I have Windows 8.1 and had the 'upgrade icon' in my taskbar 4 times now. The icon also creates a process "gwx.exe".

I have removed the update "KB 3035583" and marked it as hidden so that automatic updates from Microsoft don't bug me about it.

Now guess what, it's back.

I have a strong dislike for Microsoft now.

Anyone else have the same problem? Suggestions?

This has been happening for Windows Vista/7 users (of the latter I am one) for a while now. In addition to being 'nagware' on Vista/7 it's also bloatware. Want to know how I realized that? It's what caused my laptop to overheat and crash while using Blender: a program that it should have zero problems running. This, coupled with the non-optional updates in win10, have caused me to stop supporting Microsoft.

I don't know where its stored in 8.1, but on 7 I was able to find the files relevant to the "Get Windows 10!" pop-ups in C:Windows as a folder named, of all things, GWX. You'll need to login into the true admin account to give yourself ownership of the folder and its contents before you can delete it.

Chindogu : The interesting thing is that I have already deleted the GWX installer along with each of the times that uninstalled the update (and hid the update).

Also to note, this time that the update was automatically re-installed, there are now 2 Gwx.exe installers that were downloaded to different folders:

C:WindowsWinSxSwow64_microsoft-windows-gwx_31bf3856ad364e35_6.3.9600.18064_none_aba0ca455e895482

-and-

C:WindowsWinSxSamd64_microsoft-windows-gwx_31bf3856ad364e35_6.3.9600.18064_none_a14c1ff32a289287


I'm not sure what the deal is... Microsoft is choosing to override my action of hiding the update or what, maybe I have to delete all of the other files that were downloaded as well.

EDIT: I think I might have found the problem, but we'll see. There was another file GWXDetector.exe located here:

C:WindowsWinSxSamd64_microsoft-windows-gwx_31bf3856ad364e35_6.3.9600.18064_none_a14c1ff32a289287

I'd like to know what the purpose of that file is... what's it detecting...

Give this a read, it helped me remove it on my windows 7 system.

http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/windows/how-remove-windows-10-nag-messages-not-madatory-3614204/

gtwalq : That's interesting that someone made a removal tool for it, kinda funny actually.

I ended up having to delete every folder and file that was downloaded with the KB3035583 update, and I think that fixed it. Didn't want to do so before because of the time involved having to change the ownership properties of everything before I could delete it.

tRIUNE : Have you given Windows 10 a go? I didn't like it at first but I've kinda warmed up to it. The XBOX tool is great if you have an XBOX One and the whole OS works great with solid state drives.

gtwalq : I don't have anything against Windows 10, I have used it on another laptop... I just don't want my windows 8 laptop to be switched to win 10 for compatibility with various programs and software that I use.

same. i finally had enough had enough of microsoft's BS and finnaly jumped ship to linux. and i really cant careless for windows anymore... cept for gaming... but come on vavle and steamOS and vulcan~!

Protip: You can only upgrade to Win 10 if you are authenticated. It is why I'm not cracking my install yet XD.

tRIUNE : Are there programs that are compatible with 8 and not 10?
I think they all should work... come upgrade to Windows 10 on all your PCs....
JOIN US...O.O

Vanelan : It's possible; I had a few programs that didn't work with Win 8 when they did with Win 7. Don't want to risk it with updating to Win 10 :/

tRIUNE : I had the same issue a few months ago. I did the same thing you did. Only I followed this guide. http://www.dedoimedo.com/computers/windows-7-to-10-gwx-how-to-remove.html
I honestly hate Microsoft ever since Windows 10. All it is is spyware, and makes the computer worse for games. It saves every keystroke you make online and offline, and SELLS IT! It is the most dishonest invasion of privacy since the FBI. Oh gosh it's taking ove---

C O M E  J O I N  U S. U P G R A D E  T O  W I N D O W S 1 0. I T ' S  F R E E!

A user of this : I know I'm late to this thread, but they do what now....?? Can I get some documentation of this for future reference please?

m0ssb3rg935 : Sure thing.

http://www.thenewamerican.com/tech/computers/item/21400-windows-10-is-spyware


http://www.networkworld.com/article/2956574/microsoft-subnet/windows-10-privacy-spyware-settings-user-agreement.html

http://bgr.com/2015/07/31/windows-10-upgrade-spying-how-to-opt-out/

While I guess you can opt out of these features, I don't think that will stop them. Windows 10 is nothing more than a Windows 8 with more forced touch screen capabilities, and more ways to spy on you.

A user of this : I knew it was bad, but I didn't realize it was THAT bad.... I had actually given some thought to trying Windows 10 on another computer, but this seals the deal. I'll never touch it. Compatibility be damned. I'll just use my bootleg copy Windows 7 for gaming and the rest, I leave to Linux.

As someone who upgraded to windows 10, I can safely say it was the best decision of my life. Microsoft just wants you to upgrade because it knows what's best for you, it will keep you safe : )  If you don't join us, bad things may happen. You don't want that : )



















(sorry couldn't resist)

Zlinqx : No I have to use Win10 at school, it's absolutely terrible. Especially as we only have stupid entry-level Acer laptops, that hardly work.

So I uninstalled this on a computer at work that we're not ready to upgrade yet. Took about ninety seconds, including googling time!

I deleted an update and mine went away, then again if Windows updates are something you can't live without I guess it's more complex than that.

I hate Windows 10,my friend upgraded to it, and I hope he ends up regretting it because it's a Freeware OS.