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Microsoft

Always since Microsoft launched Windows ten, the company has come under fire for its ambitious update policies. In the weeks following launch, Windows 7 users were greeted with a giant "Reserve your upgrade today!" imprint, every time they launched IE11 (if set to the default abode folio). At least one of our ain writers had a organization surprise-install the operating system, despite not being told to do then. And now, in an credible echo of what nosotros thought was an odd corner case, Microsoft made an error in Windows Update that's forcing people to upgrade to Windows 10, whether they wish to do and so or non.

The problem, according to Microsoft, is that the Windows 10 Update was switched from "Optional" to "Mandatory" and automatically distributed to users who had "Download and install updates automatically" enabled. PCWorld reports that in at least some cases, users are now locked into an update cycle that they can't abolish, as shown below. Images courtesy of GWX Control Panel developer Josh Mayfield.

Upgrade to Windows 10 Is Ready Windows Update Reschedule Start

If y'all see either of the two screens above, information technology ways Microsoft has already downloaded the update and decided to apply it. Information technology's not yet clear if this can exist reversed, or merely delayed. Ars Technica reports that the installer requires manual intervention to proceed, but in at least some cases that evidently defaults to a timer and a reboot counter, every bit shown above. In a statement, Microsoft said, "In the contempo Windows update, this option was checked as default; this was a mistake and we are removing the cheque."

This is just the latest ridiculous issue from Microsoft's upgrade push. Last month, we found out the company was stealth-downloading the Windows 10 installer, and before that, in that location were the aforementioned banner ads and obnoxious system tray advertisements.

This is why people don't trust Microsoft

As a Windows 7 user who has never allowed Microsoft to perform automatic updates, this kind of problem is precisely why I don't trust the company to exercise not-security patches past default. Information technology'south not a question of malicious intent merely uncomplicated human fault. Someone hit the wrong button somewhere, and now people who trust Microsoft have a new headache to deal with. Microsoft's attempts to create a universal update arrangement for Windows 10, in which all updates are shoved out automatically, is a profound mistake. How long before another switch gets striking by accident and a patch or commuter pushes out to systems that shouldn't actually exist running it?

It'southward going to happen. The only question is how many people get burned when it does. If you're on Windows vii or 8.1, the problems have already started.