Microsoft is apparently using the nuclear option as far as Windows 10 upgrades are concerned, reportedly forcing users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 to automatically upgrade with disastrous outcomes.
News of the forced upgrades have circulated over the past few days after Microsoft released a security patch last Tuesday that reclassified the upgrade as "important." Users affected by the forced upgrade claim they never approved or initiated the upgrade, but were forced into the upgrade anyway.
It should be noted that these upgrades are intentional on Microsoft's part at least. Last October, the company announced it would reclassify Windows 10 as a "Recommended" update from older versions starting Feb. 1. This meant that users who failed to uncheck the appropriate box for Windows 10 within Windows Update would find themselves upgrading the new OS automatically.
At the time, Windows Chief Terry Myerson said, "Depending upon your Windows Update settings, this may cause the upgrade process to automatically initiate on your device. Before the upgrade changes the OS of your device, you will be clearly prompted to choose whether or not to continue."
The first part of the statement affirms the automatic download, but the second part is contradictory to what many are reporting. It would be one thing if their PCs were automatically beginning the Windows 10 installation (this is known and should be expected), but their software is going forward and actually finishing the upgrade without permission.
Horror stories detailing such events have been making rounds in one thread on reddit which has more than 2.7k comments.
"Had my work PC (win 8.1) update to 10 with me actively not downloading and installing... worst part it just did it randomly just before lunch, no warning, no pop up," one redditor said. "Just printed some notes and after coming back from the print room I was greeted with Windows 10 is installing... 10 percent."
To make matters worse, some people are reporting Microsoft engaging in duplicitous measures to complete the update such as hiding the "decline" button.
"Yep, went afk and saw this message box that said something like 'Your update is ready! Restarting and installing in 13 minutes,'" another redditor reported. "If I made myself a meal or watched tv, I would have had Windows 10. Oh, and the best part is how they hid the 'Decline' button in the more info button."
It's unclear what's going on, but the fact that Windows is allegedly bypassing user input on whether to begin the installation process is disturbing. Windows 10 has tons to offer, but Microsoft is choosing a poor way of providing users a chance to experience it.
In the meantime, if you still run Windows 7 or 8.1, it's possible to avoid this situation altogether. Simply head to Windows Update in the Control Panel, and uncheck the box under Recommended updates, which reads "Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates."
It's also possible by downloading Ultimate Outsider's free and portable GWX Control Panel. Through that app, users can tweak their registry by clicking "Disable 'Get Windows 10' App (permanently remove icon)" and "Disable Operating System Upgrades in Windows Update."
