Microsoft Very Aggressive with Upgrade Prompts: Everybody Will Soon Run Windows 10
Windows 10 was released on July 29, 2015, as a free upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users, and in order to provide a smooth transition process, Microsoft also offered an application called “Get Windows 10” that checks a computer for any compatibility issues that might arise.
While the number of users who have decided to upgrade is not yet known (Microsoft only said in October that 110 million were running Windows 10), it’s not a secret that many turned to different ways to get rid of this application, which, in addition to compatibility scans, also displayed upgrade prompts at every boot.
Obviously, nagging users with Windows 10 upgrade notifications is not the best way to convince them to upgrade, so the result has so far been below expectations. Windows 10 has a share of approximately 9 percent, and Windows 7, which is Microsoft’s main target with these upgrade prompts, is still at 50 percent, which means that one in two PCs out there is still running it.
So to make sure that users indeed upgrade to Windows 10, Microsoft has resorted to different tactics, one more aggressive than the other and in the end supposed to bring everyone on the new OS. Fortunately, downgrading options are still available 30 days after the install, so those who want to go back can do it without losing any data.
#1 - Accidental Windows 10 upgrades
A couple of months ago, a number of Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs ended up running Windows 10 after the upgrade was automatically selected in Windows Update.
Microsoft apologized for this and said it was just an accident because this wasn’t supposed to happen, as the Windows 10 upgrade was completely optional. It did say, though, that users had to manually begin the installation process, so it wasn’t entirely its fault that some computers got the new OS all of a sudden.
The trick here: an unknown number of computers got upgraded to Windows 10 even though owners didn’t specifically want it, so maybe, just maybe, some of them decided to stick to this new OS and refused the downgrade. Microsoft obviously is the big winner because it brings more people on Windows 10.
#2 - More aggressive nags, fewer options
Recently, it has emerged that Microsoft has updated the upgrade prompts several times in an attempt to bring more people on Windows 10.
Basically, some users are now getting notifications that provide them with just two options: start the upgrade on the spot or upgrade the next night, thus giving them the chance to save their work.
There is no obvious close or reject option - users can, however, delay the install by simply clicking on the X button in the top right corner of the window or by browsing through menus. If they do this, however, the next time they boot, the same notification shows up.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsof ... 7721.shtml
Old Posted News
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Whatacrock
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Re: Microsoft Updates “Get Windows 10” Prompts, No Longer Offers Reject Option
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wean_irdeh
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Windows Updates to Avoid?
Here is the list by Whatacrock
Any addition?
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1217&start=10Whatacrock wrote:Updated the information from previous posting.
KB2952664 -----> via Windows Update only (compatibility update for upgrading Windows 7)
KB2976978 -----> via Windows Update only (compatibility update for Windows 8.1 and Windows 8)
KB2977759 -----> via Windows Update only (compatibility update for Windows 7 RTM)
KB2990214 (upgrade your computer from Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) to a later version of Windows.)
KB3012973 (Force Trigger Download and Install of Windows 10 Free Upgrade)
KB3021917 (performance improvements Windows 7 CEIP)
KB3022345 -----> Superseded by KB3068708
KB3035583 -----> via Windows Update only (installs Get Windows 10 app in Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 SP1)
KB3044374 (enables you to upgrade from Windows 8.1 to Windows 10)
KB3050265 (Windows Update Client for Windows 7)
KB3050267 (Windows Update Client for Windows 8.1)
KB3068707 (Update for customer experience and diagnostic telemetry)
KB3068708 (customer experience and diagnostic telemetry, Win 7, Win8.1)
KB3075249 (Update that adds telemetry points to consent.exe. Win 7, Win 8.1)
KB3080149 (customer experience and diagnostic telemetry. Win 7, Win 8.1)
All I was able to find for KB3068708 is this:
KB3068708: Update for customer experience and diagnostic telemetry - This update introduces the Diagnostics and Telemetry tracking service to existing devices. By applying this service, you can add benefits from the latest version of Windows to systems that have not yet upgraded. The update also supports applications that are subscribed to Visual Studio Application Insights. (Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1)
KB3022345: (replaced by KB3068708) Update for customer experience and diagnostic telemetry - This update introduces the Diagnostics and Telemetry tracking service to in-market devices. By applying this service, you can add benefits from the latest version of Windows to systems that have not yet been upgraded. The update also supports applications that are subscribed to Visual Studio Application Insights. (Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1)
Any addition?
