Friend of mine on a Dell laptop (his business laptop) just got a message trying to schedule an "upgrade" to a newer version. This is kind of urgent.
I knew that Microsoft forced updates upon us, but I had no idea they also forced version upgrades.
Has anyone had any experience with this and if so, how (if possible) can you stop it from upgrading to another version of Windows?
Thanks in advance.
The difference between update and upgrade was quite distinctive in the past. Microsoft's (mis?)use of the terms has made that a little less distinctive.
I suspect the "upgrade" is just a major "update" (mainly because if already on Win 10, there is nothing - yet- to "upgrade" to).
Your friend's laptop isn't maintained by a company's IT department? If it was, they'd control updates and upgrades. Nothing would be pushed directly from Microsoft.
Could you be specific about what version of Win10 is on the laptop (run Winver if necessary), and what version is offered?
If the PC in question runs an edition of Windows with the group policy editor, then
- updates can be set to 'Notify'
- feature updates (upgrades) can be deferred for up to 365 days
- preview updates can be disabled.
That's assuming your friend has access to it on the business device of course.
As to updates being 'forced' on you - well, my Android apps are constantly updated (as are Store apps) and no-one seems to complain about that. By using Windows you signed up to receiving updates - it's a misconception in my view that updates are 'forced'.
The problem is that MS has made such a mess of so many of them, and that by default they happen automatically.
If you feel updates are 'forced' - feel free to use one of the many ways to take control.. one of the free 3rd party tools such as
Sledeghammer
Windows Update Manager (WUMgr)
or use one of the two tutorials here to take control.
Also consider using 'Active Hours' and controlling when restarts are allowed using the options provided in Settings or group policy.
If it`s a laptop a company give him to use, as already stated, take it to the IT Department and let them deal with it.
If it`s his own personal laptop then he can try using Windows Automatic Update Manager.
Enable or Disable Windows Update Automatic Updates in Windows 10 | Tutorials (tenforums.com)
Option 7
As already asked, tell us what version it`s using, and we`ll go from there.
It`s best to stay updated.
Ok, thanks. Will look into that 3rd party tool for myself, as well. The updates cause my speakers to stop working, and last time it completely reversed all the icons on my start menu which took an hour to "re-do" (grrr).
And yes, I do mean forced, since.... I really had no choice re: Microsoft...most new pcs have it already installed. But I paid for the pc, it's mine. Why should Microsoft have the power and ability to force-feed unnecessary updates upon me when those updates cause something to 'not work' afterward, causing me hours out of my day to "fix". Also, if the product sucks so bad that it needs to patch and update every month (or sometimes even more often)....perhaps the product needs to be retooled to NOT need constant updates (just a thought).
As for my friend's pc, I'm not sure group policy is available on his version, but I will definitely check.
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I have to guide him over the phone re: backing up his files to a flash drive every time, so no... he doesn't have a full backup right now. He's not that pc savvy.
Yes, it's an ""outdated"" version...he has had this pc for several years....
but it's a version that is working and he is quite happy with. But I guess the wishes and desires of the pc owner (customer) don't matter any longer, eh? At least not to Microsoft.
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I found this article which clearly states Microsoft is "force" updating Windows 10 (to ready for Windows 11).
Microsoft starts force upgrading more Windows 10 PCs using machine learning
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No, he has his own business, no IT Department. Don't know which version of Win 10 he has, but will find out.
As for Microsoft pushing upgrades.... they are...
Microsoft starts force upgrading more Windows 10 PCs using machine learning
Always be prepared- understand the product, expect problems with updates and upgrades and act accordingly.
The tools have been around for years.
Example: I stayed on 1903 for 18 months plus to avoid MS messing about with and breaking Windows search. I used Sledgehammer. There are more recent options.
Enable or Disable Windows Update Automatic Updates in Windows 10
Using CMD script and VBScript to control Windows Update
And use disk imaging routinely of course.
Most people can take control. The sad thing is it's often necessary. People only criticise MS because they've messed up updates so often. If the upgrades and updates were problem free, there'd be no acerbic comments about forced updates. But often they aren't.
Just some of my thoughts about owning and running a PC.
Hardware and OS are two equally essential parts and without both you have nothing or in best case a doorstop or a pretty, shiny disk/USB.
Hardware you own, buy, beg, steal or borrow but OS is not your property, Windows in particular are still owned by MS and you are just "renting" it. When you "buy" Windows you agree to abide by MS rules (EULA). So no, you don't really own whole PC.
As for usage, PC with OS is pretty complicated device requiring some knowledge to use it successfully, even lowly toaster you have to know how to use it or it can hurt you or even kill you to say nothing about unsavory, burnt toast.
Microsoft is in the damned if they do/damned if they don't position. If they don't push updates, a lot of people will continue to run versions of Windows with unpatched vulnerabilities. If they push updates, some Windows installations will break.
The machines with unpatched vulnerabilities could be used for nefarious purposes by criminals. Botnets, spam, DDoS attack, etc. So it's not just that the individual PCs would have issues.
Reminds me of something else that has been a problem for much of the world for the past 18 months or so...
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