Microsoft Reverses Controversial Windows 10 Nag Screen

Microsoft says it will backtrack on one of the most controversial elements of its campaign to push users towards Windows 10. It will no longer interpret clicking a close window button (the "X") as authorizing an installation of the new operating system.

Since launching the system last year, Microsoft has been slowly ramping up its efforts to get people installing Windows 10. It's moved from the original position of having user actively seek out the system through a "pre-registration" tool to eventually reaching the point when Windows 10 was considered a recommended update.

That was significant as it meant anyone who has their Windows Update settings on the default option - including everyone who has never given the settings a thought or has no idea how to change them - will have their computer attempt to install Windows 10 automatically.

Confirmation Window Broke All Normal Interface Rules

As part of the installation process, users would also see a window asking if they want to go ahead with the installation at scheduled point, or delay it until a later time. The big controversy came because Microsoft altered this window's setup such that clicking the 'X' button in the top right corner to close it was interpreted as the user giving permission to go ahead. To many users, this ploy was likened as something a malware developer would do to trick users into installing malware onto their machines.

Furthermore, it's also not only the complete opposite of how such buttons have worked in Windows for decades (with the standard interpretation being to stop the process in question), but also contradicted Microsoft's own advice to software developers.

Terry Myerson, the Microsoft executive in charge of Windows, has issued a statement announcing a change to this policy. He said "If the red-x is selected on this new dialog, it will dismiss the dialog box and we will notify the device again in a few days." That appears to mean the same window will pop up again at this point. (Source: theregister.co.uk)

Delay And Deny To Get Equal Billing

Myerson also revealed that the screen will now give three clickable options, each in the same size: "Upgrade now", "Choose time" (meaning to schedule and upgrade) and "Decline free offer". The company hasn't yet confirmed if this last option will act in the same way as closing the window and mean it comes back after a few days, or if it will be taken as a permanent refusal. (Source: arstechnica.com)

This is a significant change from the previous version of the screen in which upgrading was the only clearly visible option with a button. In the previous version, users wanting to delay or reject the upgrade had to spot a one-word text link rather than a clear button.

It appears Microsoft took the opportunity to make the change as part of a redesign of the screen to include a clear warning that the offer to get a free upgrade is scheduled to end on July 29.

What's Your Opinion?

Do you welcome this change by Microsoft? Is it fair to bring the screen back in a few days if users click the 'X' button or should this be a permanent dismissal? Should Microsoft stop using the screen altogether once the deadline for the free upgrade passes?