To say the launch of Windows has been plagued with controversy would be an understatement. Most of the complaints until now have revolved around issues that arise from actually installing Windows 10 — privacy or compatibility problems. But now, we can add enraged Windows 7 and 8 users to the list of people yelling about Microsoft’s efforts to push Windows 10 out to as many users as possible. The hullabaloo this time is caused by a change to the interface that, on the surface, appears to be Microsoft strongarming users into upgrading.
The change applies specifically to a program that’s become known as GWX (or “Get Windows 10”) which is responsible for promoting the upgrade to Windows 10 to users on older versions of the OS. It does so using a notification in the task bar that pops up a window every once in a while suggesting the upgrade.
A recent update left users with less choices, or so it would appear at first glance. The button to defer installation is now gone, and replaced with a button to “Upgrade now” which may be alone, or accompanied by a button to “download now and install later” depending on the current version the system is running.
Fortunately for those blinded by rage at this seemingly minor change to the interface, there’s still the option of clicking the “X” button in the upper right corner and continuing about business as usual. Reports of unauthorized downloads and upgrades aside, this feels like another example of the paranoid expressing outrage over something relatively minor. It’s the same rhetoric we’ve been hearing since the OS launched, and the same flames that people have been fanning since Windows 7.
Yes, Microsoft wants as many users as possible to upgrade to Windows 10, and for good reason. It provides the newest in security, support, and cloud integration, with all the trappings of a modern operating system. But if you’re set on using Windows 7, or prefer Windows 8.1 (in which case, I suggest you see a psychologist), don’t worry. You can continue to do so.
