https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-is-force-installing-pc-health-check-in-windows-10/ BleepingComputer.com logo * * * [ ] [Login] [Sign up] * * * [ ] [Login] [Sign up] * News + Featured + Latest + Microsoft: Russian SVR hacked at least 14 IT supply chain firms since May Microsoft: Russian SVR hacked at least 14 IT supply chain firms since May + Millions of Android users targeted in subscription fraud campaign Millions of Android users targeted in subscription fraud campaign + Hackers used billing software zero-day to deploy ransomware Hackers used billing software zero-day to deploy ransomware + It's Windows XP's 20th birthday and way too many still use it It's Windows XP's 20th birthday and way too many still use it + Iranian gas stations out of service after distribution network hacked Iranian gas stations out of service after distribution network hacked + Spammers use Squirrelwaffle malware to drop Cobalt Strike Spammers use Squirrelwaffle malware to drop Cobalt Strike + Brutal WordPress plugin bug allows subscribers to wipe sites Brutal WordPress plugin bug allows subscribers to wipe sites + Prepare for 5 cybersecurity certifications with this bundle Prepare for 5 cybersecurity certifications with this bundle * Downloads + Latest + Most Downloaded + Qualys BrowserCheck Qualys BrowserCheck + STOPDecrypter STOPDecrypter + AuroraDecrypter AuroraDecrypter + FilesLockerDecrypter FilesLockerDecrypter + AdwCleaner AdwCleaner + ComboFix ComboFix + RKill RKill + Junkware Removal Tool Junkware Removal Tool * Virus Removal Guides + Latest + Most Viewed + Ransomware + How to remove the PBlock+ adware browser extension How to remove the PBlock+ adware browser extension + Remove the Toksearches.xyz Search Redirect Remove the Toksearches.xyz Search Redirect + Remove the Smashapps.net Search Redirect Remove the Smashapps.net Search Redirect + Remove the Smashappsearch.com Search Redirect Remove the Smashappsearch.com Search Redirect + Remove Security Tool and SecurityTool (Uninstall Guide) Remove Security Tool and SecurityTool (Uninstall Guide) + How to remove Antivirus 2009 (Uninstall Instructions) How to remove Antivirus 2009 (Uninstall Instructions) + How to Remove WinFixer / Virtumonde / Msevents / Trojan.vundo How to Remove WinFixer / Virtumonde / Msevents / Trojan.vundo + How to remove Google Redirects or the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using TDSSKiller How to remove Google Redirects or the TDSS, TDL3, or Alureon rootkit using TDSSKiller + Locky Ransomware Information, Help Guide, and FAQ Locky Ransomware Information, Help Guide, and FAQ + CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ CryptoLocker Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ + CryptorBit and HowDecrypt Information Guide and FAQ CryptorBit and HowDecrypt Information Guide and FAQ + CryptoDefense and How_Decrypt Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ CryptoDefense and How_Decrypt Ransomware Information Guide and FAQ * Tutorials + Latest + Popular + How to make the Start menu full screen in Windows 10 How to make the Start menu full screen in Windows 10 + How to install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime How to install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Runtime + How to open an elevated PowerShell Admin prompt in Windows 10 How to open an elevated PowerShell Admin prompt in Windows 10 + How to Translate a Web Page in Google Chrome How to Translate a Web Page in Google Chrome + How to start Windows in Safe Mode How to start Windows in Safe Mode + How to remove a Trojan, Virus, Worm, or other Malware How to remove a Trojan, Virus, Worm, or other Malware + How to show hidden files in Windows 7 How to show hidden files in Windows 7 + How to see hidden files in Windows How to see hidden files in Windows * Deals + Categories + eLearning eLearning + IT Certification Courses IT Certification Courses + Gear & Gadgets Gear + Gadgets + Security Security * Forums * More + Startup Database + Uninstall Database + File Database + Glossary + Chat on Discord + Send us a Tip! + Welcome Guide * Home * News * Microsoft * Microsoft is force installing PC Health Check in Windows 10 * * Microsoft is force installing PC Health Check in Windows 10 By Lawrence Abrams * October 26, 2021 * 11:40 AM * 6 Windows 10 Microsoft has begun force installing the PC Health Check application on Windows 10 devices using a new KB5005463 update. PC Health Check is a new diagnostics tool created by