Update: Microsoft has confirmed to the BBC that it plans to add another notification that will provide customers with “an additional opportunity for cancelling the upgrade”.
Microsoft said:
“We’ve added another notification that confirms the time of the scheduled upgrade and provides the customer an additional opportunity for cancelling or rescheduling the upgrade. If the customer wishes to continue with their upgrade at the designated time, they can click ‘OK’ or close the notifications with no further action needed.”
How to avoid Microsoft Windows 10 upgrades
Original story:
Microsoft has been accused of tricking PC owners into upgrading to Windows 10.
The company is sending pop-ups to Windows 7 and 8.1 users informing them a “Windows 10 is a Recommended Update for this PC,” as well as scheduling in a time for the update.
However, users who dismiss the notification by clicking the traditional red X are activating and agreeing to the update, rather than cancelling it.
In order to opt out of the update, Windows 7/8.1 users are required to manually change the schedule or cancel the upgrade.
The change has occurred because Microsoft has switched Windows 10 to a “Recommended” update, which many Windows users accept.
Microsoft told the BBC it wants to help as many users as possible update to Windows 10 before the free period expires at the end of next month.
Related: Windows 10 system requirements harming laptop market
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“As we shared in October, Windows 10 will be offered as a ‘recommended’ update for Windows 7 and 8.1 customers whose Windows Update settings are configured to accept ‘recommended’ updates.
“Customers can choose to accept or decline the Windows 10 upgrade.”
However, editor of PC World Brad Chacos called Microsoft’s move a “nasty trick”.
In an editorial, he wrote: “Deploying these dirty tricks only frustrates long-time Windows users who have very valid reasons to stick with operating systems they already know and love,” he wrote.
Where do you stand? Is Microsoft pulling a fast one? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
