Ask Paul: Why Do You Need to Reserve the Windows 10 Upgrade?

I’m getting a lot of incredulous email from readers who noticed the “Get Windows 10” icon in their system tray. Why is Microsoft forcing a “registration” process on users? Are they going to run out or something? And what if I don’t want this thing?

John M. (and many others) ask:

I just saw a notification on Windows 8.1 asking me to “reserve an upgrade for Windows 10.” Why?!?  Why would I reserve a FREE upgrade when there’s not going to be a shortage? Am I missing something?

Answer:

Microsoft is offering the registration process so that the “final” version of Windows 10 can be downloaded to your PC ahead of the July 29 launch so you won’t need to fight half the planet all downloading it at the same time.

When you think about it that way, it makes sense, and works like a pre-ordered game on the Xbox One. You can drizzle download it early and then get started right away when you’re ready to go.

That said, there are a number of related questions that don’t have this kind of pat answer. And I’m curious Microsoft didn’t release a blocker tool so that businesses or individuals who wish to not be bothered by this advertisement are left to their own devices. This company has done an admirable job of respecting user privacy in this age of always-on Internet, but the Get Windows 10 thing should be seen for what it is: a self-serving Microsoft advertisement.

So let’s remove it. Open the Program and Features control panel and click “View installed updates” on the left side of the window. Then, search for KB3035583. Right-click it and choose Uninstall. You’ll be prompted to reboot, so do that.

When you return, run Windows Update (the control panel, not the Modern app if you’re using Windows 8.1) and check for updates. Locate the KB3035583 update, right-click it and choose Hide Update to prevent this update from being reinstalled. Bingo.