How to block the Windows 8.1 upgrade message ?

I've started getting the Upgrade to Windows 8.1 now - it's free message when I boot up and it's annoying as heck. It locks up the computer and the only choice is to click the upgrade now button. I was able to Ctrl+Alt+Del and sign out then login again. Got the same annoying message but this time there was a Remind me later button.

Is there any way to block it or prevent it from happening? I don't want to upgrade to 8.1 now and perhaps maybe never. This is as bad as a virus.

1. Press "WIN+R" keys together to launch RUN dialog box and type gpedit.msc and press Enter. It'll open Group Policy Editor.

2. Go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Store

3. In right-side pane, double-click on "Turn off the offer to update to the latest version of Windows" option and set its value to "Enabled".

Thanks, but I don't have gpedit. I have Windows 8, not pro or ultimate. Is there an equivalent registry hack to do this.

I found this: Disable Windows 8 Auto Update to 8.1 in store

If you want to prevent users from seeing the update under any circumstances, you can set the group policy "Turn off the offer to upgrade to the latest version of Windows" located under “Computer\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Store”. This corresponds to the registry value “DisableOSUpgrade” (DWORD) in key “HKLM\Software\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsStore”; when set to 1, the update will not be offered.

Click to expand...

... but it doesn't work. The referenced key in HKLM or HKCU does not exist. The key DisableOSUpgrade does not exist anywhere in the registry. I'm going to try creating it in HKLM and see what happens.

@ Ztruker ,
Go to Programs and Features . Click View installed updates . Scroll down to the 09-13 group . Uninstall KB2871389 . This will stop the Upgrade? prompt . It also removes the gpedit item referenced by Mr Sardonicus from the Store pane . It also removes the registry entries shown in the Disable Windows 8 Auto Update to 8.1 in store you found .
j
I also went to Win update and checked for updates , the KB2871389 update reappeared . I hid the update and it has not come back up .

I added the registry key, will see what happens. If it comes back then I'll do as you describe. Thanks

That would be nice if that's all it takes to turn that bleep prompt off .
GL........j

I just found this thread http://www.eightforums.com/installa...pt-install-windows-8-1-will-not-gow-away.html
As usual Brink is on it .
j