How to keep from being forced to update to 8.1?

[Wuai Bel Ree]

I have auto updates turned off and yet I keep getting pop-ups to update to 8.1. Now I've finally gotten the one that doesn't give me an option to say no. How do I stop 8.1 from being forced on me?

And for those who think I'm out of my mind for not wanting 8.1, I can't upgrade to it because it causes problems that no one seems to know how to fix (unexplained low resolution in certain places and significant speed decrease). I'm stuck with 8.

[Geek-9pm]

I'm stuck with 8.

You said it. MS does not want to support windows 8. The objective now is to push Windows 8.1 until the next windows version is ready.

That has been reported earlier. Here is yet another report that confirms the fact.
Microsoft stops selling Windows 7 versions, Windows 8

Windows 8 is also no longer available at retail from Microsoft, as the Redmond-based giant just wants it to go away at this point

Put another way, 8 and 8.1 are effectively two different systems.
IMHO the best  you can do is find all your install DVD/CDs and backup all your stuff and prepare to a do a clean install of version 8.1 and live with it.
 
EDIT: If you are a MSN member, you might get a free 90 days version of 8.1 and maybe install it again after the 90 days are up. That would get you into the next year and maybe then MS will have some kind of special offer.

[Wuai Bel Ree]

And of course it decides to forcefully upgrade to 8.1 in the middle of a multiplayer match with a penalty for leaving. And of course the resolution and performance problems are going to be back for the third time. And of course I'm going to have to factory reset my computer back to 8 a forth time.

Dang it, Microsoft...

[patio]

After you do that it may be a good idea to turn off automatic updates...
There is no "force" screen you speak of...

[SuperDave]

If you are a MSN member, you might get a free 90 days version of 8.1 and maybe install it again after the 90 days are up. That would get you into the next year and maybe then MS will have some kind of special offer.

To my knowledge, Windows 8.1 is free to Windows 8 users according to the article. At least it was for me.

[patio]

It is free...you're correct Dave.

[BC_Programmer]

I have auto updates turned off and yet I keep getting pop-ups to update to 8.1.

Either you don't have them turned off, or you aren't getting the prompt. None of my VMs or systems running 8.0 have prompted me to updated to 8.1.

And for those who think I'm out of my mind for not wanting 8.1, I can't upgrade to it because it causes problems that no one seems to know how to fix (unexplained low resolution in certain places and significant speed decrease). I'm stuck with 8.

Issues which coincidentally are the same as if hardware drivers weren't installed- which coincidentally is a side effect of Windows 8.1 being installed (resets to generic drivers for some reason). Easy to address by simply installing drivers.

[patio]

I think you are outta yer mind...and simply bashing Windows...
All of the above solutions work.

[Computer_Commando]

Update to 8.1 & be happy it's free.

[Chuck racer]

Get the 8.1 free. I had 8,  8.1 is much better, I can see many of the 8 problems gone now. Eventually windows will do away with 8 anyways. Yes you do have a choice, go with 8.1
Thanks Chuck

[Geek-9pm]

Recent Rumors...
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/operating-systems/25290/windows-10-release-date-news-features-plus-how-to-download-the-windows-10

Update: Microsoft has announced that it has over 1.5m active testers using the Windows 10 preview and as a result has fixed over 1,300 bugs

[patio]

What does Win 10 beta's have to do with the Topic ? ?

[Geek-9pm]

What does Win 10 beta's have to do with the Topic ? ?

I was looking for the release date of 8.2 and all I got was Windows 10, so is Windows 10 going to  out before windows 8.2?

This story was back in June. Before we learned that 9 is 10.
http://www.loadthegame.com/2014/06/25/windows-9-rumored-come-free-windows-8-2-owners/

Maybe MS should make a retroactive Windows version and call it 7 of 9. 

[halstead]

Microsoft announced that they will have webcast regarding windows 10. Since you are waiting for the release of it, maybe you will be interested on their webcast that will happen next year.

http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2014/12/11/join-us-to-hear-about-the-next-chapter-of-windows-10/

[Geek-9pm]

Back to topic. The link below claims you can download windows 8 legally or almost legally.  If own has a product key for Windows 8, then you can get the ISO legally. Well, in theory.
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows-8/f/download-windows-8.htm