Massive Backlash Building Over Windows 10 Upgrades (fortune.com) 501
Some Windows users are now disabling critical updates on their systems rather than face the prospect of mistakenly upgrading to Windows 10. An anonymous reader writes:
"By pushing it on users in such a heavy-handed way, Microsoft is encouraging users who have very valid reasons to stick with Windows 7/8 to perform actions that leave their machines open to attack," writes PC World's senior editor. He adds that "Over the past week, I've received more contact from readers about this issue than I have about everything else I've written over the rest of my career combined."
Now even China's official news agency is reporting that users are angry about stealthy Windows 10 upgrades, saying over 1.2 million complaints appeared on one microblogging site. It quotes a legal advisor with the Internet Society of China, who says Microsoft "has abused its dominant market position and broken the market order for fair play," saying that lawsuits would be justified over Microsoft's action. "Yang Shuo, a worker at a Beijing-based public relations company, told Xinhua that the sudden update interrupted his drafting of a business plan and led to a meeting cancellation for a deal worth 3 million yuan ($457,735). 'Just because I didn't see the pop-up reminder does not mean I agreed.'"
In a possibly-unrelated development, the Chinese military plans to send nuclear submarines into the Pacific Ocean.
Now even China's official news agency is reporting that users are angry about stealthy Windows 10 upgrades, saying over 1.2 million complaints appeared on one microblogging site. It quotes a legal advisor with the Internet Society of China, who says Microsoft "has abused its dominant market position and broken the market order for fair play," saying that lawsuits would be justified over Microsoft's action. "Yang Shuo, a worker at a Beijing-based public relations company, told Xinhua that the sudden update interrupted his drafting of a business plan and led to a meeting cancellation for a deal worth 3 million yuan ($457,735). 'Just because I didn't see the pop-up reminder does not mean I agreed.'"
In a possibly-unrelated development, the Chinese military plans to send nuclear submarines into the Pacific Ocean.
Business plan = profit (Score:4, Funny)
Yes, I am writing a business plan too ,
Dammit, I just lost $457,000!!!
*Goes to join the MPAA and BSA to help them explain how their lost profits are calculated*
E
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If the deal was cancelled because of it (it only says the meeting was, could have been rescheduled) it's probably because they couldn't believe that the guy's IT was so terrible he couldn't just move to a different computer and carry on working.
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Because it wasn't the fact that he was putting it together last minute and didn't save frequently (which MS Word and Excel do for you anyway).
Ah, human nature. It's never their fault for screwing up.
MS has become the entity to point for all failures related to computer. Getting old and redundant!
Does Microsoft even look at the microblogging site (Score:2)
If Microsoft doesn't even look at the micro blogging site, what good does complaining on it do?
Oh, and HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate /v "DisableOSUpgrade" /t REG_DWORD /d 0x1
Re:Does Microsoft even look at the microblogging s (Score:5, Insightful)
"Oh, and HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate /v "DisableOSUpgrade" /t REG_DWORD /d 0x1"
Silly rabbit, the next Windows critical security update will fix that registry error you just created.
Re: (Score:2)
Silly rabbit, the next Windows critical security update will fix that registry error you just created.
I doubt that Microsoft is going to break Microsofts How to manage Windows 10 notification and upgrade options [microsoft.com] documentation.
EU should act over forced upgrades via deception (Score:5, Insightful)
EU should act over forced upgrades via deception
Just like they did with IE bundling, and now Google bundling.
EU should take Microsoft to the cleaners for forcing W10 underhand
Re:EU should act over forced upgrades via deceptio (Score:5, Insightful)
I'd like to see a nasty class action lawsuit against Microsoft in this issue. Not that I like lawyers but this is a very damaging and deceptive action on Microsoft's behalf.
Re: (Score:2)
I'd like to see a nasty class action lawsuit against Microsoft in this issue.
And I'd like to join it.
Re: EU should act over forced upgrades via decepti (Score:5, Funny)
Care to share the actual damages you suffered at the hands of this free update reminder?
My time. I could have used it to better myself, or masturbate or whatever.
Please don't tell us you were tricked into installing it since you don't use Windows
Who told you that? I talk about using Windows all the time. I paid for Win7Pro, on purpose.
and according to you, you are the smartest motherfucker ever to walk the face of the earth.
Alas, I still talk to ACs, so that can't possibly be the case.
