Microsoft finally begins distributing Windows 10 as an automatic update.

Microsoft has begun downloading Windows 10 onto computers automatically via the Windows Update feature. As most will be aware it has been planning to do this for a long time and now it is executing the plan. Microsoft has recently changed Windows 10 from ‘optional’ to ‘recommended’ in their system updates. This means that any computer that is set to allow automatic updates and uses a Windows 7 or 8.1 operating system will now download Windows 10 without being told to do so. It may also begin the installation process automatically.

For those of you who are attached to your current operating systems, this is your last chance to turn off your computer’s permission to update automatically in order to prevent the unwanted installation of Windows 10. If you do choose to turn off automatic updates, which Microsoft do not recommend, remember to periodically check your backlog of updates manually and install the ones that you do want. If you’re unsure how to do this, don’t worry: here at DTE IT Support, we are on hand to help with all kinds of IT support, including the manual installation of necessary updates. It’s very important that you keep your operating system updated, as updates are often vital for your computer’s security.

User reactions are likely to be negative in the short term. Criticism has been moderate in the run-up to the roll-out of Windows 10 by automatic download, but is likely to redouble in the immediate aftermath. This is simply because it will take many users by surprise. Not everyone follows tech news, and some of Microsoft’s customers will be in for a shock when their PC automatically downloads a new OS without their permission.