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Whatacrock
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Re: Windows Updates to Avoid?
At this time these are the only ones but you may need to be aware that updates to the Windows Update Agent could add functionality to other updates.
Also note that KB3035583 may appear even though you have hidden the update, MS make changes to file so that it will appear in your list of available updates.
Also note that KB3035583 may appear even though you have hidden the update, MS make changes to file so that it will appear in your list of available updates.
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
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Whatacrock
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Microsoft to Discontinue Old Internet Explorer Versions Next Week
Microsoft to Discontinue Old Internet Explorer Versions Next Week
Microsoft will pull the plug on old Internet Explorer version on January 12, which marks the first Patch Tuesday rollout of the year, so users are strongly recommended to update to version 11 as soon as possible.
Basically, all Internet Explorer versions prior to 11 will no longer receive updates and security patches after January 12, and Microsoft says that installing this particular release is the only way to remain on the safe side and be sure that no exploits that could take advantage of unpatched vulnerabilities exist.
Internet Explorer 11 is currently the default browser on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10, and is said to provide “improved security, increased performance, better backward compatibility and support for modern web standards,” as the company itself announces.
No more security updates
This milestone is particularly critical to companies that are using old Internet Explorer versions to access enterprise apps and services, so IT admins should mark the day in their calendars.
“After January 12, 2016, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for older versions of Internet Explorer. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware, helping to keep users and their data safer. Regular security updates help protect computers from malicious attacks, so upgrading and staying current is important,” Microsoft says.
On Windows 10, Microsoft advises users to make the switch to Edge, the company’s new browser that’s believed to provide even better security and support for new web standards than Internet Explorer.
Edge will soon get even more features and leave Internet Explorer behind, such as support for extensions that were designed for Google Chrome.
Microsoft hasn’t yet said anything about potentially discontinuing Internet Explorer once and for all, given the fact that Edge is available, but this could take place sometime in the future if the new browser gains ground.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsof ... 8511.shtml
Microsoft will pull the plug on old Internet Explorer version on January 12, which marks the first Patch Tuesday rollout of the year, so users are strongly recommended to update to version 11 as soon as possible.
Basically, all Internet Explorer versions prior to 11 will no longer receive updates and security patches after January 12, and Microsoft says that installing this particular release is the only way to remain on the safe side and be sure that no exploits that could take advantage of unpatched vulnerabilities exist.
Internet Explorer 11 is currently the default browser on Windows 7, 8.1, and 10, and is said to provide “improved security, increased performance, better backward compatibility and support for modern web standards,” as the company itself announces.
No more security updates
This milestone is particularly critical to companies that are using old Internet Explorer versions to access enterprise apps and services, so IT admins should mark the day in their calendars.
“After January 12, 2016, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates or technical support for older versions of Internet Explorer. Security updates patch vulnerabilities that may be exploited by malware, helping to keep users and their data safer. Regular security updates help protect computers from malicious attacks, so upgrading and staying current is important,” Microsoft says.
On Windows 10, Microsoft advises users to make the switch to Edge, the company’s new browser that’s believed to provide even better security and support for new web standards than Internet Explorer.
Edge will soon get even more features and leave Internet Explorer behind, such as support for extensions that were designed for Google Chrome.
Microsoft hasn’t yet said anything about potentially discontinuing Internet Explorer once and for all, given the fact that Edge is available, but this could take place sometime in the future if the new browser gains ground.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsof ... 8511.shtml
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
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Whatacrock
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Microsoft Will Abandon Windows 8 Completely Next Week
Microsoft Will Abandon Windows 8 Completely Next Week
Windows 8 officially reaches end of support on January 12
Windows 8 was launched in October 2012 with much fanfare, but in the end, this proved to be just another flop in Microsoft's history. Often referred to as “the second Vista,” Windows 8 will reach end of support next week on Tuesday, so all users who are still running it must upgrade to 8.1 as soon as possible.
Although it sounds weird to see a Windows version discontinued after only three years, it actually makes sense because Microsoft considers Windows 8.1 a service pack. So it applies the same strategy as in the case of Windows 7, which got its very own service pack too.