Re:EU should act over forced upgrades via deceptio (Score:5, Informative)
A few days ago I fixed a business computer. It kept nagging and finally installed Windows 10.
The result?
1. The upgrade finally killed the (very old) hard drive in the PC. Errors everywhere, had to be replaced.
2. The old office suite no longer worked.
3. The antivirus messed up.
4. Somehow during the process the email screwed up and they lost some of it (not repairable.)
5. The custom order entry system he used no longer ran.
So a new hard drive was installed and Win7 put back on. Everything was reinstalled, and I put in the GPO policies and registry tweaks that stop W10 for now... until Microsoft decides to change it again.
When I told them they'd have to probably spend $700+ replacing their old software (and still risk the order entry system not working) they were very mad at Microsoft. This was their only functioning workstation and so its lost definitely affected business operations. The computer store was backlogged over a week (!) fixing issues like this one so they called me.
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
The broken HDD is very common. Many drives, as they age, effectively become 'read only'- where the heads reliably retrieve files, but new write operations damage the surface of the aged platters.
MS just doesn't give a damn. The upgrade triggers a vast number of write operations, and as sector failures occur, Microsoft's dreadful HDD 'fix' program kick in trashing the enture drive. No yes, dribblers and creps will tediously claim this is the 'fault' of the owner for not replacing the drive when it got to thi
Re: (Score:2)
They should force Microsoft to include an OS choice screen, like the browser choice one. A selection of alternate operating systems, including Ubuntu, Tails and ChromeOS. There would need to be some kind of mechanism in there for processing refunds for the unused Windows licence too.
Re:EU should act over forced upgrades via deceptio (Score:5, Insightful)
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(For whoever missed the reference and thought I was trolling: here you go [etymonline.com].)
In a possibly unrelated development (Score:4, Insightful)
Slashdot editors have been trained to cross-promote in every story rather than actually contributing their own thoughts.
Re:In a possibly unrelated development (Score:4, Funny)
Slashdot editors have been trained to cross-promote in every story rather than actually contributing their own thoughts.
Wow you lack humour.
Retaliatory strike (Score:5, Funny)
The subs will sit off the coast of Washington, ready to fire at the next automatic update.... That's if they're not running Windows onboard.
And at the end of all this hoopla, (Score:5, Interesting)
Win 10 will dominate the Windows market, the world will move on, and Microsoft will consider defending and possibly losing a massive class action suit as merely a cost of business.
What really needs to change across the board is the sizes of penalties in both civil and criminal suits against big companies. When the typical award is between 50 and 500 times what it is today, large corporations will tread more lightly. Until then, law suits, fines, etc. are just a business expense that the C-levels have already predicted and the bean counters have factored into their projections.
Re:And at the end of all this hoopla, (Score:4, Insightful)
"Win 10 will dominate the Windows market"
The real question is how much will be left with such a large market of people who generally and acutely hate your product? Every miss-step MS does (and this is certainly a big one) costs MS marketshare, and given the enemic PC landscape, that's the last thing MS needs. This will just usher people toward alternatives faster.
Ask yourself this: If given the option would you jump into bed with Redhat or Oracle. I'd choose Redhat because Oracle's got a history of being slimy money grubbing assholes. Repuation matters, and there's little these days compelling the common man from chosing them over any of their numerous competitors.
Re: (Score:2)
I think it will take time given the situation today and the need for a change in senior management, but if Microsoft doesn't come out with a better alternative before Windows 7 support runs out at the start of 2020, it is surely gifting a huge commercial opportunity to anyone who wants to make a play for their OS markets. I don't know who that would be or what form it would take, but I can immediately think of several vaguely plausible variations, and nearly four years is a long time in IT.
Re: And at the end of all this hoopla, (Score:5, Informative)
Hello. I'm a guy who makes purchasing decisions for a business. We're not moving to Windows 10. We are looking at alternatives and about to spend real money on some of them.
You have no evidence for your claims.
He does now.
Comment removed (Score:5, Informative)
Re: (Score:3)
I've found old Windows XP laptops make great Linux+XFCE notebooks for my customers. Just throw a cheap SSD in them, maybe replace the battery if needed, and they're much faster than they ever were when new.
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There's a lot of Adobe Creative Suite users out there, and Adobe doesn't have much motivation to port it to GNU/Linux, although it's available on OSX - it shouldn't take much effort, but the market is just too small, at least initially.
