It's probably just a UI frontend for the 'disablegwx' registry key.

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\GWX]
"DisableGWX"=dword:00000001

 

[corkyg]

These keys work for me to protect 7. (They came from MS):

HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\
Windows\WindowsUpdate
DWORD value: DisableOSUpgrade = 1

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\
WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade
DWORD value: ReservationsAllowed = 0

I have Win 10/1511 on a separate drive. Same for 8.1, and 7. I prefer working in 7 and will not duplicate with an additional 10 UG.

 

[thewhat]

Yeah, those registry entries should have the same effect.
Related Microsoft page: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3080351

I'm posting this because some people recommend 3rd party apps, which are totally unnecessary.
Obviously you can also select the Windows updates manually, but this if for those who have them on automatic.

 

[MongGrel]

That, or just update to Windows 10.

()

 

[thewhat]

Not any time soon.

Also, if I ever decide to do it, I'll do it manually with an iso, not through Windows Update. I'd have to get the iso for a clean install anyway, no point in downloading Windows twice.

 

[thewhat]

Just wanted to point out that this setting might still let unwanted stuff through:
http://www.infoworld.com/article/30...-10-sets-its-hooks-into-windows-7-and-81.html

If you can spare a few minutes once a month, just review and install the updates manually.