Windows 10 to Download Automatically for Most Users

Microsoft has reclassified Windows 10 as a "recommended update" for Windows 7 and 8.1. That means it will automatically download and attempt to install for many, and likely even most, users. It will be possible to stop the installation or to undo it without any major hassles (with some restrictions). That said, the download could be a problem for people on restrictive broadband plans.

Late last year Microsoft classified Windows 10 as an optional update. That meant users could manually choose to download and install it through the Windows Update system that's normally used for new features and bug fixes. It was an unusual move, as Microsoft was effectively treating Windows 10 as an "update", rather than a completely different operating system.

Users Will Have To Confirm Installation

Microsoft has now gone ahead with plans to reclassify Windows 10 as a recommended update. That's a very significant change, as the default setting for Windows 7 and 8.1 is to download and install any updates in this category. (Source: zdnet.com)

Unlike most updates, PCs won't go ahead and install Windows 10 automatically. Instead, it will begin the process by asking the user to click a confirmation screen. Of course, many users may click this without giving it a second thought and won't realize the consequence until the computer's operating system has been completely overhauled.

According to Microsoft, if a user confirms the Windows 10 update, they will have 30 days to roll it back to Windows 7 or 8.1 which should put things back to the way they were before with all files and settings intact.

Windows 10 Download Could Be up to 6 GB

As well as the problem of unwanted upgrades, classifying Windows 10 as an upgrade will mean a much larger download than is normal for Windows Update. Depending on the computer, it could be as large as six gigabytes. That could lead to problems with people whose broadband subscription has a monthly usage cap. (Source: theguardian.com)

One way to prevent the automatic download and attempted installation is to change the settings for Windows Update. The easiest way to do this is to press the Windows key (or click on the Windows logo in the bottom left of the screen); type "windows update" into the search bar and then select "Windows Update" from the list of results; select "Change settings"; and un-check mark the box by "recommended updates the same way I receive important updates" and then click on "OK".

This should still allow you to get updates classified as "important," including security patches.

Need Help Updating or Blocking Windows 10?

If you plan on upgrading to Windows 10, it is highly recommend that you backup your current operating system (Windows 7 or 8) using a disk image backup prior to the upgrade. The reason is two-fold: one is that there is a chance something could go wrong with the upgrade, leaving you with an unbootable system. In this case, a disk image backup can revert the changes and put your old system back online.

Secondly, if you want to roll back to Windows 7 or 8 beyond the 30 day time limit Microsoft has imposed, you can do that as well with a disk image backup. If you need help with making a disk image backup, you can contact Dennis for help and he will connect to your system and set it up for you (and also explain how to do it for future reference).  

Finally: if you would like to permanently block Windows 10 from your system, Dennis can help with that as well. He can even back up your system in its current state using a disk image (as a fail safe) - just in case you change your mind and want to install Windows 10 later on. Simply send an email with your request and Dennis will get back to you as soon as he can.

What's Your Opinion?

Will this latest move from Microsoft be enough to get you to bite the bullet and upgrade to Windows 10? Do you fear friends and relatives who are less confident about computing getting confused and accidentally upgrading? Is Microsoft right to use Windows Update to distribute a completely separate operating system as if it were a simple bug fix?