Re:And at the end of all this hoopla, (Score:5, Insightful)
Win 10 will dominate the Windows market, the world will move on, and Microsoft will consider defending and possibly losing a massive class action suit as merely a cost of business.
Presumably that is their strategy. I'm not sure it's looking so good for them so far, though. We're already most of the way through the one year period for an update to Windows 10, they have been literally giving it away and actively trying to trick people into migrating, and Windows 7 still has a much larger market share. Meanwhile, Microsoft's reputation and credibility are in tatters, probably more so with the geek and professional community than anyone else.
Re:And at the end of all this hoopla, (Score:4, Interesting)
... Meanwhile, Microsoft's reputation and credibility are in tatters, probably more so with the geek and professional community than anyone else.
True. But Windows is losing share on the server side really fast, so they've probably already given that one up. Might that be why they're going all Linux-y - to pave the way for officially throwing their own server OS versions under the bus in favour of MS-branded Linux? As for the rest of the enterprise, can you see IT departments migrating their entire user base to something other than Windows? In most organizations the pain and expense of that would cause heads to roll, so anybody who wants to keep their job and/or have a good reference probably won't take the 'dump Microsoft' idea beyond the bitch and moan stage. Besides, they probably see the writing on the wall - with Cloud services pervasive and growing more so, we're likely gonna end up back at the old thin client model anyway - only this time, it will stick and become ubiquitous. Then nobody will care much about the desktop OS.
IMHO that's why we haven't seen 'the year of the Linux desktop'. Not because Linux isn't good enough, and not because Windows isn't bad enough, but because such a large-scale change is too risky for the people who would have to promote and implement it, and in a few years it's not going to matter anyway. Maybe that's where Linux will finally have a chance - as a kickass scalable, reliable thin client OS that natively does things the same way as all those servers out there.
It's THIS EASY to stop Windows 10 Upgrades. (Score:5, Informative)
Create a blank .reg file and put this in it
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Gwx]
"DisableGwx"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate]
"DisableOSUpgrade"=dword:00000001
Then run it, alternative manually add those keys to the registry yourself.
Yes, I know this isn't exactly user friendly and NO it shouldn't be necessary but it works all the time, every time.
It's even documented on the Microsoft website, go on have a look : https://support.microsoft.com/... [microsoft.com]
Why this is STILL not common knowledge I don't know. All you get from everyone is bitching how "Microsoft shouldn't be doing this" and "how dare they have the gall to do this". If EVERYONE on Slashdot put some effort in to spreading the word about this pretty simple fix, then a LOT of people would not end up with Windows 10 when they don't want it.
Hey maybe Slashdot could run a quick piece on it? Perhaps spread the word to some mainstream press with a link to a reg file hosted by someone trustworthy.
Alternatively let's all just keep rehashing the same fucking discussions about how "update KBwhatever" keeps coming back when hiding that has never been they way to fix this problem.
That only works until Microsoft... (Score:2, Interesting)
adds a workaround. I did a couple of different registry tricks, but I still ended up with 10 on my 7 desktop this week without my permission.
Re: (Score:2)
Not the GP poster here.
Could the difference be that your 500 machines are linked to a domain, while the GP's single machine is stand-alone?
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No. I run a "mom n pop" computer shop with 3 engineers that averages about 70 repairs from the general public in a 5 day week.
We also probably get about 10 a week from a company that gives support on machines they lease.
We're by no means huge, but we see enough customers who have not long made the jump from XP to 7 who don't want to move to 10.
My story is purely anecdotal and definitely not scientific. But when I see apparently knowledgeable people saying they can't keep 10 off their machines whatever they
Re: (Score:2)
Fair enough.
So if 3 technicians know the answer, why do all the 6 figure engineers struggle with it? Why aren't they telling more people about it?
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I'm gonna call bullshit.
Forget all the special tools that stop the updates coming in. Forget hiding updates.
You have those specific keys in your registry set to those specific values and you STILL have Windows 10, through absolutely no action you or anyone who has access to your computer has taken?
Tell me more.
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Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
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No thanks required, just share the wealth.
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spead the news: linux is better, switch today!
now that's wealth.
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Meh, it's not the Desktop operating system Windows is though is it? Really.
I did Linux on the desktop for a year at home and work. It's alright, stuff eventually works but I still found myself hankering for the "I didn't even need to find a driver for it" feeling of Windows.
