Ladies and gentlemen, the moment has arrived: as we anticipated last October, Windows 10 will cease to be an optional update and take on its new role as a "recommended" one. This means that under the default configuration set in Windows Update, the new operating system will be downloaded automatically. Microsoft assures that the user will have to confirm whether they want to start the installation, but those who previously said "no" would do well to pay attention.
There are less than six months left to take advantage of the free Windows 10 offer, and Microsoft continues to double down on its flagship operating system. Its CMO Chris Capossela made it very clear before the end of the year: One of the main goals is to reduce fragmentation of the Windows ecosystem, and if a computer has the necessary hardware resources to receive Windows 10, the company's plan is to offer it. Windows Update is the perfect channel to carry out that offer, and beyond some bitter moments, Redmond's strategy will not be changed. The latest news only confirms what was announced last October: During this week, Windows 10 will become a recommended update.
This "promotion" for Windows 10 within Windows Update can have consequences, depending on the configuration that has been previously established. If the user has never changed the update parameters in Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, Windows 10 will be downloaded automatically, which amounts to about six gigabytes on average (although smaller downloads have been reported). The harshest criticisms regarding these downloads came from users who have internet access with a limited data plan.
Fortunately, there are several mechanisms that allow blocking the download. The best known is to remove the checkmark that enables Windows Update to treat recommended updates as if they were "important" updates. Another frequent recommendation is to remove the privilege of installing updates from all profiles on the system, and limit it to the main account. Finally, there are certain registry adjustments designed to block the offer, or the classic "nuclear option", which is to disable Windows Update completely. Microsoft has said that the formal installation process requires user confirmation, and we honestly hope that is the case.
