Remember the infamous KB3035583 "Get Windows 10" update that started automatically downloading Windows 10 on users' computers without their permission? Ahead of the first anniversary of Windows 10, Windows 7 users are now reporting that the annoying update is back.
KB3035583, Get Windows 10 app is back!
While KB3035583 didn't actually install Microsoft's newest OS version, it did bother users who weren't interested in Windows 10 when they found out heavy files, preparing their machines for a future Windows 10 update. The app was first sent out to users of Windows 7 and 8.1 systems, helping them easily upgrade to the latest operating system. It not only checked your system for compatibility, but also downloaded all the prerequisites to perform quick installation once the user gives it a go ahead. However, apart from downloading the new OS without user permission, in some "accidental" cases it also installed Windows 10 for them, for which Microsoft issued an apology.
Users then resorted to either third-party applications or system controls to hide this update. While Windows 8.1 users haven't reported seeing KB3035583 back, the update is re-enabled for Windows 7 users. Not only has it shown up for some users, but it is also set to "Recommended Update," which means it will automatically install the new operating system for many users who have left their PCs at default settings.
- How to Avoid Windows 10 Automatic Upgrades on Windows 7, 8 and 8.1
Windows 7 ASUS motherboard issue
This may have come from Microsoft after the ASUS motherboard issue: an update (KB3133977) sent to Windows 7 in March triggered an issue when it enabled Secure Boot in UEFI on all the ASUS motherboards. Since Windows 7 doesn't support Secure Boot, users were unable to boot their Windows 7 machines. While Microsoft confirmed the issue, it didn't release any fix for the problem. Since the KB3133977 update was "Optional," all users had to do was nothing to steer clear of the boot issues. But, it all changed last month when suddenly Microsoft made KB3133977 a "Recommended" update. This meant that Windows 7 users found the update installing itself automatically thanks to default Windows Update settings.
ASUS issued a workaround and Microsoft updated the support document warning users that after installation of "3133977 on a Windows 7 x64-based system that includes an Asus-based main board, the system does not start." Microsoft didn't issue a new patch to make sure that users don't get into this problem, nor has the company changed the status from Recommended to Optional. What the company did, however, was to take this opportunity to promote Windows 10 upgrades.
After these promotions, the company has now apparently re-enabled the Get Windows 10 "KB3035583" update, pushing users to update to Windows 10 unless they want to run into more such issues, mainly thanks to Microsoft itself. The company had set a goal of reaching over 1 billion devices in the span of next two years. With the Windows 10 growth rate slowing down, Redmond is going back to the nagging marketing strategies to get the numbers up no matter how frustrating it is for users who want to take their time before moving to the new OS. Still haven't upgraded to Windows 10? You are going to find Windows 7 a little more annoying from now on.
