Microsoft REALLY wants you to upgrade to Windows 10.
First Microsoft made the OS upgrade free - and then last July Microsoft pushed the download out to millions of customers who had "reserved" a free copy, whether they were ready to upgrade or not.
For customers on metered data connections (like many RVers) - it was like getting hit with a 6GB data bomb - pushing many into overage charge territory!
For anyone who managed to avoid the assault on their data plans last year, Microsoft is taking things to the next level this week by officially making Windows 10 a "Recommended Update" - which means that every machine running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 will automatically download the new operating system, unless the Windows "Automatic Update" settings have been manually changed from the defaults.
By default Windows comes configured to automatically download and install "Important" updates (very important for security issues!), and the option to treat "Recommended" (new features, less critical fixes) updates the same way as "Important" updates is checked as well.
This means - unless you have manually disabled the "Recommended" check box, or have turned off automatic updating entirely, Windows 10 will be downloaded the next time your Windows 7 or 8.1 computer checks for updates!
If you are on a limited data connection, or do not want Windows 10, you should change your Auto Update settings on the Windows control panel immediately!
Windows 10 - Eventually You'll Give In?
In general - Windows 10 is considered to be a very solid upgrade for Window 7, and it fixes most of the misguided user interface "experiments" that upset so many people who tried Window 8.
But for a lot of reasons, not everyone is eager to upgrade - and a lot of people are upset at having the upgrade feeling forced onto them.
Those on limited data connections are especially upset about a huge 6GB download that they need to actively avoid.
For those with multiple Windows computers in an RV sharing a hotspot - the download damage is multiplied and can easily add up to a huge overage bill!
And once you have Windows 10 installed - it is essentially impossible to opt out of future software update downloads. (We have updated the post with the latest tricks on how to do so however...)
Even though Windows 10 will now download automatically for millions of more users, you do have to manually agree to the installation. But some people do not realize that they can opt out.
Microsoft does make it (relatively) easy to undo an accidental upgrade to Windows 10 though.
Microsoft states:
That being said, we would encourage everyone to upgrade because Windows 10 is the best Windows ever – familiar, safer, faster, and full of innovations. After any upgrade, you can easily go back to your prior version of Windows within 31 days if you choose. We do this by keeping a full copy of your previous operating system on your device – including apps and settings – for the first 31 days following your upgrade. At any time during the first 31 days, you can go to “Settings->Update and Security->Recovery and Uninstall Windows 10” to return to your prior version of Windows.
For RVers who are on the fence about upgrading to Windows 10 - set aside some time on a fast, free, and unlimited data connection to give it a try.
And until you are on a safely unlimited data connection - make sure that you have updates disabled!
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of