A few days ago, it came to our knowledge that Microsoft was going to download some updates even if your connection was set as metered. This change seems to be very unpleasant for many users. Today, Microsoft made an official statement which explains their new update policy.
As you may already know, a new text block on the Windows Update page in Settings of recent builds claims that *some* updates will be downloaded over a metered connection.
This will definitely increase the end user's internet usage/data bill on a limited data plan.
Microsoft claims the following:
We don't plan to send large updates over metered connections, but could use this for critical fixes if needed in the future.
This statement doesn't change the situation much. It is not possible to know which updates will be classified as critical and for what reason. Also there is no specific information on how big they will be, because terms like large or small are subjective.
The operating system can't predict the cost of the download as it might be different on every user's PC. This is a really serious issue for some users. The update policy of Windows 10 is still restrictive and abusive. Despite some recent changes, many aspects of Windows 10's behavior are still out of user control (via MSPoweruser).
What do you think about how Microsoft has decided to handle updates in Windows 10?
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It will result in many and many of users to disable update service complete while on vacation or a trip and using metered connection.
It is appalling that Microsoft will get away with this. Very few computer users will make the effort to resist. Truthfully, Windows 7 and 8.1 updates are most likely not necessary, if users exercise a modicum of sensible practices, such as not auto-clicking on anything and using an updated non-Microsoft browser, with a good antivirus program.
Most malware, including Microsoft 10, rely on a social vector of infestation. That is, a careless or lazy user.
An excellent guide to removing Microsoft’s telemetry points can be found at http://techne.alaya.net/?p=12499 You will need to add KB4012218 KB4012219 to the list. These “updates” install CPU detection to block Windows Update on Win 7, 8, and 8.1 with newer CPUs. If you have a CPU that is Intel Kabey Lake or AMD Bristol Ridge, and newer, Microsoft will not offer nor allow updates.
Very few users ever actually deal directly with an operating system except through a Graphical User Interface (GUI). There are multiple flavors of Linux that support excellent GUIs. Nearly all non-Microsoft browsers are supported, and Libre Office (free) does nearly everything that Microsoft’s Office products do. Except spy on you and charge an arm and a leg. A great number of programs and applications run on Linux, as do most hardware devices.
Knoppix is an excellent distribution of Linux, and features a very easy to use GUI; Libre Office is included in the download. When people stop using Windows, only then will Microsoft alter their behavior and attitude.
We do not have to take this.