Have you stumbled upon ‘GWX.EXE’ in your Windows computer and wondered, “GWX.EXE, what is it?” Don’t fret, as you’re not alone.
We will explore this topic comprehensively, detailing its function, how it affects your system, and ways to disable or remove it. Now let’s find out ‘GWX.EXE’ What is It in Windows.
What is GWX.EXE in Windows?
The ‘GWX.EXE’ is an EXEcutable file in Windows, part of the ‘Get Windows 10’ (GWX) program. Microsoft introduced it as a part of the KB3035583 update, primarily to facilitate the free upgrade process from Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 10.
While it’s not a virus or harmful software, its continuous running in the background might cause your system to slow down, affecting overall performance.
Should We Remove GWX.EXE?
The ‘GWX.EXE’ file, while not a harmful entity, does consume system resources. It runs continuously in the background, which may cause your system to slow down, especially if you’re using older hardware or a system with limited resources.
If you’re noticing a significant performance drop and have identified ‘GWX.EXE’ as a contributing factor, you might consider removing it.
The main purpose of ‘GWX.EXE’ is to prompt and help users upgrade their operating system from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10.
If you’ve already upgraded to Windows 10 or do not wish to upgrade, the ‘GWX.EXE’ process becomes redundant. In this case, removing it will not negatively impact your system.
However, it’s important to note that ‘GWX.EXE’ is not a malicious file. It’s a part of the Windows operating system, and removing it won’t improve your system’s security. In addition, removal should be done carefully to avoid system instability or other issues.
In summary, removing ‘GWX.EXE’ can be beneficial in improving system performance and reducing unwanted notifications, especially if you have no plans to upgrade to Windows 10. But if you are considering upgrading, you might want to keep it.
Methods to Remove or Disable GWX.EXE
Before you proceed with the removal steps, ensure that you create a system restore point. This backup allows you to revert your system to the current state in case something goes wrong.
Method 1: Uninstall the Windows Update KB3035583
Step 1: Open the Control Panel.
Step 2: Navigate to ‘Programs and Features.’
Step 3: Click on ‘View installed updates’ located in the left pane.
Step 4: Look for ‘KB3035583’, right-click on it, and select ‘Uninstall.’
Step 5: Restart your computer.
Method 2: Disable GWX.EXE Through Task Scheduler
Step 1: Press the ‘Windows Key + R’ to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type ‘taskschd.msc’ and hit ‘Enter.’
Step 3: Navigate to ‘Task Scheduler Library/Microsoft/Windows/Setup/GWX.’
Step 4: In the right pane, right-click each task and select ‘Disable.’
Step 5: Restart your computer.
Method 3: Rename the GWX Folder
Step 1: Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E).
Step 2: Navigate to ‘C:\Windows\System32.’
Step 3: Find the ‘GWX’ folder, right-click, and select ‘Rename.’
Step 4: Rename it to something like ‘GWX.old.’
Step 5: If you receive a permission denial message, take ownership of the GWX folder, then try renaming it.
Method 4: Using a Third-Party Tool
Many third-party tools, such as GWX Control Panel or Never10, can help you disable or remove the GWX.EXE file. Here’s how you can use GWX Control Panel:
Step 1: Download and install the GWX Control Panel.
Step 2: Run the application, and click on ‘Click to Disable Get Windows 10 App.’
Step 3: Next, click on ‘Click to Delete Windows 10 Download Folders.’
Step 4: Lastly, click on ‘Click to Prevent Windows 10 Upgrades.’
Please remember that using third-party tools might have their risks, so use them cautiously and only from trusted sources.
Conclusion
In the vast world of Windows, ‘GWX.EXE’ plays a minor but notable role. Although it’s not harmful, its impact on system performance can lead many users to seek its removal.
Whether you’re a novice or a tech-savvy user, the steps outlined above provide a detailed guide on managing the GWX.EXE file.
Remember, understanding your system processes is the first step towards a smoother, more efficient computer experience.
Remember, ‘GWX.EXE’ is not a problem per se, but a feature that can be controlled. Knowledge of its function and management is an essential tool in every Windows user’s arsenal for maintaining optimal system performance. Hope now you know ‘GWX.EXE’ What is It in Windows.