Yes, I've got to fuck about with registry hacks and stuff to get it the way I like it, but is any Linux distro 100% what a user wants out of the box?
Can you grab nearly any piece of hardware made in the last 5 year, plug it in and have i
Re: (Score:2)
I don't want a solid, well supported Linux desktop.
I want a Windows desktop. It's definitely not perfect, but at least it's not Linux on the desktop.
I keep trying it, I always have a partition loaded up with Desktop Linux on. I regularly try out this distro or that distro.
I always end up back in Windows, it's the path of least resistance.
Re: (Score:3)
Thanks for your useful suggestion. It's relevance to the topic has not gone unnoticed.
Re:It's THIS EASY to stop Windows 10 Upgrades. (Score:5, Informative)
They documented the feature in January. I have been using it since at least February on 2 machines that I use 6 days at week and always have automatic updates on and scheduled to run at 3am. Neither have been automatically upgraded to Windows 10. 1 machine is left on 24/7, the other about 9/6.
I have used it on at least 500 customers machines and in that time exactly none of them have been automatically upgraded to 10. I would know because I told every single one of them that if they found themselves on 10 to call me and I would roll them back to 7 remotely.
As yet none of them have called me.
So, yes, Microsoft may well edit these keys, they're not exactly in the business of being super nice to consumers are they.
But what's the point now? The "free Windows 10" offer ends in about 2 months. They've had at least 4 months to nix the single most effective method of stopping the Windows 10 upgrade and yet they've not bothered. They just kept people busy pointlessly blocking a windows update and the forums and comments full of geeks moaning about how Microsoft keep fucking them about.
Re:It's THIS EASY to stop Windows 10 Upgrades. (Score:5, Insightful)
But what's the point now?
I suppose it depends on how desperate they get as the deadline nears, particularly if they don't see a huge surge in conversions at the last minute. Even when the Get Windows 10 prompts started, I wouldn't have expected Microsoft to turn an update that installs them back on after a user actively chose to hide it. Even after they'd done that, I wouldn't have expected them to bundle promotional material into an unrelated security update. Today I don't honestly know what lines they wouldn't cross any more or if there even are any.
Re: (Score:2)
Unfortunately this hack doesn't disable the nagging. It just stops automatic updates, but many users will see "important free upgrade from Microsoft, it's great honest, click here" and will manually request an upgrade anyway.
FWIW I did try Windows 10 on a system of mine and it goes to a black screen with no cursor when booting with BitLocker enabled (works fine in 8.1). Obviously can't downgrade the normal way because it has to boot for that to work. Fortunately it was a test install on a spare drive.
Re: (Score:2)
Fair enough, if they guy who writes a piece of software that he has to keep updating to get round Microsoft's dirty tactics says that the KB in question is re-enabling automatic upgrade to Windows 10, then who am I to argue?
I'm just some guy on the internet.
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I never said it did, but good point well made.
Re: (Score:2)
So go tell Grandma how to do sort it out.
Alternatively just talk about grandma on the internet and how bad Windows 10 is.
Re: (Score:2)
Fair enough. I'll shut the fuck up now because clearly this is a solved problem. Thanks for helping.
If only... (Score:5, Insightful)
As is, with it being rammed down people's downlinks with little or no regards for the users wishes or data-caps, the angry backlash should been predicted and expected.
this happens when you trick and mislead your users (Score:5, Insightful)
Microsoft is assaulting its user base with features and upgrades that they don't want.
hounding, harassing, misleading, and tricking users into doing things they don't want to do is a great way to lose even more market share and foster an even more toxic reputation that Microsoft is unscrupulous and an increasing unnecessary nuisance.
it is hilarious to me that there are actually people here who will defend MS and even blame users for their OS being upgraded against their intentions.
when you have to watch your own system like a hawk and protect it from multiple vectors of attack ... from the company that MADE that OS ... man, it is time to re-evaluate whether it's worth the hassle at all. amazingly, Microsoft has managed to plant that seed of thought not in rabble-rousing Linux faithful, but average joes and janes who have no desire to become security experts and update ninjas just to keep their machine from changing its operating system on them. good job MS, alienating one of your most faithful demographics.
Re:this happens when you trick and mislead your us (Score:5, Insightful)
...it is hilarious to me that there are actually people here who will defend MS...
It wouldn't surprise me if there were paid shills defending Microsoft on the boards. Probably wouldn't be the first time Microsoft did something like that.
