Now that W10 is out, are you a W7 / W8 refusenik?

[ne6togadno]

This reminded me about something I already posted on reddit (and I was downvoted to shit). I had to recently completely reinstall someone's PC which I installed in may, because he "upgraded" to Windows 10. The guy makes roofs for living and knows fuck all about computers, and I perfectly understand he can't tell the difference between Windows updates and some obscure upgrade that's being mushed into his face on daily basis. Apparently (according to that reddit sewer of the internet) he's an idiot, retard, dipshit who can't read, and I am a troll.
I really hate this crap, because as someone pointed out, OS upgrades should never work and be done this way. Just do a clean install if you want different OS. And you could read all that klingon all day long and still don't understand a single word of it if you're like the guy from my example.

I'm glad I managed to delete and block that GWX shit in my mother, father, and father in law's PCs before disasters started to happen.

this could be useful for you next time you need to block w10 updates.
it takes some time to check and remove all updates but since i did it i havent heard a word about w10 from any of pcs at home.

 

[rtwjunkie]

So, got home yesterday to find an "important" update checked. Since I'm on manual update, I was able to look it up and discover that once again, MS is trying to install GWX, with a new KB (3035308, IIRC), I believe. Unchecked it and hid it.

I'm thinking the people above that had that big install now or tonight option from The Register article probably had this little piece installed automatically for them.

 

[Octopuss]

this could be useful for you next time you need to block w10 updates.
it takes some time to check and remove all updates but since i did it i havent heard a word about w10 from any of pcs at home.

I used the program a few times, but eventually deleted it. There's no explanation what it does and how. I also don't feel the need to delete any updates (they would start to show up in WU sooner or later anyway, possibly messing up the blocking process).
In the end I just downloaded some scripts and edited them to my liking. The domain blocking will be done separately after I give it some additional thoughts.

Spoiler

@Echo off
echo stopping GWX.exe
taskkill.exe /IM "gwx.exe" /T /F
echo.
echo Taking ownership of the GWX folder.
takeown /f "%windir%\System32\GWX" /r /d y
echo.
echo Granting permissions.
icacls %windir%\System32\GWX /grant administrators:F /t
echo.
echo Deleting all the files.
del /q %windir%\System32\GWX\*.*
echo.
echo Changing permissions to RO/deny.
icacls %windir%\System32\GWX /grant Administrators:R /t
icacls %windir%\System32\GWX /deny EveryoneCI)(OI)F
echo.
echo Dealing with GWX in user folders.
takeown /f %localappdata%\GWX /r /d y
icacls %localappdata%\GWX /grant administrators:F /t
rmdir /s /q %localappdata%\GWX\
echo.
echo Removing root folders.
takeown /f %systemdrive%\$Windows~BT /r /d y
icacls %systemdrive%\$Windows~BT /grant administrators:F /t
rmdir /s /q %systemdrive%\$Windows.~BT\
rmdir /s /q %systemdrive%\$Windows.~WS\
echo.
echo Disabling GWX in registry.
reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Gwx /t REG_DWORD /v DisableGWX /d 1 /f
reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate /t REG_DWORD /v "DisableOSUpgrade" /d 1 /f

edit: I think I will use the Spybot Anti-Beacon to block the tasks and services instead of the above mentioned program.

 

[ne6togadno]

I used the program a few times, but eventually deleted it. There's no explanation what it does and how. I also don't feel the need to delete any updates (they would start to show up in WU sooner or later anyway, possibly messing up the blocking process).
In the end I just downloaded some scripts and edited them to my liking. The domain blocking will be done separately after I give it some additional thoughts.

