Microsoft Is Downloading Windows 10 To Your Machine "Just In Case”

Megalith

Megalith

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It looks like Microsoft really wants to get Windows 10 onto your system, whether you want it or not.

"I know of two instances where people on metered connections went over their data cap for August because of this unwanted download. My own internet (slow DSL) was crawling for a week or so until I discovered this problem. In fact, that's what led me to it. Not only does it download, it tries to install every time the computer is booted."
 
It's taking up space on my SSD right now. I reserved a copy, but I downloaded the ISO already. I haven't installed it yet, since I'm waiting on some other software for Windows 10 to be released. I can't install it until the other software is ready. Luckily my SSD isn't too tiny and there's still some space left. Windows doesn't try to install the update itself, but it does pester me to do the installation a few times a week.
 
That crap is bringing my network to its knees.


Didn't MS say that they wouldn't do this and that it would be an optional install?
 
Is there a way to delete the downloaded content and make sure it doesn't download again?

I have a Win7 VM in my linux install, and any extra space it takes on disk is a problem.

I've actually upgraded my main (bare metal) install to Windows 10 already, and I have a Windows 10 VM in Linux as well. I'm just keeping the Windows 7 version around as there is some software that still isn't playing as nice as I'd like with Windows 10.
 
I uninstalled the update that brought this down, and it's back already.
 
Zarathustra[H];1041849653 said:
Is there a way to delete the downloaded content and make sure it doesn't download again?

I have a Win7 VM in my linux install, and any extra space it takes on disk is a problem.

I've actually upgraded my main (bare metal) install to Windows 10 already, and I have a Windows 10 VM in Linux as well. I'm just keeping the Windows 7 version around as there is some software that still isn't playing as nice as I'd like with Windows 10.
Click to expand...

I've been fighting with my Win7 netbook over this thing. Like 3-ish weeks ago, I deleted the hidden install folder and then poked around in the "yay Windows 10" program that's hanging out in the system tray to make absolutely sure that all the stuff that was supposed to be set to basically say "no thanks" was set (based on instructions on the Microsoft site) and you know what...IT DOWNLOADED EVERYTHING AGAIN and then was like, "Hey CreepyUncleGoogle, do you wanna install Windows 10? We downloaded it for you so, you know, whenever you want to give up, just say the word." That was like last Friday and I just stopped turning on that computer. I'll use Win7 again like next August or something when they're supposed to have stopped offering Windows 10.
 
Hilarious that it took so long for many to find this hidden folder on the root of the C drive.
Its been there a LONG time.
$Windows.~BT
BT = Bit Torrent...
Yep, welcome to the collective.
 
CreepyUncleGoogle said:
I've been fighting with my Win7 netbook over this thing. Like 3-ish weeks ago, I deleted the hidden install folder and then poked around in the "yay Windows 10" program that's hanging out in the system tray to make absolutely sure that all the stuff that was supposed to be set to basically say "no thanks" was set (based on instructions on the Microsoft site) and you know what...IT DOWNLOADED EVERYTHING AGAIN and then was like, "Hey CreepyUncleGoogle, do you wanna install Windows 10? We downloaded it for you so, you know, whenever you want to give up, just say the word." That was like last Friday and I just stopped turning on that computer. I'll use Win7 again like next August or something when they're supposed to have stopped offering Windows 10.
Click to expand...

There had been reports that the Windows 10 taskbar update program and downloader thing could be disabled by disabling a specific windows update.

Does anyone know if this still works?
 
for fuck's fucking sake

this is really getting out of hand
 
delete the update that downloads windows 10, once that is down restart your system, when you get back to the desktop run windows update the update will show up again at this point right button click on the update ans select hide that way you don't download and install it again. once that is down go to your hard drive that has the bt folder, right button click and select disk cleanup, select all options this will remove the bt folder. afterwards you won't have a problem any longer.
 
Autopia said:
delete the update that downloads windows 10, once that is down restart your system, when you get back to the desktop run windows update the update will show up again at this point right button click on the update ans select hide that way you don't download and install it again. once that is down go to your hard drive that has the bt folder, right button click and select disk cleanup, select all options this will remove the bt folder. afterwards you won't have a problem any longer.
Click to expand...

Do you happen to have the update number?
 
Zarathustra[H];1041849720 said:
There had been reports that the Windows 10 taskbar update program and downloader thing could be disabled by disabling a specific windows update.

Does anyone know if this still works?
Click to expand...