I'm making money off it. (Score:4, Interesting)
I am installing GRC's never10 at an alarming rate. I have had to make at least $1600 in the last week alone charging $25.00 for the 10 minutes it takes to install it on their personal computers..
Thank you once again Microsoft for making the IT guys job more relevant than ever, at this rate I'll be able to afford a vacation home by fall.
Re: (Score:2)
Lucky me (Score:5, Informative)
How many friggin' times do I have to say NO! (Score:2)
.
Microsoft missed the 'no means no' portion of sex-ed class...
Funny thing is, would buy win 10 but not upgrade (Score:2)
I would probably buy win10 on my next new computer without giving it a second thought but I'm very resistant to upgrading my win 8.1 system.
On top of that, Microsoft's behavior is giving me a strong push towards linux for my main permanent box.
Ideas about Microsoft's abuse: (Score:4, Informative)
1) Can we have a court case to force Microsoft to sell everyone the Enterprise version of Windows 10?
2) On Windows 7 and 8, turn off automatic updates and use Autopatcher. Unfortunately, Autopatcher [autopatcher.net] has not begun supporting Windows 10. We need independent control over Windows operating system updates. How can we achieve that?
3) Don't let Windows connect to the internet. Use 2 separate networks. There would need to be some way for the separate networks to communicate. Internet access could be done using separate computers running Linux.
Microsoft has a long, long history of releasing defective code and fixing it later. After fixing 2,722 vulnerabilities and other defects, Microsoft declared Microsoft Windows XP "end of life" [futurepower.net]. After fixing almost 3,000 defects, Microsoft declared Windows XP was too vulnerable to use.
We still have 17 computers running Windows XP with a software firewall. We've had no problems. Everyone is a limited rights user.
4) We need international support for a Windows-compatible operating system, like ReactOS [reactos.org].
5) Maybe the U.S. government now only helps the rich gets richer. The European government could bring a huge court case against Microsoft.
Regardless of the arguments: Thanks, Slashdot! (Score:3)
Argue away, but the fact is Slashdot warned me in time. I thought I had put Win X to bed a long time ago, but up it pops again. I killed it again, thanks to Slashdot. Don't know how long it will stay dead, but at least it is for now.
Why Not A Class Action Law Suit (Score:4, Interesting)
My parents were just hit with the Windows10 upgrade. I had not bothered to block it on their computer. They are older and now more confused than ever about what happened without their permissions. Many of their saved passwords were cleared out to sites. They struggle to use Windows as it is and Microsoft does not make it easy on a normal day. I truly think that a massive class action suit against Microsoft would easily win hands down.
The first law firm to step up and push it right could make some money. End users may not get a whole lot out of it, but it might make MS shut up and listen.
An no I normally don't like these types of law suits and don't like most lawyers, but this clearly shows need.
My folks were already on the verge of going to a Mac. this may push them over the edge.
Solve this the right way (Score:3)
"Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, this court is considering fining MSoft $100Billion. But I'll totally give you an out- my laptop is running an app that sets the actual fine. If you can figure out how to get the app to NOT fine you, then we'll go with that. Otherwise you're assumed to have agreed with this dollar amount, and waived your rights to appeal. You have five minutes, and... GO!"
What happens when the free upgrade period ends? (Score:3)
The free upgrade period for Windows 10 ends in July. What happens after that? Microsoft is pushing it so hard that it's really hard to see them putting a price tag to it.
Re: in other news (Score:4, Informative)
First off, your off topic. This article has nothing do with Apple.
It wrong with Apple does it and it's wrong when Microsoft does it. That said, what Microsoft is doing would be the equivalent of installing the update when you hit no/cancel in your iPad.
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
First off, your off topic. This article has nothing do with Apple.
He's commenting on the heavy, biased, and relative over-reporting of the Microsoft windows 10 upgrade push issue while any one else who does it is given a free pass.
Apple is just an example.My mom's ipad nags her to upgrade every single day. Where are the stories that apple is pushing unwanted upgrades with no way to shut them off?
It wrong with Apple does it and it's wrong when Microsoft does it.
Quite. But it's apparently only newsworthy when Microsoft does it?
That said, what Microsoft is doing would be the equivalent of installing the update when you hit no/cancel in your iPad.
Its really not.
Suppose Adobe flash pops up and says it will complete the flash upgrade install when you reboot yo
Re: (Score:2)
Where are all these people finding iPads that nag them to update every day? We use them for testing, and I've never seen more than a message when a new version of iOS is available and then the little marker like all the other apps with available updates on the relevant screen.
