“The most troublesome thing about this is that it becomes clearer and clearer that Microsoft doesn’t treat its customers as partners, but as some sort of enemies who have to be tricked, cheated, fooled.”

These are some strong words, issued in reply to a recent Microsoft security update that was only partly a security update – not unless you call upgrading to Windows 10 a matter of security. The patch in question, MS16-023, will resolve issues concerning Internet Explorer. Although, Microsoft states, it also “includes several non-security-related fixes for Internet Explorer.” Microsoft expands, “This update adds functionality to Internet Explorer 11 on some computers that lets users learn about Windows 10 or start an upgrade to Windows 10.”

The non-security issues that seem to have rankled quite a few consumers are basically nagware telling Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users (non-corporate) to upgrade to Windows 10. This occurs when users open a new tab in Internet Explorer, wherein a blue banner appears saying “Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 10.” This was discovered by Windows expert, Woody Leonhard, writing for InfoWorld.

Leonhard’s reaction to this:

“Microsoft’s intrusive Get Windows 10 behavior has reached new lows.” He goes on to say that by leaving companies alone Microsoft has evaded the backlash of some of its biggest customers decrying the sneaky move. As for regular consumers, Microsoft doesn’t seem to mind pushing just a little too hard.

Leonhard concludes, “Many people — present company included — feel that putting an ad generator inside a security patch crosses way over the line. In fact, you have to ask yourself if there are any lines anymore.”

Microsoft however has been quite open about pushing Windows 10 as hard as it can. Coming soon will be automatic downloads to countless PCs in the form of recommended updates. If you’re updates are set to automatically install recommended items, which is often the case with many users, then expect one day to find your OS to change – you will have to at least click OK though when prompted. You will then have 30 days to decide whether you want to go back.

Photo credit: CollegeDegrees360 via Flickr