Why are we forced to update to 8.1?

I agree. I updated to Windows 8.1 earlier this year, and it bricked my computer. Fortunately, I was able to restore it to the former version, but it was difficult and extremely stressful. Now that I got the message saying that we're going to update in 4 hours, I'm really stressing out again. Do I have to go through the entire process of letting it update and install, only to have it brick after waiting a couple of hours, then have to go through the hassle of restarting in safe mode and restoring to the previous version, only to have it force me to update again? I need to stop this somehow. Please give us a solution!

It is strongly encouraged that you upgrade to Windows 8.1 since support for Windows 8.0 will be ending next year. Microsoft does not want anyone to be caught off guard. There are lot of things to benefit from in Windows 8.1, including security updates going forward, ability to better customer the interface etc.

If you wish not to upgrade, see the following post:

http://www.askvg.com/how-to-disable-update-to-windows-8-1-for-free-notification-in-windows-8-store/

Day late and dollar short. I'm on my PHONE because Microsoft hijacked my PC. I had no, NO option other than install this garbage. I'm at 74% right now and I do not want this on my computer. I Didn't even choose an option I immediately powered down my pc to avoid it losing all my work . The only 2 options I had was install or power down losing my work and it installed anyway! I'm now at  82% tell me how to stop this immediately.... before it bricks my gaming rig.

"Setting up a few more things 3%" 

An answer on how to stop this would be GREATLY APPRECIATED, i'm running out of time. Again, I do not want this on my computer nor did I give ANY permission to install it.

No need respond now, I'm black screen on boot, did I mention there was a reason i didn't upgrade? Been here before already. Thank GOD for this  old laptop or the company of Microsoft would have completely shut me down.

  I learned my first programming on Basic.  Absolutely amazed at what could be done. Hell first time i started checking out books from the library. Got in trouble for sneaking up on a school night  to write programming LOL. First real program? an alarm clock with snooze!

 Finally a tape drive. I could store my programs!

 Windows widows 3.1, i mean wow, that first screensaver.  A hard drive?! 10 megs? how in the world would you ever fill it up? It was HUGE!

Windows 95? lets face it, it felt like 3.1. sure had nice graphics tho.

Windows 98, man, perfection in a PC. Absolutely stunning for it's time. it turned the calculator into a PC.

Windows ME. We don't talk about that LOL. Honestly, I waded threw that for a couple years and had minimum problems.  Not many complaints actually.

Windows XP, Man 98 is back! another fine showpiece for Microsoft. Do you know i still use XP on my work stations at work? Runs beautifully. Support or no support, XP is like a freight train, they just keep chugging along.

Windows Vista? I honestly loved that system. I run large PC's so lag or boot times were not a problem.

Windows 7? disappointed. A very watered down Vista. Why this was called Windows 7 and not Vista Lite i'll never know. quick buck $$?

.....and here we are Windows 8. I mean, what the hell were you thinking? I don't know who came up with this brain child but seriously, i mean SERIOUSLY, fire his ****. Whats next hire Barack Obama as your financial adviser? This isn't a change problem, this is a garbage problem.

Anyway, I never thought i would say this but tomorrow i'm going to download Abuntu and learn something new. Hell never tried a MAC might be something to check into. Bottom line I am done, No more.

 Me and Kris999RT maybe a whisper in an ocean of shouts but we are many.

 Feel free to ban me, kill thread, whatever, i copied the entire thing I feel this needs to be addressed outside the thumb of Microsoft. Ill be moving it somewhere more "open minded".