Apple certainly do some shady things in terms of trying to drive updates. They stop apps that don't favour newer iOS versions being available in the App Store. They provide no mechanism to back out of an update if it doesn't work. They
Re: in other news (Score:4, Interesting)
http://osxdaily.com/2016/01/04... [osxdaily.com]
Option 1: Punt the iOS Update for 24 Hours
If you take this route, get used to pressing Later and Remind Me Later repeatedly, as in 24 hours you'll be asked about it again. And 24 hours later, again. And another 24 hours later, you can go through the process yet again, until you either give in or move along with another of the options below.
That was option 1. The other options are even more awesome.
Option 2: delete update and avoid wifi forever.
This deletes the available iOS update which stops the iOS update from popping up every day, however, the moment you're on a sustained wi-fi connection for a while the iOS update will download itself again automatically and start sending pop-ups to install it again.
Option 3: Accept the update.
Avoid the upgrade reminders by accepting the update. yay solution!
Option 4: Block the update domains on your firewall.
Of course this means blocking all updates for all apple devices on the LAN... and only works while you are at home; so hardly a solution at all really.
This is just as shite as Microsoft, if not worse.
Re: (Score:3)
Which action gave Microsoft permission to install the forced upgrade?
sPh
Re: in other news (Score:4)
"Apple is just an example.My mom's ipad nags her to upgrade every single day. Where are the stories that apple is pushing unwanted upgrades with no way to shut them off?"
I get nagged every few days to upgrade my iphone and a simple touch of the screen puts the annoying box away.
I clicked yes once by mistake and got a confirmation box, where I clicked no.
There was no automatic installing at random hours.
There was no installing anyway when I clicked anywhere other than 'no'.
When I clicked yes by mistake, a verification gave me the chance to say 'no' again.
So no, it isn't the same thing that Windows 10 (aka Windows Shaft) has been doing to users - including my father in law the doctor who clicked on the x and had his system upgraded anyway, resulting in his medical applications no longer running.
No, it really isn't the same thing at all.
Re: (Score:3)
No, it really isn't the same thing at all.
On the other hand, Microsoft makes it easy to roll back to your existing version of windows after you update; good luck doing that with Apple.
Fair point but I still don't class it up there with surprise unstoppable upgrades of the OS.
If Apple does go that route then I'll be screaming right along with the rest.
Re: (Score:3)
What's more, the notification windows says right in the middle "CLICK HERE TO CHANGE SCHEDULE OR CANCEL THE UPGRADE": http://core0.staticworld.net/i... [staticworld.net] So why do people who do not want the upgrade actually read the text and click there? Are they just mindlessly X-ing everything away?
People don't read the page, the scan the page. Do a test with a group of people and an eye tracker, and they will probably see this on average:
1. Windows 10 is recommended upgrade for this PC (“I'd rather not”)
2. Sunday, May 22, 11:00 PM (“Certainly not! Bugger off”)
3. OK (“No, it's not OK”)
4. Upgrade Now (“FU! Where's the other option ?????”)
5. X (“That's want I want: CANCEL the incestuous bastard”)
Re: (Score:3)
When something pops up you might be in the middle of typing something, such that you press a couple more keys out of inertia before you've fully registered the popup... I've had that happen on many occasion and it's extremely annoying...
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Yes, that is quite annoying. It happens a lot less often in windows 10 with the improvements to the notification area that doesn't steal the focus when notifications popup.
Its one of the (many) actual improvements in Windows 10.*
If Microsoft would pull its head out of its ass and let 10 sell it self it would. All the negative word of mouth about 10 are connected to the telemetry being forced on, and the windows updates from 7/8 being obnoxious.
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Years and years of scummy, shady web-based malware pop-up windows with fake "Yes" and "No" buttons that do the same thing have conditioned many users to opt for the "close windows" X button as a more fool-proof way to ensure that nothing happens.
But as others have pointed out it's too late by the time this window appears, and they don't believe the only real solution, hitting the "cancel update" button will work.
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The iOS control panel allows you to disable automatic downloading and installation of OS updates.
Windows does not.
It's really that simple.
