Install and run GWX Control Panel starkers, then reboot, it will kill the Win 10 crap, I use it here on Windows 7 and 8.1, and check every so often to make sure none of the Windows 10 crap gets installed at this site: http://www.ghacks.net/2015/04/17/how-to-remove-windows-10-upgrade-updates-in-windows-7-and-8/ .

You can get GWX here:  http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/gwx_control_panel.html 

I still get normal Windows Updates on Windows 7 and 8.1 too. Microsoft still tries to install updates I have hidden, so when new updates come out, I check them against that first link I gave you above.

They clearly don't like you, Mark.

Quoting starkers,

reply 5

Quoting DaveRI,

reply 1

What's the kb# it's wanting to install?

It's not a kb, it's the actual Win 10 download.... and all there is to click on is a 'Let's Get Started' button.

Quoting LightStar,

reply 2

Install and run GWX Control Panel starkers, then reboot, it will kill the Win 10 crap,

It's of no help because GWX Control Panel only kills the Win 10 promo stuff and associated updates.... what I've got in my Windows Update is the Win 10 upgrade itself, and that's it, no access to anything else, no optional or other updates.

I'm determined to figure it out, though

Quoting DrJBHL,

reply 4

They clearly don't like you, Mark.

It seems that way.... the bastards.

 

Not with the new version. Here is a quote from the site. "Great tool. This new version not only delets the "hidden" file for 10, but if you select the "monitor" function, it will let you know when sneaky MS includes additional 10 stuff in any of their updates."

The monitor function is located on the bottom. Make sure you click on it. Having pointed this out I will also say that no software is perfect but anything that helps is better than nothing. I use GWX but I also make sure to do my manual checks.

I installed GWX and there's no change.  From what I understand, GWX negates the tray icon and preparatory updates for Win 10, but not the actual OS download itself.  Well that's the way it's looking here.

I'm not so sure I want to do that.  I could go to Win 10 and roll back to the same situation, where Windows Updates still only offered the Win 10 downgrade.  Nah, there has to be another way, and if there is I'll find it. 

I've had a thought for what it's worth - 

I'll bet your real problem is that Windows update isn't working.  (They probably throw that "Upgrade to Win10" thing out to anybody that gets within shouting distance.)

I ran into that when I did a fresh install of Win7 about 6 months ago.  I fixed it by manually downloading and installing the much-hated IE11 (which also involved installing the notorious kb2670838 update.)  I can't really recommend you do exactly that, but if you start thinking in terms of a broken Windows Update service it might get you going in the right direction.  There's a boatload of posts/suggestions in the Microsoft forums for it if you have the inclination. If you had a newer version of IE installed before (newer than what's on there now) and you can get that installed it might be a place to start.

And I agree - If you go to Win10 and rollback, you'll probably roll back to where you are right now.

May the bits be with you.

Very impressed with the new version of GWX, thanks for the link JC! 

Hehe, very funny.    starkers... the Windows 10-free Old Sod

Yeah, clicking on the Win 10 update [left or right] gives me the 'Let's Get Started' for Win 10 option, so no, I need the regular Windows Update option that gives me the standard updates for prior OSes.  I've not attempted to install those as I have been out visiting friends, but I am about to give it a try when I've sorted out my download folder. 

Not to worry, though, I will sort this problem through.

You're such a tease...   ...Ok what was it?

getting a new rig next week, what means #ll have to install windows8 again first to get to 8.1
A workaround would be downloading windows media creation tool and downloading 8.1x64.
I did the step above and im curious if my Systembuilder key will still work or if those charms at MS consumed the key with the windows10 update.
Already called tech support and was told that i should simply call and they would then activate it if the key would be rejected.
Still i think they should send me a new key, simply because i want a working one and not phone activation.
If Win8.1 will then upgrade to 10 again, i probably will  loose my cool. I need that system to work since i have no license to work on windows10 with different Hardware components...
I think this update cycle has to do with the fact that MS wants those Systembuilder versions to vanish.
As far as i can recall i paid 30 Euros for mine on release the greatest deal i made in years which is now becoming a pain with the windows10 upgrade thingy.

If you do have to phone activate it won't make a lot of difference to your system, really.  I've had to do it a few times now, and once activated by MS I've been able to run the OS without issue from MS.  In once case, I had Win 7 running for 2 1/2 years on a phone activation, until I upgraded to Win 8 Pro on a full install, that is.

If Norton dares to put a hand on or even near my bits there'll be trouble. 

Yeah, what a great show.... the Brits sure know how to make 'em.  Mind you, there's been a bit of rubbish coming out of the UK over recent years... The Fast Show being one dud I can think of.

Anyway, it wasn't quite turning it off then on again.... but there was a restart after the refresh... which wasn't really a plan to begin with, given that 'Refresh' is more to do with undoing user changes/eff-ups, etc. Thing is, it worked, and that's all I cared about.