Microsoft Loses Suit Over Windows 10 Updates

Published: June 28, 2016 12:00 PM /

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windows 10

The Seattle Times is reporting that Microsoft has lost a $10,000 lawsuit over forced Windows 10 upgrades.

Teri Goldstein, a California based business owner, sued Microsoft due to the disruption the forced upgrades caused to her business. Her business computers were running Windows 7, but the Windows 10 install left them unstable and unusable for days. She sued Microsoft, claiming lost revenue and the cost of a new computer. She won the case, while Microsoft has dropped its appeal due to the expense—specifically stating it had nothing to do with the merits of the case.

Since its launch last July, Windows 10 has been a free upgrade for all users of Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 (Windows 8.0 will also work if Microsoft’s Windows 10 Media Creation tool is used, but it will not directly update through Windows Update). However, Microsoft has faced criticism from users and pundits for the way in which the Get Windows 10 app operates. The application will start the update to Windows 10 if simply closed out or dismissed and will download the necessary installation files to a hidden directory in the background. Blocking the app requires modification of the registry.

With update KB3035583, Microsoft even added the update to the list of Recommended Upgrades alongside regular security updates. Further updates have also rolled back the registry changes that would otherwise block the Get Windows 10 app.

For users that have had sudden and unknown updates to Windows 10, rollbacks to Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 can be done within 30 days. However, after that point, you must use recovery media to perform a clean, destructive install to the previous version. This often does not come with the computer and must be purchased from the OEM if the recovery media was not made by the user.

Ed. Note/Update: Minor edits for clarity.

What do you think of Microsoft’s use of the Get Windows 10 App? Is it convenient? Too pushy? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit and do you think Microsoft should have to pay those it disrupts with their upgrade plan? Let us know in the comments!

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