Samsung has told TrustedReviews it plans to release a patch for its Windows machines that’ll re-enable the Windows Update feature, after secretly installing a file on owners’ machines that blocked the crucial tool.
Earlier this week, a Microsoft MVP pointed out Samsung had been serendipitously installing a file called Disable_Windowsupdate.exe onto user’s machines, which shut out Microsoft’s central update hub within Windows 8.1.
The file, which is part of Samsung’s own software update tools, was designed to ensure only compatible apps and drivers were installed on its PCs and laptops.
The idea seemed to be to keep machines safe, secure and functioning efficiently, but had the unfortunate side effect of shutting out Microsoft from its own platform.
Adding more fuel to the controversy, the software (which arrived bearing Samsung’s security certificate) wasn’t built into Samsung’s PCs, but downloaded in the background via an online update.
Now, after denying the reports in a previous statement, Samsung has promised the patch will “revert back to the recommended automatic Windows Update settings” and will arrive within a few days.
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The statement, attributed to a Samsung spokesperson, reads: “
“We will be issuing a patch through the Samsung Software Update notification process to revert back to the recommended automatic Windows Update settings within a few days. Samsung remains committed to providing a trustworthy user experience and we encourage customers with product questions or concerns to contact us directly at 1-800-SAMSUNG.”
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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.