Microsoft and released in conjunction with Windows 11 that provides various troubleshooting and maintenance features. However, its primary use has been to analyze a device's hardware to check if it's compatible with Windows 11. PC Health Check applicationPC Health Check application This Friday, Microsoft began rolling out the new KB5005463 update to force-install the PC Health Check application on Windows 10 devices. Windows 10 KB5005463 update automatically installingWindows 10 KB5005463 update automatically installing Microsoft says that users who do not want PC Health Check on their system can simply uninstall it using the Settings app. However, readers have told BleepingComputer that they have had to uninstall the application numerous times as the applications keep being reinstalled on the next check for updates. To make matters worse, when attempting to uninstall KB5005463, Windows 10 states that the update is not installed, when that is clearly untrue, as shown in the image below. Unable to uninstall the KB5005463 updateUnable to uninstall the KB5005463 update BleepingComputer has found a way to block the update from installing PC Health Check on your computer for those who do not want the application installed. How to prevent PC Health Check from installing When you uninstall the PC Health Check application, it creates a "PreviousUninstall" value under the 'HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\ Microsoft\PCHC' key and sets its value to '1', as shown below. Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PCHC] "PreviousUninstall"=dword:00000001 If this value exists, the next time you perform a 'Check for updates' in Windows Update, the KB5005463 update and PC Health Check will not install again. It is unclear why this key is not being created for some users or being ignored and causing the application to reinstall. It is also possible to use the following Registry key to prevent the installation of PC Health Check, but it is not clear if this will cause unexpected behavior. Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PCHealthCheck] "installed"=dword:00000001 There is no good reason not to install the utility as it does not run automatically and can be closed as needed. However, if you do not wish to have the application installed, you can use one of the above methods to prevent its installation. BleepingComputer has reached out to Microsoft to learn why PC Health Check is being reinstalled for some users and will update this article when we hear back. Related Articles: Microsoft: Old Windows updates now expire to improve speed, security Windows Update will tell if you can upgrade to Windows 11 Windows 11 build 22000.282 fixes CPU performance issues, taskbar bug Windows 11: Microsoft is investigating these eight problems Microsoft October 2021 Patch Tuesday fixes 4 zero-days, 71 flaws * KB5005463 * Microsoft * PC Health Check * Windows 10 * Windows 11 * Windows Update * * * * * Lawrence Abrams Lawrence Abrams is the owner and Editor in Chief of BleepingComputer.com. Lawrence's area of expertise includes Windows, malware removal, and computer forensics. Lawrence Abrams is a co-author of the Winternals Defragmentation, Recovery, and Administration Field Guide and the technical editor for Rootkits for Dummies. * Previous Article * Next Article Comments * JonathanSteadman Photo JonathanSteadman - 6 hours ago + + Stupid. Just stupid. * JonathanSteadman Photo JonathanSteadman - 6 hours ago + + Yes we get more bloatware. Thats all we fuckin want. I am now install Fedora. :) * EmanuelJacobsson Photo EmanuelJacobsson - 6 hours ago + + Luckily its extremely easy to uninstall it all. * Lawrence Abrams Photo Lawrence Abrams - 6 hours ago + + Except people are finding it reinstalls on the next 'Check for updates'. * EmanuelJacobsson Photo EmanuelJacobsson - 6 hours ago + + Ive never found pre-installed apps to be installed again after a new update, even after a complete reinstall or factory reset. Edit: They do reinstall after I factory reset, but not when I update. * premomh Photo premomh - 2 hours ago + + "Microsoft says that users who do not want PC Health Check on their system can simply uninstall it using the Settings app." Cuz there couldn't POSSIBLY be people out there who don't want to unnecessarily DL USELESS crap that they never intend to use... Like people who have HORRIBLE DL speeds who live in rural areas... Nope... They don't exist at all.. 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