Windows 10: How to stop the update, or roll back to Windows 7

Windows 10 has been a huge success for Microsoft with over 200 million installations globally they’ve got a lot to be happy about, but in recent weeks the concerns of users of older versions of Windows have grown as their PC’s seem to begin the upgrade process without them wanting it.

For a large part, the success of the upgrade cycle is down to smart planning from Microsoft.  They installed a nice bit of software into Windows 7 and 8 somewhere along the way to give prompts to users once Windows 10 was available.   It’s been almost impossible to ignore the fact that Windows 10 was available.

For the most part, the upgrade has been a huge success from a user feedback perspective too.  In the first few weeks or month I received a lot of calls from people with simple hardware issues like trackpads on a laptop not working, printer incompatibility etc.

These problems would be solved by the hardware manufacturers. And again for the most part they have been.

However, there’s a large number of people who for one reason or another have decided not to upgrade.  Many of them have been caught by surprise in recent weeks by their copy of Windows “scheduling” an update – the message pops up, you click OK to get rid of it, but in fact you’ve scheduled an update.  Tricky!

So – what do you do if you’re version of Windows 10 doesn’t work as well as you’d like on your PC, or you simply want to go back to Windows 7 or Windows 8?  And if you don’t want to upgrade but are sick of the pop-up messages – what can you do.

We’ve got the answers.

What if I’ve upgraded and want to go back to my old operating system?

Firstly, if you’ve upgraded, and you want to go back – it’s actually quite easy.  Press the windows key and type “Recovery” – look for an option to “Go Back to Windows 7” – click that, agree to the process and frankly, it’s an effortless and foolproof process.

Except for one thing – and I have to admit – this made me laugh quite hard.

When you do go back, it’s possible the first thing you’ll see on startup is a prompt to begin the update to Windows 10 in 60 minutes:)

Yep, Having rolled back from Windows 10, the first thing the computer starts to do is the update to Windows 10 process.

In that case, the next instructions are all for you!

So what if you just don’t want Windows 10?

Well, that’s your loss – it’s a great operating system.  Oh, and it’s free – for now.  In a few months it won’t be so now is the time to upgrade if you want it for free.

But, if there are issues with it on your PC or you’re just a sentimental fella who loves Windows 7, here’s how to stop Windows nagging you about Windows 10 upgrades.

Download a simple bit of software called GWX Control Panel. It’s amazing, and simple.

Once downloaded all you need to do is click the button to “Disable the Get Windows 10 App” and “Prevent Windows 10 Upgrade”.

Never easier.

And once done, your life will be Windows 10 free.

Though, as I say, sooner or later you’re going to have to get it – why not now when it’s free?