Microsoft has confirmed that all Windows users will have their PCs download the entire operating system, even if they have decided not to upgrade to Windows 10.
The Redmond-based software company has had a swell time these past few weeks, as 75 million people have upgraded their devices to Windows 10, which is now the most used Windows OS in the world, ahead of Windows 8.1 and Windows 7. However, the software is not without its issues, particularly privacy and transparency issues that may be preventing several other users from making the jump to Windows 10.
The latest gaffe by Microsoft was uncovered by The Inquirer, which received a tip from one of its readers who says he discovered a BT folder on his computer even though he did not want to upgrade and did not reserve Windows 10 before the launch. This is where the files for the OS are stored and they take up a sizable amount of disk space, anywhere between 3.5GB and 6GB, depending on the version of Windows used. The reader also says his Windows update history shows several failed upgrades to Windows 10.
"I thought Microsoft [said] this 'upgrade' was optional," the reader said. "If so, why is it being pushed out to so many computers where it wasn't reserved, and why does it try to install over and over again?"
Microsoft, however, says it pushes the Windows 10 download to users to make it easier for them to upgrade to Windows 10 should they change their mind. This way, users will not have to wait to download the 6GB of files for them to get Windows 10 when they decide to do so.
"For individuals who have chosen to receive automatic updates through Windows Update, we help upgradable devices get ready for Windows 10 by downloading the files they'll need if they decide to upgrade," said a Microsoft spokesperson.
Whether it was a well-intentioned blunder by Microsoft or part of a not-so-secret ploy to push Windows 10 down people's throats, we won't know for sure. However, the automatic download does not prevent users from running into problems.
For one thing, people do not like having their devices tinkered with without their knowledge, and the latest news is sure to be another point against Microsoft, which is facing privacy issues with Windows 10.
For another, the download is not simply one of the regular updates Microsoft pushes out on Patch Tuesday but an entire operating system. The 6GB of files is sure to take a hit at users who have capped data subscriptions and may end up paying huge overage fees.
Right now, there is no stopping Microsoft from pushing the files to every Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 user, but Microsoft says users can still remove the OS from their system using Windows' Disk Cleanup utility.