Windows 8.1 is offered free of charge to everyone on Windows 8, so the upgrade can be performed at any time by simply downloading the files from Microsoft's servers. If you do that, support is automatically guaranteed until January 10, 2023, the date when Microsoft end extended support (mainstream support ends on January 9, 2018).
The Windows 10 upgrade
At the same time, once you install Windows 8.1, you have another option and can upgrade to Windows 10, also free of charge and also with just a few clicks. Windows 10 will receive support until October 14, 2025, with mainstream support ending on October 13, 2020.
The good news is that, at this point, only a few users are still on Windows 8, with third-party statistics showing that the operating system launched in 2012 is only running on some 2 percent of the PCs across the world.
This means that it shouldn't take too long until everyone updates to Windows 8.1, but the biggest problem here is to make people aware of the end of support date. Microsoft isn't yet showing any EOL notifications on Windows 8, but the company could start doing this in order to make sure that everyone stays secure.
January 12, 2016, will be the last time Windows 8 receives security patches from Microsoft.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsof ... 8662.shtml
Windows 8 officially reaches end of support on January 12
Windows 8 was launched in October 2012 with much fanfare, but in the end, this proved to be just another flop in Microsoft's history. Often referred to as “the second Vista,” Windows 8 will reach end of support next week on Tuesday, so all users who are still running it must upgrade to 8.1 as soon as possible.
Although it sounds weird to see a Windows version discontinued after only three years, it actually makes sense because Microsoft considers Windows 8.1 a service pack. So it applies the same strategy as in the case of Windows 7, which got its very own service pack too.
Windows 8.1 is offered free of charge to everyone on Windows 8, so the upgrade can be performed at any time by simply downloading the files from Microsoft's servers. If you do that, support is automatically guaranteed until January 10, 2023, the date when Microsoft end extended support (mainstream support ends on January 9, 2018).
The Windows 10 upgrade
At the same time, once you install Windows 8.1, you have another option and can upgrade to Windows 10, also free of charge and also with just a few clicks. Windows 10 will receive support until October 14, 2025, with mainstream support ending on October 13, 2020.
The good news is that, at this point, only a few users are still on Windows 8, with third-party statistics showing that the operating system launched in 2012 is only running on some 2 percent of the PCs across the world.
This means that it shouldn't take too long until everyone updates to Windows 8.1, but the biggest problem here is to make people aware of the end of support date. Microsoft isn't yet showing any EOL notifications on Windows 8, but the company could start doing this in order to make sure that everyone stays secure.
January 12, 2016, will be the last time Windows 8 receives security patches from Microsoft.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsof ... 8662.shtml
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
Adobe preparing fixes for the Windows and OS X versions of Acrobat and Reader
If you're an advanced user utilizing Adobe products then you likely know the inherent perils of some of the company's platforms. Adobe has gone as far as to instigate its own version of Patch Tuesday, and that will be rolling around in just a few days.
It's aimed at fixing critical flaws in Acrobat and Reader across both the Windows and Apple platforms. These aren't new offenders, as Adobe software has been plagued by problems for sometime now. However, like Windows, it's partially because it's a major target -- the majority of people use Reader for opening PDFs, despite there being very good alternatives available.
This time around doesn't seem terribly serious, as all flaws listed in the advisory APSB16-02 are rated as "2". However, Adobe still felt obligated to call them critical, stating in the security bulletin: "These updates address critical vulnerabilities in the software".
Versions affected include several flavors of Acrobat DC and Reader DC and also Acrobat and Reader XI versions. Version X is no longer supported, so if you're using that then move on now.
What the flaws are is not known -- the company is not saying until the updates are pushed. A wise move given that it would leave a window for attackers to get through. Anyone using this software should apply the patches as soon as they are available.
http://betanews.com/2016/01/08/adobe-pr ... nd-reader/
It's aimed at fixing critical flaws in Acrobat and Reader across both the Windows and Apple platforms. These aren't new offenders, as Adobe software has been plagued by problems for sometime now. However, like Windows, it's partially because it's a major target -- the majority of people use Reader for opening PDFs, despite there being very good alternatives available.
