Beware of Windows 10 upgrade being done in background

There is already a thread on Windows 10 upgrades: Upgrading to Windows 10 on older Windows 7 Computer

This thread is for those who either aren't ready or don't want the upgrade.

Be aware that Microsoft has changed the update status of Windows 10 in an effort to convince (or "force") users to install Windows 10.

If you have your computer set on automatic update, your computer will download Windows 10 in background and then install it before you realize what is going on.

If you have your computer set for "check for updates, but do not install", the Windows 10 update will appear in the "optional" update section. However, Microsoft has changed the default toggle to "update". So if you aren't paying attention, you will be downloading/installing the update before you realize what is going on! Not only that, even if you toggle the install "off", after a couple of weeks, Microsoft will toggle it back ON without letting you know!!! Sneaky, huh? You cannot hide this optional update -- so be prepared for a biweekly fight!

I have nothing against Windows 10. Many people I know (including my daughter) have it and like it. It undos a lot of the problems introduced with Windows 8.

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If you don't want Windows 10 update right now (the download and install take a LONG time), I would suggest the following:

1. Do NOT set Windows Update to "Install updates automatically (recommended)"

2. Do NOT set Windows Update to "Download updates but let me choose whether to install them" -- trust me, they aren't really letting you choose because they are toggling the Windows 10 update ON without telling you!

3. Set Windows Update to one of the other 2 options. I recommend "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download or install them" -- again be careful because Microsoft will toggle the Windows 10 update to ON without letting you know, so ALWAYS check your "optional" updates to make sure it's not toggled on.

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If you find that you unintentionally downloaded the update and it's trying to install:

-- It will prompt you to accept the license. Choose "do not agree" and it will cancel the install immediately without changing your system. Many people accidentally clicked "agree" as matter of habit or thought it was some other simple update.

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If you find your computer is either downloading or installing the update and either slowing down you computer or keeping you from shutting down your computer, try the following until one works:

-- NEVER pull the power cord or force shut down your computer; if it is actually installing, you might corrupt a critical file
-- disconnect your computer from the internet (either disconnect the ethernet cable or turn off your Wifi); this will stop the download and might stop the install after a few minutes
-- put your computer in Hibernation (not shut down!) until you can get further advice
-- worse case, if you upgraded from Windows 7 or 8, you can actually restore your previous system! (see below)

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If the install finished and you are having installer's remorse (or just plain mad at Microsoft for pulling the wool over your eyes):

-- you have 31 days to restore your original system/settings; Microsoft actually saved a copy of your previous system/settings just before they installed the update, so restoring it all is just a few mouse clicks away!!!
-- after 31 days you can still use your System Restore CD that came with your computer (or that you were supposed to make when you first started your computer!); however, you will lose all your settings; MAKE SURE YOU BACKUP ALL YOUR DOCUMENTS AND CRITICAL FILES FIRST

Hope this was helpful. Again, in general I advise against "automatic updates" and "automatic downloads".