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Liar. I sit here typing this on my iPad 2, running iOS 7. It is eligible for iOS 9.2.3 (or whatever the most recent rev. Is); bit I don't CHOOSE to upgrade. About once every few weeks, I see a REMINDER that the new version of iOS is ready for download. I DISMISS the Dialog by clicking "Not Now" or whatever, and THAT IS THE END OF THAT.
I have an iPad Pro 9.7 running iOS 9.3.1, and *every* day I get a reminder for upgrading to iOS 9.3.2, even though it has been pulled for that particular model due to a nasty bricking bug. When I press select the option to postpone the installation, I get sent to a login screen with a very well hidden "press here to cancel update" link. You really ought to do your research before throwing around words like liar and asshole.
Re:Um (Score:5, Insightful)
"SJW"
You have no idea what those terms actually mean, do you? You just heard them used in negative contexts and know people don't like being called them and, without any further research, decided to apply them to everything you don't like.
The businesspeople complaining about this forced intrusion on their workflows are neither hipsters, nor are they SJWs.
Re:They did it to themselves (Score:5, Insightful)
That's about how we feel as well. We've never allowed updates to install fully automatically, but our default policy used to be that we'd normally install recommended updates unless we had a good reason not to. Not long after the Windows 10 mess started, that policy changed to install-nothing by default, and we just have someone review the security updates each patch day and make a list of any that it seems (a) we might actually need and (b) don't come bundled with anything else we don't want.
The thing that makes me nervous, even though it's quite rational as a business decision, is that until we've had time to vet, we now don't install anything. Our assumption is that the risk of some new security vulnerability that isn't patched for a day or two and also gets past all our other precautions is lower than the risk of Microsoft shafting us with an update we really don't want.
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Re:They did it to themselves (Score:5, Informative)
On Thursday I turned off "get recommended updates like you get important updates" (or whatever the exact text it) on my wife's computer. I *just* got a call from her telling me that her computer started installing Windows 10. I changed the setting specifically to avoid the 10 install. I double checked that my desired setting was in place after a reboot. So, no, turning off recommended updates doesn't always avoid 10.
capthca: outrages
Re:They did it to themselves (Score:4, Insightful)
That's interesting. Thanks for making a cogent reply to this question I've been asking since the whole business started.
Did you doubt the veracity of all the people who have said they "upgraded" without their input?
Or otherwise trick you into it, in some pretty devious ways, like my blank Window that stays on top and won't go away. In the end, I have to click in the window - anywhere will do - and quickly kill the next window that pops up, because it is starting the upgrade process.. In the end, it only make sense - a company that downloads an operating system on your computer without your permission probably doesn't feel that they need your permission to do anything.
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We really need to come up with a good name for people who accuse anyone who disagrees with them a shill.
Insightful.
Re: They did it to themselves (Score:5, Insightful)
More insightful than your comment to be honest. I was pointing out that the word shill gets thrown around a lot, especially in windows threads.
The Microsoft paid shill has escaped the once narrow definition, and now represents anyone who makes over the top statements in support of Windows or any OS or device. Shill might be one of the kindest words to use for these jokers. The "every problem is your fault" folks, the misinformers, the deny that Microsoft is doing what they say they are doing folks, the blatant liars. Many doing it all for free, and approaching troll and axe grinder status
And yes - this does happen a lot in Windows threads. There is a reason for that. Shill fits pretty well.
Re:They did it to themselves (Score:5, Insightful)
Well it started out as an Optional Update.
Then it became a Recommended Update.
Next it will become a Critical Update.
And finally an Unavoidable Update.
Re:They did it to themselves (Score:4, Funny)
First they came for the Optional Updates, and I did not speak out...
Re:They did it to themselves (Score:4, Interesting)
maybe you can clarify this mystery for me.
Today's windows updates when it damn well feels like it.
Or even tricks you into it. I have one machine that pops up a blank window, always on top. nothing in it. when you try to get rid of it, it starts to install W10.
Is it just an issue of mistrust?
Is what I just described the tactics of a trustworthy company? I fear Microsoft bitching up my computer more than any malware . Though some would consider that to be redundant.
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Re:They did it to themselves (Score:4, Insightful)
I don't know what you're doing about updates you don't want, but Microsoft has "revised" the update in question at least ten times so far. Each time an update gets "revised", the hidden status goes away. If you simply "hide" updates that you don't want and leave Windows Update on automatic, one day you will wake up to Windows 10. You probably aren't doing this, but a lot of people are.