This time around doesn't seem terribly serious, as all flaws listed in the advisory APSB16-02 are rated as "2". However, Adobe still felt obligated to call them critical, stating in the security bulletin: "These updates address critical vulnerabilities in the software".
Versions affected include several flavors of Acrobat DC and Reader DC and also Acrobat and Reader XI versions. Version X is no longer supported, so if you're using that then move on now.
What the flaws are is not known -- the company is not saying until the updates are pushed. A wise move given that it would leave a window for attackers to get through. Anyone using this software should apply the patches as soon as they are available.
http://betanews.com/2016/01/08/adobe-pr ... nd-reader/
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Whatacrock
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Re: Microsoft to Discontinue Old Internet Explorer Versions Next Week
Windows 7 Users Will Soon See Notifications to Update Internet Explorer
Microsoft will end support for old Internet Explorer versions tomorrow, when it will roll out the last security patches for them, so the company is planning a new strategy to make everyone aware of the fact that they need to update their browsers.
Specifically, starting tomorrow’s Patch Tuesday, Windows computers will get an update that will include a new notification screen displayed on computers still running an Internet Explorer version other than 11. Microsoft says that only Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 PCs will see it, as everyone else is supposed to be running the latest version of Internet Explorer already.
Internet Explorer 11, which is the only version that’ll still get support, is the default browser on Windows 8.1, so Windows 8 users can update their PCs to this release and get the new browser as well.
Internet Explorer 11 is the only choice
On Windows 7, Internet Explorer 11 is available via Windows Update, but some might still be running an older version of the browser in case they refused the new one.
In an advisory called “The new ‘End of Life’ upgrade notification for Internet Explorer” (which was first published in December, but recently updated) Microsoft explains that, starting January 12, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 will display update notifications for Internet Explorer unless users update to version 11.
The company has also provided some instructions on how to disable the notification feature (you can find them in full in the box after the jump), but you’re still not recommended to do it.
The best way to remain secure is to install the latest version of Internet Explorer, Microsoft says, but there’s also a second option: you can always switch to a different browser, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, both of which continue receiving updates on the majority of Windows versions.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsof ... 8709.shtml
Microsoft will end support for old Internet Explorer versions tomorrow, when it will roll out the last security patches for them, so the company is planning a new strategy to make everyone aware of the fact that they need to update their browsers.
Specifically, starting tomorrow’s Patch Tuesday, Windows computers will get an update that will include a new notification screen displayed on computers still running an Internet Explorer version other than 11. Microsoft says that only Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 PCs will see it, as everyone else is supposed to be running the latest version of Internet Explorer already.
Internet Explorer 11, which is the only version that’ll still get support, is the default browser on Windows 8.1, so Windows 8 users can update their PCs to this release and get the new browser as well.
Internet Explorer 11 is the only choice
On Windows 7, Internet Explorer 11 is available via Windows Update, but some might still be running an older version of the browser in case they refused the new one.
In an advisory called “The new ‘End of Life’ upgrade notification for Internet Explorer” (which was first published in December, but recently updated) Microsoft explains that, starting January 12, Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 will display update notifications for Internet Explorer unless users update to version 11.
The company has also provided some instructions on how to disable the notification feature (you can find them in full in the box after the jump), but you’re still not recommended to do it.
The best way to remain secure is to install the latest version of Internet Explorer, Microsoft says, but there’s also a second option: you can always switch to a different browser, such as Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, both of which continue receiving updates on the majority of Windows versions.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsof ... 8709.shtml
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
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Whatacrock
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Microsoft Trying to Re-Enable Windows 10 Upgrade on Windows 7/8.1 Twice a Day
Microsoft Trying to Re-Enable Windows 10 Upgrade on Windows 7/8.1 Twice a Day
New background process added to its upgrade arsenal
Microsoft has already announced that starting early 2016 the Windows 10 upgrade push would become a little bit more aggressive, and now we already see changes in this regard.
Josh Mayfield, the creator of GWX Control Panel, an application that helps block the upgrade to Windows 10, told InfoWorld that Microsoft has recently made some changes to the KB3035583 update that silently create a new background task that automatically re-enables the upgrade twice a day.
