Windows 10 Forced Updates Take Dangerous New Direction

[steven36]

I dislike Windows 10’s forced updates. It’s very simple: updates should be automatic, but the option to disable individual patches should exist if a buggy one is released like – say – this one or this one or this one, all in the last two weeks. But Microsoft MSFT -0.2% clearly does not agree, because Windows 10’s forced updates just got scarier…

Credit for the spot goes to this thread on Microsoft’s Community website which makes the observation: Windows 10 is not just forcing feature, driver and security updates on users anymore, it is removing user control over Windows Store app updates as well.

The decision itself seems to have been somewhat last minute as Windows 10 Home users can see an option to toggle ‘Update apps automatically’ in the Windows Store settings but it has been greyed out (screengrab below).



Windows 10 user options are changing without explanation

Strangely Microsoft has made no formal announcement about this move or what motivated it. In fact there isn’t even any information related to the disabled setting on the Microsoft and Windows 10 websites. The only reference found anywhere relates to Windows 8.1, where the setting still works.

I have submitted a press enquiry to Microsoft and will update the post with the response.

A Dangerous Path
All of which creates new concerns: you may not like Windows 10 forced updates but in upgrading you accept them – you made the choice. This is very different to Microsoft disabling user control options without warning or explanation – you didn’t make that choice.
In fairness to Microsoft, the company’s EULA (end user licence agreement) does include apps as well as Windows Updates when it warns: “By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice”

Then again the EULA itself (which customers never read) is so broad it basically gives Microsoft the freedom to do whatever it wants. Notably this section on privacy reads:

“We will access, disclose and preserve personal data, including your content (such as the content of your emails, other private communications or files in private folders), when we have a good faith belief that doing so is necessary”

All of which means Windows 10 has the right to install whatever it wants on your system without notice and to read and disclose all your personal information and files when it sees fit – even with files you place in private folders.

Of course these rules should be in place only for worst case scenarios, but the silent change to Windows app updates shows Microsoft has now set a precedent for doing what it likes when it likes…

Source

[Ballistic Gelatin]

Wait a minute. Are we talking about Microsoft here? Or the NSA?

(Or does it really make any difference?)

[Chatman]

As each day passes, people will understand Microsoft's intended purpose, ”inventing” Windows 10. Users will be the dogs, and Microsoft will adjust the length of the leash. For those who would "bark" too loud, just an ”update” and ... mute.

[mkc21]

everyone was bitching about windows lack of security, which most of the times was user's fault, as they don't update their systems.

I wanted to point out that Google does something similar, google play services background updates and no one complains (even doing so in older versions of android) which is translated in constant updates, changing settings, adding or removing features...

[steven36]

everyone was bitching about windows lack of security, which most of the times was user's fault, as they don't update their systems.

I wanted to point out that Google does something similar, google play services background updates and no one complains (even doing so in older versions of android) which is translated in constant updates, changing settings, adding or removing features...

There's a big difference in Google they dont make windows so you have a choice to not use there services. But Microsoft makes windows and install all kinds of crap on you're computer . You remove the wrong thing it may mess up windows updates . Thank God for a firewall so I can block off everything but windows updates and system . I dont use android .only thing by Google I use is there serch with a vpn ,adblocker and Google privacy addon . I'm old school I only use windows. :lol:

[Sylence]

Is there any reason why users should be worried about automatic update? has anyone experienced any issues with this process? before this you would have to go to store or Windows update to update apps or Windows and now Microsoft does it. It doesn't make any sense that you don't want your store apps to be automatically updated. you are worried that maybe the newer version of an app like a game, or VLC media player contain malware or start spying on you? well if you don't trust an app you should've never installed it in the first place.

The same thing applies to Windows updates. there have been many people using Windows 7 or 8.1 that when they themselves chose which updates to be installed first, their Windows got into serious problems like BSOD or not booting up at all, but now Microsoft specifies their installation orders and gives you explicit control over update installation.

Is there anything I am missing here?

[steven36]

This what my store looks like I used windows 8.1 for sometime before I did windows 10 and I kept it blocked on it as well. They never put anything in it I want.. If they do I will unblock long enough to install it lol..



Microsoft Edge

:P :lol:

[straycat19]

58 domains and still counting. That is what windows 10 pro connects to with nothing but a basic install. Pretty useless OS unless you like bluescreens, system crashes, and sharing your data. Wait till Microsoft starts removing all your torrent software and files remotely since piracy violates the EULA. Why hassle trying to fix all these problems when just the fact you installed it gives Microsoft more publicity so they can make grand announcements about the number of users who have adopted Windows 10 and who therefore, by accepting the EULA, are accepting everything Microsoft is doing or will do to enforce DMCA, allowed peripherals, and software. I use Kali on a Nexus 7 connected to a Windows 10 PC to watch what the OS is doing. It is eye opening. Of course, Microsoft could always add a patch that would detect this device connected thru USB and block it, all in accordance with their 'we can do anything and your PC belong to us' EULA.

[MidnightDistortions]

This will definitely backfire as either you will be forced to block all updates or install all of them. If you can't have control over which updates to install it doesn't make it a good OS. Microsoft is making updating more of a headache. Being able to hold off on updates and report any that are causing problems is what you were always able to do with Windows. I'm sticking with W7 and Linux until MS can release a fix or there is a good 3rd party software that can let you choose which updates to install.

[steven36]

58 domains and still counting. That is what windows 10 pro connects to with nothing but a basic install. Pretty useless OS unless you like bluescreens, system crashes, and sharing your data. Wait till Microsoft starts removing all your torrent software and files remotely since piracy violates the EULA. Why hassle trying to fix all these problems when just the fact you installed it gives Microsoft more publicity so they can make grand announcements about the number of users who have adopted Windows 10 and who therefore, by accepting the EULA, are accepting everything Microsoft is doing or will do to enforce DMCA, allowed peripherals, and software. I use Kali on a Nexus 7 connected to a Windows 10 PC to watch what the OS is doing. It is eye opening. Of course, Microsoft could always add a patch that would detect this device connected thru USB and block it, all in accordance with their 'we can do anything and your PC belong to us' EULA.

Ive had all this blocked since the day installed it day one that it was official and still no BSOD . I'm more likely to get hacked by allowing this crap . I never allowed there crap in 8.1 why would I allow it now? Do you think a pc has to be online to work? no it doesn't . Only thing that you need is windows updates witch some post offline installers too on here . So M$ makes those. All this stuff sounds scary but everyday I run Win10 and its fine proves you wrong. :P

If M$ were to do all this stuff people claim..People would just simply go back to there old versions of windows . They would ruin Windows 10 for themselves . Many people who dl torrents , dl cracked games and software are legit Microsoft costumers . Do You think there that dumb to drive there costumers to using older versions or maybe something thats not windows at all?