GWX Control Panel is a free program that you can use to do the following on Windows 7 and Windows 8: Remove the “Get Windows 10” icon that appears in your notification area, prevent your Windows Update control panel from upgrading your computer to Windows 10, prevent your computer from secretly downloading Windows 10 installation files, detect and remove the hidden Windows 10 installation files if they’re already on your PC, optionally monitor your computer for unwanted Windows 10-related settings and files- and beginning with version 1.7, you can now easily delete some hard-to-remove program files that are known to cause Windows 10 upgrades and annoyances.

GWX Control Panel really works, is safe and easy to use, and gives you the option to re-enable the icon and upgrade notifications if you’re ever ready to move forward with Windows 10.