By now, we are surely all familiar with how hard Microsoft has been pushing those on Windows 7/8.1 to upgrade to Windows 10, but there's a new twist in this tale to watch out for with Redmond apparently now scheduling upgrades via GWX (Get Windows 10) without asking the user.
Normally, the persistent GWX pop-up reminder merely keeps continually reminding you of the fact that a free Windows 10 upgrade is available until the end of July, and offers you the chance to make that move.
Unwanted and unnecessary
Users shouldn't have to be watching their PCs like hawks to ensure nothing is amiss in terms of updates. Having your machine fire up an OS upgrade without your knowledge really is – let's find a way of putting this politely, how about: beyond the pale.
Bear in mind, though, that if you do want to take the free upgrade from Windows 7/8.1, you will have to do so soon – you've got just over two months left before the deadline kicks in and the freebie expires. At least in theory, anyway, although from what we've read it certainly sounds like Redmond will be sticking to its guns and there will be no extension of the offer.
As you're likely aware, Microsoft has a long history of somewhat dubious tactics in terms of getting folks to upgrade to its newest OS, from making the move a 'recommended' update, to previous measures like tweaking the GWX prompt to make it more likely that folks will click to upgrade, and interfering with third-party software that blocks the GWX pop-up.