Hijacked by Windows 10: What to Do (and NOT Do!) If You Catch Your Computer Forcing an Upgrade

Over the past few weeks, countless Windows users have been confronted with an unwanted and often unplanned Windows 10 update. These forced updates have caused major problems, including data loss, workflow interruption and system crashes.

Unless you have disabled the update feature, you could be next. Microsoft views the forced update as a courtesy, and it is quite persistent in getting users to comply. These forced updates have reportedly taken place in the middle of the night, while users are at work, or during a critical project they may be working on.

Here’s what to do if you walk in on your computer doing its own thing with the Window’s 10 Update Installer:

Don’t Panic: And Don’t Try to Stop the Upgrade

Many people choose to reject the Windows 10 upgrade because they do more with their computers than simply surf the web and check out their Facebook news feed; instead, they use their PCs to conduct important business, work on sensitive documents, and run customized software programs with which they’ve become familiar and are accustomed to using. They decidedly do NOT want to upgrade to Windows 10, as it would render their business, their information, and their preferred software completely useless.

Wait It Out — and Then Refuse to Accept Windows’ Terms and Conditions

Should you walk in on your computer in the middle of the Windows 10 upgrade, don’t panic, and don’t try to restart or stop the upgrade; doing so could complicate your restore efforts when you finally have the opportunity to revert back to Windows 7 or 8.1.

Instead, what you should do is wait it out, and when the upgrade is complete, you’ll get your chance to voice your opinion in the matter. After the upgrade runs its course, the system will ask you if you want to accept the Microsoft Windows 10 Terms and Conditions. At this point, unless you’ve had a change of heart, you should, of course, say “no.” This step is vital in getting the system to start the reversal process quickly and on its own, so pay attention during any pop-ups and questions that the upgrade throws your way.

Once you decline the update, Microsoft tries to reel you back in by asking if you are absolutely sure you want to decline the incredible Windows 10 experience. Go ahead and confirm your intentions; then prepare to wait another one to two hours while Microsoft “attempts” to revert back to your previous Windows operating system.

This may all feel a bit too much like trial and error — and essentially, it is — but if you’ve made it this far, you don’t really have much of a choice.

You Can Preemptively Strike Against Automatic OS Windows Updates

You do have the option of taking a more proactive, defensive stance to protect your future hardware against this type of corruption in the long term. You can choose to utilize both Never 10 or GWX Control Panel as preventative maintenance measure against any future or currently pending updates and/or files that have already been “conveniently” and automatically installed on your computer.

According to industry experts, once the Windows 10 upgrade files have already been downloaded to your system, they are just going to keep trying to make themselves useful. Removing the Windows 10 upgrade files completely is necessary in order to keep your important documents, hardware, software — and your sanity — safe.

If you are having trouble with a forced Windows 10 install, and you’d like to go back to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, Centerpoint IT can help. When it comes to the latest Microsoft security innovations and industry news, you can contact us at (404) 781-0200 or send us an email at info@centerpointit.com for more information.