Technology Tips – Published May 2016 in the Guide and Digest
by Don Trauger – Kennett
Removing the Nag Notice for Windows 10
Many users have become frustrated with Microsoft and its constant pop-up messages about upgrading to Windows 10. If you are using Windows 7 and 8.1 you have no doubt seen these annoying pop-ups. In fact as I write this the effort to force you to upgrade is getting stronger. Some have complained that they didn’t want Windows 10 and got it anyway. Microsoft will support Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 with security updates until January 2020 and January 2023 respectively. What this means is you can remain with your present operating system if that’s your wish until the above noted dates.
Before you upgrade compare the plus and minuses of Windows 10. Windows 10 will boot more quickly than Windows 7 but equal to Windows 8. Programs will operate a little more quickly with Windows 10 than with Windows 7 but again, equal to Windows 8. Some new programs may become available only for Windows 10 but it’s not too likely at this point so there’s no advantage there. Other concerns may be learning Windows 10 which is not difficult but does require attention to changes. The PC Club can help with this issue. I recommend that you upgrade before July 29, 2016 which is the last date Microsoft will allow a free upgrade from Windows 7 or 8.1. If you click the 4 pane white icon near the clock you can read the compatibility report on whether Windows 10 will operate correctly on your computer. You may have to click on a 3 bar gray icon in the upper left corner to read the report.
If you are adamant about not upgrading here’s a little trick to turn off the annoying upgrade prompts. The upgrade prompt is put in place by a Windows Update KB3035583. You need to uninstall it and after it is uninstalled the 4 pane white icon near the clock will be gone along with the prompts to upgrade to Windows 10. Here’s how to do this. With Windows 7, open the Control Panel by clicking the “Start” button in the lower left corner of the screen then click Control Panel on the right side of the menu. If the Control Panel is in Category view, click System and Security. Under Windows Update click View Installed updates. Type KB3035583 in the Search box (upper right corner of the window) highlight it, then click uninstall near the top of the window. If the Control Panel is not in Category view click Windows Update then click Installed Updates in the lower left corner of the window. To open the Control Panel in Windows 8.1, right click the 4 pane white icon (lower left corner of the screen), click Control Panel and proceed with previous directions.
Return to the Windows Update window and click Check for updates. Guess what? The missing update will be downloaded again. When it is listed, click the update which will open another window. This time right click the update and choose Hide update. Close the window and this will end the upgrade nags.
The PC Club meetings are open to all regardless of computer experience. If you have questions that need to be answered, be sure to attend on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7 PM, upstairs in the Community Center. May’s topic will cover how to remove the Windows 10 upgrade notice from Windows 7 and 8.1 computers. Note: A computer recycling event is scheduled from 9 AM – 1PM June 11 at East Goshen Township Park.