Never10 lets you turn off automatic upgrade to Windows 10

If you don’t want to install Windows 10, but are concerned by its icon prompt in your system tray or that it could download without your permission, there is a simple, free step you can take to deter this.

1. Never10 is a utility that takes advantage of a back door in a Windows update released in July 2015 to check whether Windows 10 is enabled on your PC. If enabled, Never10 will allow you to disable both prompts to install it or its direct installation.

2. Go to grc.com/never10.htm. You can read about how the application works with Windows 7 or 8.1. Scroll to the center of the page to download it. A binary file, it works as a stand-alone and doesn't require installation and contains no adware, viruses or malware. Double click on Never10 to activate it. If you do not have the Windows update from 2015 that it needs to run, the utility will prompt you to download it.

3. If you do have it, Never10 will instantly tell you whether the Windows 10 update is engaged. If it is, you can disable it with one click. The icon prompt in your system tray should disappear after you restart your computer. If you change your mind, you can re-enable the Windows 10 update using Never10.

About the Author

Ronnie Gill

After a difficult 2025, here’s what could be ahead for UPS

The Sandy Springs-based company's stock has taken a beating recently. Leaders say part of that is because they’re playing the long game.

58m ago

Where State Farm Arena ranks for attendance. Hint, it’s near the top.

There weren’t many evenings when the lights were dim at Atlanta's State Farm Arena during the past year.

Major deal completed to protect endangered forest near Alabama-Georgia border

The Conservation Fund, a nonprofit specializing in acquiring at-risk lands, announced it has finalized a project called the Stateline Forest.

The Latest

Credit: TNS

That low car payment could cost you more in the long run. A lot more.

OPINION

Nissan’s e-Power: An EV driving experience, fueled by gas

OPINION

December car sales are good but not magic

Featured

Credit: Bita Honarvar

Trump administration slashes Georgia migrant farmworker H-2A wages

The state’s agriculture industry relies on the H-2A farmworker visa program. A federal lawsuit is challenging the change.

Brian Kemp’s lame-duck dilemma: Swing big or play it safe?

The two-term Georgia governor enters his last legislative session next month.

Fate of Confederate souvenir store in limbo amid legal battle over estate

The future of Wildman’s Civil War Surplus Store has long been a topic of debate in Kennesaw, especially since proprietor Dent Myers’ death nearly four years ago.