I just gave up and turned Windows Update completely to manual-only and stopped bothering with it. But I normally don't use Windows for anything but playing a limited number of online games, and I certainly don't use IE/Edge (web browsing is done on a laptop running OS X), so my attack surface is a bit smaller than average.
In contrast, I've seen an "Upgrade to El Capitan!" window only two or three times, and I have at least three Macs that I work with regularly. I've tried to figure out how to stop it, but it's never happened enough for me to learn anything about it. It never tries to force the update (I'm sticking with 10.9 for now), and apparently it actually respects your decision not to upgrade, instead of repeatedly nagging, downloading 6+ gigabytes without permission, and then forcing the install. Maybe Microsoft could learn something from that.
Re:They did it to themselves (Score:4, Insightful)
1. Isn't that kind of expensive?
Yes and no. It's annoying that someone has to spend an hour or two each month looking up the new security updates to make sure they're not doing questionable things before installing. It's a lot less expensive than having our systems compromised, whether by updating to Windows 10, installing telemetry that potentially raises regulatory or contractual compliance issues, etc.
2. if you can't trust your supplier not to try to trick you why are you using that supplier?
When we bought these systems, we did trust Microsoft. Now we don't, because their behaviour is no longer trustworthy. We aren't currently buying any new Windows-based systems. We are currently experimenting with other platforms. There's nothing inconsistent here, just a supplier that unfortunately changed for the worse over time.
Wrong title (Score:5, Insightful)
The title is wrong. It should read :
"Not enough Backlash Building Over Windows 10 Upgrades "
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would rather chance a malware infection than an involuntary Windows 10 upgrade
They're the same thing aren't they?
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Bull.
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"This is what happens when millenials and hipsters make decisions."
I've never seen 'hipster' used in the same context as 'Windows' before. What's next - hipster shuffleboard?
Re:They did it to themselves (Score:4, Funny)
Well, that's true for everyone using Windows 10 today, so ...
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And then the millenials and hipsters defend it, saying "microsoft needs to make a profit, so why is everyone so grumpy?"
Re: I agree, its trickery shame on Microsoft (Score:2)
I feel a bit conflicted on this one. On the one hand, you're absolutely correct - MS is pushing this to monetise the OS and use windows store platformto generate a new revenue stream to compensate for the drop in PC sales etc.
But on the other hand Windows 10 has some stuff in it I really like. Ignoring briefly the dubious back peddling on the ux disaster that was 8 and 8.1 there's some nice stuff in there like OneGete and powershell 5 and native stuff like virtual desktops and forthcoming ssh and bash shell
Sex has some parts I really like (Score:5, Insightful)
> I feel a bit conflicted on this one. ... But on the other hand Windows 10 has some stuff in it I really like.
Suppose for a moment that Windows 10 was awesome, as good as sex. And Microsoft is forcing it upon people who don't want it. How do you feel about forcing sex on someone who doesn't it? Still conflicted?
In my case, I have expensive hardware which is controlled by a Windows application, an application which doesn't run in Windows 10. Without Windows 7 or earlier, I have to throw out several thousand dollars worth of equipment.
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I dunno. The comparison is pretty apt on many levels when you actually think about it.
1) Rape is a forceful act, in which one person is rendered powerless, then has genetic material forcefully inserted. It is considered a heinous violation, because the perpetrator does this exclusively for their own power tripping and physical pleasure, damaging another human being mentally, emotionally, and physically, then leaving them with all the consequences. It denies the victim agency, and dehumanizes them into a sim
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Don't like Windows? Don't use it. Done.
Some of us have to. I hate the thing but I work with certain hardware/software combinations for which Windows is still the only option.
Re:Then don't use Windows (Score:4, Informative)
This. Like the Hitler thing [wikipedia.org], there will always be someone who flippantly posts "just don't use windows" with a misguided air of superiority.
So, in a futile attempt to put this to rest: if it were that easy, that's what people would do.
But it isn't, and Microsoft knows it, and that's why they're doing what they're doing.
If you don't rely on software that requires Windows, happy for you. If you got the spare time and the inclination [youtube.com], there's Linux or BSD; otherwise, Macs have become pretty damn bullet-proof turnkey solutions for getting the essentials taken care of and then some. Throw in a Playstation 4, and you've got games covered, too.
But for the rest of us, it's a huge shit sandwich, and we're all gotta have to take a bite [youtube.com].
Re:Then don't use Windows (Score:4, Informative)