You Get Upgrade Files Even if You Don’t Want Them!

Windows expert Paul Thurrott confirmed this week in his “Short Take” column:

“Yes, Microsoft is downloading Windows 10 to PCs that haven’t chosen to accept the upgrade

I’ve spent a lot of time (easily) recently debunking all of the supposed Windows 10 privacy violations. But this latest accusation against Microsoft is … troubling. And real. Microsoft is downloading the 4-6 GB of files needed to upgrade to Windows 10 to PCs on which their users have not asked to upgrade. Why? Because everyone wants Windows 10, of course. Some people just don’t realize it yet. ‘For individuals who have chosen to receive automatic updates through Windows Update, we help upgradable devices get ready for Windows 10 by downloading the files they’ll need if they decide to upgrade,’ Microsoft told The Inquirer, confirming this incredible act. ‘When the upgrade is ready, the customer will be prompted to install Windows 10 on the device.’ That is unacceptable, completely unacceptable. And no one ‘chooses’ to receive automatic updates. They’re coerced into doing so. By Microsoft. This needs to change. Now.”

Wow. The hubris!