Spoiler

@Echo off
echo stopping GWX.exe
taskkill.exe /IM "gwx.exe" /T /F
echo.
echo Taking ownership of the GWX folder.
takeown /f "%windir%\System32\GWX" /r /d y
echo.
echo Granting permissions.
icacls %windir%\System32\GWX /grant administrators:F /t
echo.
echo Deleting all the files.
del /q %windir%\System32\GWX\*.*
echo.
echo Changing permissions to RO/deny.
icacls %windir%\System32\GWX /grant Administrators:R /t
icacls %windir%\System32\GWX /deny EveryoneCI)(OI)F
echo.
echo Dealing with GWX in user folders.
takeown /f %localappdata%\GWX /r /d y
icacls %localappdata%\GWX /grant administrators:F /t
rmdir /s /q %localappdata%\GWX\
echo.
echo Removing root folders.
takeown /f %systemdrive%\$Windows~BT /r /d y
icacls %systemdrive%\$Windows~BT /grant administrators:F /t
rmdir /s /q %systemdrive%\$Windows.~BT\
rmdir /s /q %systemdrive%\$Windows.~WS\
echo.
echo Disabling GWX in registry.
reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Gwx /t REG_DWORD /v DisableGWX /d 1 /f
reg add HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate /t REG_DWORD /v "DisableOSUpgrade" /d 1 /f

edit: I think I will use the Spybot Anti-Beacon to block the tasks and services instead of the above mentioned program.

i havent used script but did manual uninstall and then manually checked for updates few times and hide unwanted kbs. worked fine for me.
what i like in this thread is list of kbs in one place. very handy.

 

[R-T-B]

So, anyone can just be uber lazy with their own drivers and then just blame it on Microsoft because customers just "perceive" like it is Microsoft's fault. Ooooook...

Welcome to the world of public perception. It isn't perfect.

 

[vega22]

i think i might of put win 7 back on my machine for the last time.

next clean install will have to be 10 or linux i think...

 

[monim1]

I am still using W8 and want to stick with it for few more days.
Actually I am wanting for good reviews on W10.

 

[Niteblooded]

Hi all, looking to build a new gaming machine. I read this entire thread. I saw some people go from anti-Win10 to pro-Win10 and many keep their frustrations about Win10 so for someone going with a new clean build, should I jump to Win10?

I like having control over my updates so that's the biggest weakness I see right now. In the beginning of this topic people were extremely detailed on what worked in Win10 and what didn't. Seems like many opinions changed starting in November but no details as to why. Is this still a thing ===> [Windows 10] hide/prohibit install of specific Windows Update?

If I do make the jump to Win10 what settings/configurations should I make to make it palatable?

 

[Octopuss]

Found this somewhere.

Evolution my ass.

 

[dorsetknob]

Evolution my ass.

Evolution starts with the other hole
Windows 10 is the other hole (derogatory comment use your imagination as to the other hole )

 

[Vayra86]

Evolution starts with the other hole
Windows 10 is the other hole (derogatory comment use your imagination as to the other hole )

Yup, Microsoft is trying to shove it down our throat.

Oh wait.. that's not where evolution happens actually.

On a side note, the longer and the more I read about W10 and especially all the new driver issues and WDDM 2.0 junk I start getting more serious about a separate W7 install that I will keep just for gaming, indefinitely. And I do actually really want to upgrade for the (slight) performance boost, but staying in control of my system still wins over that urge.

 

[laszlo]

as i see from chart is evolution : all green pipes turn slowly in red X's ; maybe this is the goal

 

[Vayra86]

as i see from chart is evolution : all green pipes turn slowly in red X's ; maybe this is the goal

Maybe this is the AMD masterplan to take over the world, starting with Nvidia. They got the colors right anyway.

 

[lilhasselhoffer]

Found this somewhere.

Evolution my ass.

The only criticism I have is that last couple of lines and gadgets.

I don't have any programs that utilize XP mode any more, all that's left still depending upon XP is written so crappy as to only run on XP (thank you Allen Bradley).

The classic theme is...interesting. I no longer see it as a requisite for a functional OS. It took me quite a long time to get to that point, but once you bite the bullet the new themes can be managed. I won't say I'm in love with them, but they aren't a roadblock to progress.

Gadgets are...I don't think I'm the target audience. They've never felt like they added to the experience, but always seemed to introduce visual clutter. Seeing them go wasn't a deal breaker personally.



I believe the "evolution" part is gone from this chart. If I remember correctly memory management, DX12, and some other minor improvements are what MS is selling this "perpetual" OS on. I'd be interested to know what the conversion rates are, given how hard they seem to be pushing the upgrade at this point.

 

[rtwjunkie]

I'd be interested to know what the conversion rates are, given how hard they seem to be pushing the upgrade at this point.

