I recently found about a new concern caused by automatic downloading without user consens of Windows 10 on PCs with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 that have enabled Automatic Updates for Windows. So we decided to tell you how to disable this download.
What is the problem ?
Microsoft recently decided to download the installer kit on all PCs with Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 that have automatic updating enabled. The company says that pre-downloading updates is a common practice that facilitates future upgrades.
Obviously, the installation does not start automatically, but downloaded the kit occupies disk space and consumes bandwidth Internet, which can be a costly problem (yes, there are PC users with limited Internet bandwidth around the world).
While for those who have booked and wishing to upgrade from Windows 10 free download is normal, other users were unpleasantly surprised to find hidden folders with the installation kit. Here are ways to folders created by this download (enable display of hidden files and folders first):
C: \ $ Windows. ~ BT
C: \ Windows \ $ Windows. ~ BT
What to do ?
Disabling full Windows Update is not a solution. This would result in missing security updates in missing or any updates for drivers, etc.
Fortunately solving is simple, through a change in the Windows Registry
However Microsoft has included an alternative that allows the management of this potentially unwanted functionality for some users. It is a change in the Windows Registry.
Prerequisites mandatory
If you want this to work, you must have installed on your PC but the latest version of Windows Update. Specifically, you must have the following packages KB, depending on your system. Operating Current:
For Windows 8.1 must be installed KB3065988
For Windows 7 must be installed KB3065987
Add Windows Registry setting that stops downloading Windows 10
After you install the above packages, follow next steps:
Open Regedit (Windows key + R, type regedit and press Enter)
Go to the following key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Windows \ WindowsUpdate
If you can't find it, you need to create this key.
Inside it, click in the right pane and create a new DWORD value called DisableOSUpgrade, double-click on it and set the value 1.
Restart your PC.
If you change your mind about the upgrade to Windows 10, do not forget to delete the DWORD value created as above.
Enjoy! :)