Use GWX Control Panel to stop Windows 10 upgrade prompts

If you are still looking for a way to stop the Get Windows 10 app from prompting you about upgrading to Windows 10 then this program is the right tool.

Richard Hay, Senior Content Producer

December 14, 2015

2 Min Read
Use GWX Control Panel to stop Windows 10 upgrade prompts

I am running Windows 10 on every one of the devices/systems in my house that can run the new operating system from Microsoft and overall I have been very happy with the upgrade and the continued progress of the OS and its first party apps.

However, because I watch social media and other trends, it is obvious that the upgrade is not working for everyone.

In fact, the most popular Windows 10 related article we have on the SuperSite is entitled How to stop the Windows 10 Upgrade from downloading on your system. That certainly shows that many of our readers have no interest in the upgrade right now for a multitude of reasons.

The Get Windows 10 (GWX) app is very persistent about encouraging/getting Windows 7 and 8 users to upgrade to Windows 10 but what if you want to avoid that upgrade all together or wait until a later date? Although our article about stopping the Windows 10 on your system helped many readers shut down the the GWX app it has not worked for everyone.

Recently a utility called GWX Control Panel, which was previously known as GWX Stopper, was brought to my attention by a trusted source so I checked it out.

This application can either temporarily shut down the GWX app on your system or it can be used to permanently stop any activity by the GWX app including reminders/prompts to upgrade to Windows 10.

The changes made by GWX Control Panel can be reversed at anytime so that you can install Windows 10 at a later date when you are ready for the upgrade.

The latest version of the GWX Control Panel utility performs the following functions:

  • Remove the "Get Windows 10" icon that appears in your notification area.

  • Prevent your Windows Update control panel from upgrading your computer to Windows 10.

  • Prevent your computer from secretly downloading Windows 10 installation files.

  • Detect and remove the hidden Windows 10 installation files if they're already on your PC.

  • Optionally monitor your computer for unwanted Windows 10-related settings and files.

So if the traditional methods for stopping the Windows 10 download and upgrade are not working for you then give GWX Control Panel a shot. It is a free download and there is a lot of information about its use on the GWX Control Panel product page plus you can learn more about it in this brief video tutorial:

Let us know if GWX Control Panel worked for you.

But, wait...there's probably more so be sure to follow me on Twitter and Google+.

About the Author

Richard Hay

Senior Content Producer, IT Pro Today (Informa Tech)

I served for 29 plus years in the U.S. Navy and retired as a Master Chief Petty Officer in November 2011. My work background in the Navy was telecommunications related so my hobby of computers fit well with what I did for the Navy. I consider myself a tech geek and enjoy most things in that arena.

My first website – AnotherWin95.com – came online in 1995. Back then I used GeoCities Web Hosting for it and WindowsObserver.com is the result of the work I have done on that site since 1995.

In January 2010 my community contributions were recognized by Microsoft when I received my first Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award for the Windows Operating System. Since then I have been renewed as a Microsoft MVP each subsequent year since that initial award. I am also a member of the inaugural group of Windows Insider MVPs which began in 2016.

I previously hosted the Observed Tech PODCAST for 10 years and 317 episodes and now host a new podcast called Faith, Tech, and Space. 

I began contributing to Penton Technology websites in January 2015 and in April 2017 I was hired as the Senior Content Producer for Penton Technology which is now Informa Tech. In that role, I contribute to ITPro Today and cover operating systems, enterprise technology, and productivity.

https://twitter.com/winobs

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