Microsoft wants as many users as possible on Windows 10. Despite some questionable decisions, such as backing up encryption keys in the cloud without notice and reducing update options to 'Now' or 'Tonight', the company is convinced its current approach will win over more users. Unconfirmed reports speak of 200 million devices, and Microsoft's big goal is to reach one billion by 2017. Of course, that means convincing a lot of people, and those of us still on Windows 7 and Windows 8.x feel somewhat annoyed by Redmond's increased aggressiveness in offering Windows 10. We all know the free upgrade offer expires in July 2016, but Microsoft would like to speed things up a bit.
Capossela on the Record
Last week (December 23 to be precise), Microsoft's CMO Chris Capossela appeared on the Windows Weekly show with Leo Laporte, Paul Thurrott, and Mary Jo Foley. He answered multiple questions about products like Xbox, Windows 10 Mobile, and HoloLens, but the famous GWX (around minute 27) did not go unnoticed. First, Capossela admitted that eliminating fragmentation in the Windows install base is 'incredibly important' for Microsoft. He added that they believe that for any computer capable of running Windows 10, they should do 'all they can' to get users to make the jump. He also acknowledged they are still trying to find the best balance regarding the updater's interface and its options.
Another reason to insist on Windows 10 is that Microsoft is 'concerned' about the experience users might get from a new purchase (for example, a printer) running on an older OS, which means pressure is also on manufacturers, who are looking to launch new products specially prepared to use Windows 10. The interview continued with another delicate topic: privacy. In this regard, Capossela reiterated what we had already heard: the user is in control of their information, with the exception of the telemetry Microsoft collects to evaluate the OS's performance. In summary: will Microsoft continue with its strategy? After listening to Capossela, the answer is definitely yes.
