Updates Make Windows 7 and 8 Spy On You Like Windows 10
Hi everyone! I apologize for my hiatus, life has been busy. That being said, I'm back to regular updates!
As everyone knows, Windows 10 was launched in July 2015 to much fanfare. As with everything else, some people like it, some people hate it. I have yet to come to an opinion either way. I have only used it very briefly, as i tend to wait for a bit before moving to a new operating system.
However, it has come to my attention that some updates have been pushed out for Windows 7, 8, and 8.1 that appear to add some of the more controversial telemetry features from Windows 10 to these older operating systems.
The updates in questions are:
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3021917 – “Performance tracker update”
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3035583 – “Get Windows 10 App”
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2990214 – “Upgrade to Windows 10”
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3044374 – “Upgrade to Windows 10”
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2952664 – “Compatibility update for upgrading Windows 7”
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3022345 – “Customer experience and diagnostic telemetry”
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3068708 – “Customer experience and diagnostic telemetry”
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3080149 – “Customer experience and diagnostic telemetry”
- https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3075249 – “Telemetry points to
consent.exe”
How to remove these updates from previous versions of Windows:
1. Visit the Github page for BlockWindows
2. Follow the Instructions and run the BlockWindows.bat File as Admin
3. Follow the Instructions and run the HideWindowsUpdates.vbs File as Admin
4. Run the hosts.bat file as admin to append the IPs/URL of those reporting services to your host file.
To reinstall these updates later simply click the "Show Hidden Updates"
Conclusion
I hope this short tutorial helped you get rid of the Windows 10 nag screen and constant tormenting that seems to be par for the course these days. Upgrading an OS is a big deal, and i feel its something that should be done when the user is ready and they should not be bombarded with a screen everyday telling them to upgrade when their current OS still has years of update support left.As always you use this information at your own risk, if you breakl your computer, its all on you. Have great day! Until next time!
Notable Sources
http://www.hakspek.com/security/updates-make-windows-7-and-8-spy-on-you-like-windows-10/https://github.com/WindowsLies/BlockWindows/
https://blockwindows.wordpress.com/
Post image By Roi Boshi (own photograph from the Stasi museum in Berlin) [Public domain or Public domain], <a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AStasi_Spy_Camera.jpg">via Wikimedia Commons</a>
Disclaimer: I am not responsible for anything that may happen to your PC when changing settings or changing registry values. If you choose to make changes, you do so at your own risk.. You are solely responsible for any damage to your computer , data, or other hardware due to user error, inadequate cooling, too high of voltages, incorrect software settings, and any other factors. Please remember to back up your computer before attempting this. If overclocking, Do not Overclock on the stock AMD or Intel CPU Heatsink and fans. Use Aftermarket cooling heat sinks of sufficient TDP or water cooling to ensure best chance of not having premature hardware failure. As always, remember to backup your data before attempting any change. I am not responsible for data loss or damage of any kind.
