Countless computers have been coming my way lately, all with the same problem: botched Windows 10 installations. With many of these systems, the owners said the same thing: “I never told it to install.”
The grim reality is, by failing to tell the computer not to install the new Windows 10 operating system, the owners did, in fact, give Windows 10 permission to install. This is the ugly little detail that Microsoft, in its misplaced zeal to see Windows 10 become widespread, has failed to communicate. Crazy, isn’t it? In my opinion, it’s downright dishonest.
It works like this: for many months now, Microsoft has been causing a tiny icon to appear in the lower right screen of Windows 7 and 8 computers. This icon looks sort of like a lop-sided house window, and, when viewed, says “Get Windows 10.” Microsoft has also been causing annoying popups to randomly appear, which say the same thing, and allow the owner to directly install Windows 10, themselves.
Ever since these annoying notices began to appear, people have been ignoring and/or closing them, thinking they are resolving the issue by doing so; this strategy has been effective, but, in recent weeks, has failed. People who thought they were safe from the invading Windows 10 hordes have been waking up by the thousands to discover Windows 10 has installed anyway, behind their backs.
This unwelcome invasion has been caused by one simple function: Windows Updates. Until recently, Windows 10 was included in the list of “optional” Windows updates, meaning that people could, at their option and discretion, choose whether Windows 10 should be installed, or not. Starting in February, though, Microsoft moved Windows 10 from the “optional” updates category into the “recommended” category. Because almost all Windows computers are set at the factory to automatically download and install both “important” and “recommended” updates, people are discovering, to their horror, they have accidentally allowed Windows 10 to install.
The fix for this unwanted installation is easy to implement, but unfamiliar to most computer users. It requires going into the Control Panel and opening the Windows Update function. Next, from the left side, “change settings” must be selected. In the “Important Updates” section, one would pick “Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them.” Then, the “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates” box is un-checked. After clicking “OK,” the computer user has regained control over the Windows 10 installation process.
Most “accidental” Windows 10 installations result in only minor problems and inconveniences. Most folks will want the Start button replaced with something more familiar and useful. Sometimes, printers and scanners will need updated drivers and programs, as the old ones may no longer work. All the old Windows 7 and 8 games (Solitaire, FreeCell, Hearts, Mahjong, etc.) will be gone, a very distressing situation for some computer users. It may be a big hassle, but all these problems can be fixed; I do it all the time.
Unfortunately, some accidental Windows 10 “upgrades” end in disaster. Despite what Microsoft leads people to believe, not all Windows 7 and 8 computers can or should be moved to Windows 10. Problems with the monitor (AKA, the “display” or “screen”) are common, especially with some Dell and HP computers. Problems with sound and Internet connections crop up, too, as many hardware manufacturers will not make Windows 10 upgrades for their products.
Microsoft has a tool called the System Update Readiness Tool, which can give a general assessment of whether a computer is suitable for Windows 10. This tool can be found in the “Get Windows 10” promotion pop-up by clicking the three small horizontal lines (sillily called the “hamburger menu”) in the upper left corner. You should also check the website of your computers manufacturer for the exact model you have, and their recommendations for upgrading; their recommendations should supersede anything Microsoft has to say.
I like Windows 10 and believe it has a good future. Take the proper steps, though, before upgrading so you can ensure your experience will be a happy one.