GWX Control Panel (previously named GWX Stopper) is a free program that you can use to configure and exit the “Get Windows 10” system tray application which continually pops up on PCs that are still running Windows 7 and Windows 8. It can also prevent unintentional Windows 10 upgrades from occurring via Windows Update. GWX Control Panel really works, is safe and easy to use, and gives you the option to re-enable the icon and upgrade notifications if you're ever ready to move forward with Windows 10.
http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2015/08/using-gwx-stopper-to-permanently-remove.html
... ANYTHING ELSE?
Why yes, thank you for asking, imaginary reader! As I mentioned earlier, I am neither anti-Microsoft nor anti-Windows 10, but I am absolutely opposed to the design and methodology of the Get Windows 10 App.
The Get Windows 10 app has many traits that are usually associated with malware:
- It's non-essential software that's deceptively bundled with other, legitimate software via the Windows Update process. Even if you're the type to pick and choose Windows updates individually, the summary information about the update that installs the app makes the patch sound like a bug fix rather than a nagware installer: "Install this update to resolve issues in Windows." In computer security circles, software that claims to be something it's not is called a Trojan. You will only know what the patch actually installs if you click the More information link, which brings you to theKB3035583 Knowledge Base article.
- It repeatedly and frequently interrupts your day-to-day work. Once the Get Windows 10 App is installed on your computer, it will pop up unexpected reminders to upgrade, and it won't stop bugging you until you relent and move on to Windows 10. This behavior basically turns your legitimately licensed copy of Windows 7 or Windows 8 into nagware.
- It cannot be disabled or configured via normal means. Just about any other legitimate system tray ("notification area") application these days offers a right-click menu with the ability to disable notifications or prevent the tool from starting with Windows. Not doing so is in direct opposition to Microsoft's own guidelines on how to develop applications that display icons in the notification area.
- It is difficult for novice users to locate and remove. Just like most modern viruses and malware, the Get Windows 10 app installs in a location where most users would not know to look, and uses non-descriptive file and folder names to obscure its identity. The app lives in a folder named GWX ("Get Windows 10"- get it?) under the System32 folder of your Windows directory. The files are locked down with special permissions, meaning they are very difficult to rename or remove- although it is possible with the right system permissions and procedures. Of course most users look in thePrograms and Features control panel when they want to remove software- and although you can use the control panel to remove the KB3035583 update, you obviously have to know that it's where the GWX app came from. But even if you manage to do that, it will also re-install automatically in future Windows updates.
- It can break user expectations. After some experimentation with the Get Windows 10 experience, I've discovered that if you reserve your Windows 10 upgrade via the 'Get Windows 10' app, but then decide you don't wish to upgrade and cancel your reservation, Windows can still automatically upgrade your computer to Windows 10 by selecting and installing an optional 'Upgrade to Windows 10' update that becomes available some time after you reserve your copy. This probably explains various reports I've heard of people receiving unexpected operating system upgrades. When a user says "no" to something you can't break your contract with the user and proceed anyway.
I have legitimate reasons for wanting to stick with Windows 7 for the moment since several tools I rely on simply aren't Windows 10-compatible yet, but Microsoft is literally trying to annoy me into upgrading to a new operating system that I'm just not ready for. The Get Windows 10 app is evil software, and I don't like the precedent that it sets, particularly given how successful it's apparently been at accomplishing Microsoft's objectives. GWX Control Panel is my humble protest against the app, and hopefully a way to help other Windows 7 and Windows 8 users regain control over their computing experience.