In Easy Steps Articles

February 5, 2016

Windows 10 is made into a recommended update, leading some PCs to auto-install

beware

Beware!

If you have a PC or laptop running Windows 7 or 8.1, the new operating system from Microsoft, Windows 10, will soon become a ‘recommended update’ on some systems. This means the update, previously optional, could auto-install if your computer is set to ‘install updates automatically’. For those who have their devices set to allow them to choose whether to install updates, the upgrade will be visible but will not be applied until you manually approve it.

After the recent push attempts from Microsoft, offering free upgrades to Windows 7 and 8.1 users, and making it increasingly easy to click through and install the new system, it is no surprise that the Redmond giants have moved in for further Windows 10 domination. A company spokesperson stated; “As we shared in late October on the Windows Blog, we are committed to making it easy for our Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 customers to upgrade to Windows 10. We updated the upgrade experience today to help our customers, who previously reserved their upgrade, [to] schedule a time for their upgrade to take place”.

It seems that now, February 2016 is the chosen month for the upgrade to reach recommended status, so the gradual roll-out could soon affect you, if it hasn’t already.

It’s not all bad though, as Windows 10 has been widely considered a success, with a surge of new users allowing it to overtake its older sibling, Windows XP. The latest figures place Windows 10 in second place (previously third, behind XP) on 11.85% of desktops, with the winner, Windows 7, remaining strong on 52.47%. This new recommended update setting could see figures change dramatically, as many computers will be set to automatically install updates.

Microsoft has reminded users though, if the operating system does begin to upgrade there is both an option to cancel the process, as well users having a month to roll back to their original system. So if you don’t like Windows 10, or you made the move by accident, then you can still turn back the clock and stick with your familiar system.

So what can I do?

Primarily, if you don’t want any sudden Windows 10 shaped surprises, go into your computer’s Update settings and switch off automatic updates (Control Panel > Windows Update > Change Settings and select one of the four options). Depending on the setting you select, this will then allow you to manually decide which updates are applied to your computer, including Windows 10.Windows 10 titles

The next thing to do, and a tip for all computer users to remember, is to keep your PC or laptop routinely backed up. This will allow you to rest assured that all of your important documents and photos will not be lost, if you decide – or inadvertently decide – to make any important updates to the operating system.

You can find out all you need to know about Windows 10, Microsoft’s new operating system, with our excellent range of titles here. From the pocket-sized beginners Get Going guide, to comprehensive advanced companions and larger print seniors editions, you’re sure to find something to suit you.

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By anniemcg

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