KB 3035583
 
heatless on the phone to his overlords at MS Marketing HQ as we speak, frantically getting guidance on how to spin this as a "good thing that's good for folks"

Fucking absurd. Meanwhile, some are predicting that auto-installation of Windows 10 without permission is inevitable, as Windows 10 uptake has slowed drastically since the initial wave and MS may get more desperate to kill earlier versions.

Others swear it's tinfoil hattery and MS would never ever stoop so low as to install Windows 10 without permission! Gasp! and then..

We at ExtremeTech haven’t seen this behavior yer — I’m still on Windows 7 myself, and my Windows Update history shows no sign of repeated failed Windows 10 installs — but one of our staffers, David Cardinal, has had his own unusual experience with Windows 10. According to David, he left on a two-week trip with an HTPC box running Windows 8.1U and came back to find it running Windows 10. Windows Update was configured to install automatically, and Microsoft has flagged Windows 10 as an important update.
Click to expand...

https://www.extremetech.com/extreme...o-much-it-downloads-it-for-you-without-asking
 
I just turned off automatic updates on my Windows 8.1 system, will do the same with my Windows 7 HTPC.
 
FM 3370 said:
I just turned off automatic updates on my Windows 8.1 system, will do the same with my Windows 7 HTPC.
Click to expand...

Probably more advisable to just block the one offending update (KB 3035583) and leave automatic updates enabled, so you get your security patches on time.
 
FM 3370 said:
I just turned off automatic updates on my Windows 8.1 system, will do the same with my Windows 7 HTPC.
Click to expand...


Could have sworn i read somewhere that turning off updates wont keep the Win 10 away. Could be wrong though my rememberer isnt what it used to be.
 
What makes no sense to me is they worked so hard to generate positive buzz for Windows 10 and now squandering it with first the spying revelation, now auto download without permission and eventually probably auto-installation. But why not wait like 6-12 months to get this obnoxious and ride the positive publicity wave, instead of sabotaging any goodwill a month in?

Guess the switch in leadership doesn't change the fundamentals that caused the Xbox One foul-up...
 
Would this also take care of it?

"%WINDIR%\System32\wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:3035583 /quiet /norestart"
 
Zarathustra[H];1041849923 said:
Would this also take care of it?

"%WINDIR%\System32\wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:3035583 /quiet /norestart"
Click to expand...


I'll try it out later today if I get the time.
 
Now it makes sense as to why my HTPC was jittering during playback. It's only a core 2 duo and I have to keep the network disconnected for playback to run smoothly.
 
Zarathustra[H];1041849923 said:
Would this also take care of it?

"%WINDIR%\System32\wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:3035583 /quiet /norestart"
Click to expand...

Tried it, we'll see. Thanks!
 
One of the offices I support is on sat internet. They kept going over their data cap. I suspected it was related to the Win 10 rollout. After reading this I'm pretty sure this was the issue.
 
Wow, this could potentially lead to some huge class action lawsuits against Microsoft.
 
It has not downloaded to my Win8.1 PC and that is because I do updates manually only and run in a limited user account.
 
I wondered why and how I had blown through my 7GB tethering limit last month, when I barely did more than just visiting websites while I was away from WiFi; right after I got that message from T-Mobile, my laptop notified me that my computer was ready to upgrade to Win 10.
 
I can't think of any good reason why should Microsoft forcefully download Win 10 files when the user haven't even agree to the upgrade. Are they trying to piss off anyone who hasn't upgraded yet
 
Hornet said:
I can't think of any good reason why should Microsoft forcefully download Win 10 files when the user haven't even agree to the upgrade. Are they trying to piss off anyone who hasn't upgraded yet
Click to expand...

Here is their reasoning for it.

http://windowsitpro.com/windows-10/...-might-be-downloading-domain-joined-computers

"For those who have chosen to receive automatic updates through Windows Update, we help customers prepare their devices for Windows 10 by downloading the files necessary for future installation. This results in a better upgrade experience and ensures the customer’s device has the latest software. This is an industry practice that reduces time for installation and ensures device readiness. For organizations, IT professionals can manage and control downloads on their networks." – a Microsoft spokesperson
 
So where is this supposed to be? right on the C drive? I'm not seeing it at all, and yes I have hidden folders shown.
 
Translation: "our new model is to monetize customers and you don't seem to be following the program. It would be a shame if you continued on this path, so here's a little help. You could call it 'insurance'."
 
sfsuphysics said:
So where is this supposed to be? right on the C drive? I'm not seeing it at all, and yes I have hidden folders shown.
Click to expand...

I just deleted them so I cant screenshot, but with hidden folders enabled, they were right in C:/ as Windows.~BT and Windows.~WS. each were 5.5GB+. If you had uninstalled kb3035583 previously, it may not have downloaded them.
 
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