KB3035583 is the update responsible for installing the Get Windows 10 app and “forcing” the upgrade on a Windows 7 and 8.1 computer and its full removal is said to help block the switch to the new operating system.
Automatic checks performed twice a day
But if you only disable the Get Windows 10 app and keep this update on your computer, it automatically re-activates the app in the background thanks to checks that are performed two times a day.
“Beginning about a month ago the KB3035583 update started installing a new background task -- beyond the ones previous versions already installed -- that resets the AllowOSUpgrade value to 1 (enabled) twice a day. Not all users have this background task -- I don't know how Microsoft decides how these things get distributed -- but for those who do, changing this value like suggests will only help you for 12 hours or less,” Mayfield explained.
At this point, the best way to avoid the Windows 10 upgrade is to remove the aforementioned patch and use these registry tweaks to disable the Get Windows 10 app. Or you can simply turn to GWX Control Panel and let the app do everything for you, but keep in mind that changes that Microsoft makes to its OS updates could always bring new ways to get past these methods.
So make sure you double-check every single update you plan to install in order to continue using Windows 7 or 8.1 without even downloading the Windows 10 setup files.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsof ... 8707.shtml
New background process added to its upgrade arsenal
Microsoft has already announced that starting early 2016 the Windows 10 upgrade push would become a little bit more aggressive, and now we already see changes in this regard.
Josh Mayfield, the creator of GWX Control Panel, an application that helps block the upgrade to Windows 10, told InfoWorld that Microsoft has recently made some changes to the KB3035583 update that silently create a new background task that automatically re-enables the upgrade twice a day.
KB3035583 is the update responsible for installing the Get Windows 10 app and “forcing” the upgrade on a Windows 7 and 8.1 computer and its full removal is said to help block the switch to the new operating system.
Automatic checks performed twice a day
But if you only disable the Get Windows 10 app and keep this update on your computer, it automatically re-activates the app in the background thanks to checks that are performed two times a day.
“Beginning about a month ago the KB3035583 update started installing a new background task -- beyond the ones previous versions already installed -- that resets the AllowOSUpgrade value to 1 (enabled) twice a day. Not all users have this background task -- I don't know how Microsoft decides how these things get distributed -- but for those who do, changing this value like suggests will only help you for 12 hours or less,” Mayfield explained.
At this point, the best way to avoid the Windows 10 upgrade is to remove the aforementioned patch and use these registry tweaks to disable the Get Windows 10 app. Or you can simply turn to GWX Control Panel and let the app do everything for you, but keep in mind that changes that Microsoft makes to its OS updates could always bring new ways to get past these methods.
So make sure you double-check every single update you plan to install in order to continue using Windows 7 or 8.1 without even downloading the Windows 10 setup files.
http://news.softpedia.com/news/microsof ... 8707.shtml
"Now if you Sons of B*@ches got anything else to say, NOW'S THE F@#%ING TIME!!"
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DesertJerry
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Re: Microsoft Trying to Re-Enable Windows 10 Upgrade on Windows 7/8.1 Twice a Day
Thanks for the info - I just checked my GWX Control Panel and found that "Are automatic Windows 10 Upgrades allowed?" had been changed to Yes - turned it back to No. Looks like I'll have to make this a constant, daily check. 
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Pendraguin
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Re: Microsoft Trying to Re-Enable Windows 10 Upgrade on Windows 7/8.1 Twice a Day
KB3035583 showed up in my Windows Update Recommended (Optional) Updates, again. So I'm hiding it, again. It lists a Published Date of 12-15-2015, which follows what you said about them changing the KB to make it available again.
Actually tho, I haven't been bugged with Win 10 upgrade prompts since I made these changes a few months ago:
1) Uninstalled KB3035583 & related updates
2) Changed Windows Update settings:
- Selected "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them" for Important updates
- Unchecked "Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates" (tho this might not have been necessary)
More info here (also has info/link to GWX Control Panel): viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1240
Actually tho, I haven't been bugged with Win 10 upgrade prompts since I made these changes a few months ago:
1) Uninstalled KB3035583 & related updates
2) Changed Windows Update settings:
- Selected "Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them" for Important updates
- Unchecked "Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates" (tho this might not have been necessary)
More info here (also has info/link to GWX Control Panel): viewtopic.php?f=7&t=1240