UPDATE: A Samsung spokesperson told TrustedReviews: “We are aware of Mr. Barker’s claim regarding Windows 8.1 updates on our computers. We take security concerns very seriously and we are working with Microsoft to address this matter.”
Original story continues below…
Samsung is secretly installing software on its PCs, which disables Microsoft’s Windows Update tool, a report on Wednesday has revealed.
Microsoft MVP (Most Valuable Professional, no less) Patrick Barker has discovered an app, which is downloaded in the background on users’ computers post-purchase.
The Disable_Windowsupdate.exe app is part of Samsung’s ‘software updater’ tool which is designed to keep the latest drivers and apps on Samsung PCs up to date.
As Samsung’s software updates tool is only concerned with updating its homebrewed software, this means owners of Samsung PCs, running Windows, are missing out on the multitude of important OS, app and security updates sent forth by Microsoft.
Related: Apple Pay vs Samsung Pay
The .exe file contains Samsung’s security certificate meaning the app, which is serendipitously installed on users’ computers over the internet, definitely comes from the company.
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.
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.