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Windows-10

Yesterday, nosotros discussed how Microsoft at present downloads Windows 10 to local devices whether users have chosen to do and then or not. Here, we'll walk you through the process of reclaiming that space. The surest way to tell if y'all've been affected by the stealth download is to navigate to your C:\Windows directory. Once there, you'll want to configure Explorer to show hidden files and folders.

In Windows 7, y'all do this by clicking on "Tools," then "Folder Options," and finally "Testify Hidden Files and Folders," every bit shown below. In Windows 8/8.i, click on the View tab and so select the "Hidden items" check box.

FolderOptions

In one case this is done, check your Windows directory for a directory named $WINDOWS.~BT. The icon may exist translucent, since the folder is unremarkably hidden, so cheque carefully. You lot tin delete this folder if you wish, simply doing so won't actually prevent Microsoft from downloading the setup program again. Once the Os has decided that you're going to install Windows 10, information technology's downright pushy virtually having the data locally. The only solution, co-ordinate to various sources, is to actually remove a specific Windows Update: KB3035583.

KB3035583 is described by Microsoft as installing "the Become Windows ten app, which helps users empathize their Windows 10 upgrade options and device readiness." It tin can be uninstalled past navigating to Windows Update from within the Control Panel, choosing "Programs and Features," so selecting the "View Installed Updates" selection. Remove this update and and then delete the binder, and you'll reclaim your lost disk space.

KB 3035583 tin and then be blocked from installing again by hiding the update from within the Windows Update setting in Control Panel.

An uncertain situation

There are facets to this situation that aren't fully understood as yet. My ain Windows Update history shows that I installed KB3035583 on the 26th of July, as shown below.

KB3035583

Despite this, there's no sign that my organization always downloaded Windows 10, and I have no record of failed W10 installations (some other reported commonality) in my own Windows Update history. In some cases, this MS update clearly triggers a download process, just in others, it does not seem to practise then. I personally run Windows 7 Professional, but IE11 and Windows Update take both been incessantly nagging me to upgrade.

One potential reason for this is that I keep Windows set up to "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them." Information technology'due south possible that this setting keeps Windows x from downloading whether y'all've installed KB 3035583 or not.

Why nosotros embrace topics like this

Several readers have asked why we continue to cover topics like this and implied that ET (or myself) have a bias confronting Windows 10. I won't deny that I disagree with Microsoft'due south new approach to privacy controls, patch disclosure, and software updates, but that's not why we've continued roofing these topics. Whether you agree or disagree that some of Microsoft'due south new policies are problematic, the fact is, they stand for a marked change from the status quo.

A 6GB OS download isn't a large deal if y'all have a 500GB bulldoze, but if you're running an older Windows installation on a 128-256GB SSD, that can wind up being a meaning chunk of space. More than to the point, however, it'south something Microsoft hasn't previously done. The thinking, in this instance, is obvious — by downloading Windows x behind-the-scenes, Microsoft guarantees a faster upgrade process for end users.

The problem, once again, isn't that Microsoft is evil. The problem is that Microsoft either failed to consider the needs of its users or dismissed them as unimportant. We've already heard from people who went over their metered bandwidth for the month because of background Windows ten downloads. Ane of our staff had an HTPC surprise-upgrade itself to Windows ten while he was on vacation. These are problems that Microsoft could address with a simple checkbox asking users if they'd similar to download Windows 10 now and so they can offset the upgrade process immediately when they choose to do so.

Check out our ExtremeTech Explains series for more in-depth coverage.