Based on the number of near misses I have narrowly escaped, only because I don't have automatic updates set, I'm guessing the numbers will show an increased "adoption" rate in the last 2 months. Most of that increase will be the unsuspecting who suddenly found W10 installing.

 

[silentbogo]

Found this somewhere.

Evolution my ass.

the only few problems with this chart are some features, that became obsolete even before Win10 release:
1) Windows Media Center wasn't meant to be. While the majority of windows users do use Media Player on the daily basis, I honestly don't know a single person that uses WMC on their PC or laptop. Maybe its just a local thing, but I will more likely see XBMC or VLC for all playback tasks (including DVD, media library and IPTV). Just an observation coming from a die-hard fan of foobar2000 and Media Player Classic.
2) Gadgets were deprecated since Win7 SP1. They were still a part of an OS, but due to security concerns Microsoft recommended to disable gadgets a long time ago.
3) Windows XP mode was replaced with a fully functional VM environment. Now you can run any OS on Win10 host with no need for a third-party software. WinXP support has officially ended, so MS has no reason to keep going with XP emulation.

The rest is right on spot. What's weird is that I am bothered more by ads in Solitaire, than all-present telemetry and spyware.

 

[Octopuss]

I saw an article somewhere (maybe a post in MSFN forum) where some (unscientific) tests were done that showed 10 was actually slower than 7 in most cases. You know, the usual stuff, start something, archives, delete/copy gazzilion files etc.

 

[rtwjunkie]

I honestly don't know a single person that uses WMC on their PC or laptop.

I use it on my HTPC, simply because currently that is the only medium that MyMovies.dk operates under. The owner is working to create an app for W10 in the meantime which will give all the functionality that MyMovies currently has, and which none of the other platforms perfectly replicate.

 

[qubit]

@Octopuss But of course W10 has evolved: it spies on us more efficiently than ever! tsk shame on you for not showing it on that table.

 

[Ahhzz]

Based on the number of near misses I have narrowly escaped, only because I don't have automatic updates set, I'm guessing the numbers will show an increased "adoption" rate in the last 2 months. Most of that increase will be the unsuspecting who suddenly found W10 installing.

Widows Update service disabled on all my Win7 devices, no problem. I'm not a target, and I keep a 3rd party firewall running on those machines "just in case". I'll be sticking with 7 for a while. I may run a full image one day, upgrade to 10, grab that image, and then revert, just to have the free license, but I'm not otherwise interested in 10. Had to go fix a Win10 driver "upgrade" yesterday. worked long enough to push 10, then updated the drivers, and disabled his network card. Go M$!!!

 

[DarthBaggins]

So far I'm happy w/ my current build of w10 Pro (10586)

 

[Ithanul]

Sticking to W7 for the time being, plus I don't like the idea that license acts like a OEM one for W10. All the rest of my machines run a Linux distro now. So if I ever have to use 10, it probably going to be thrown into a VM.

 

[DarthBaggins]

I still have my Linux Distro on another SSD in JAC lol, when in doubt /root it out

 

[RejZoR]

Found this somewhere.

Evolution my ass.

I still don't understand why they dropped Aero Glass. It was one of the most beautiful things I've seen in any OS. I mean, entire interface looking like glass. And I mean like real glass, not just transparency. It looked amazing. And now we're with flat everything with a bit transparency. It's like 20 steps back.

 

[silentbogo]

I still don't understand why they dropped Aero Glass. It was one of the most beautiful things I've seen in any OS. I mean, entire interface looking like glass. And I mean like real glass, not just transparency. It looked amazing. And now we're with flat everything with a bit transparency. It's like 20 steps back.

Totally agree. That's why I never upgraded to win8.
...yet I still made a questionable move of upgrading to 10...

New start menu finally has built up enough frustration that I'm thinking about rolling back to Win7.

Another observation: lower benchmark scores (Cinebench R15, GPUPI, few others). At 4.4GHz I was getting 1002cb on Windows 7, but Win10 only gives me ~960 with the exact same overclock. Did not test it with 3DMark, but I guess I will do that only in a few years, if ever.

It was a nice 1 month test run and I still got some useful insight out of it, like testing a few DX12 benchmarks and seeing what a cutting-edge OS looks like.

Overall Impression: not too bad, just not my thing.