Posted on 07/11/2019 8:39:22 PM PDT by dayglored
This month's Security-only update package for Windows 7 includes an unexpected compatibility/telemetry component that has some skeptical users up in arms.
As expected, Windows Update dropped off several packages of security and reliability fixes for Windows 7 earlier this week, part of the normal Patch Tuesday delivery cycle for every version of Windows. But some hawk-eyed observers noted a surprise in one of those Windows 7 packages.
Under Microsoft's rules, what it calls "Security-only updates" are supposed to include, well, only security updates, not quality fixes or diagnostic tools. Nearly three years ago, Microsoft split its monthly update packages for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 into two distinct offerings: a monthly rollup of updates and fixes and, for those who are want only those patches that are absolutely essential, a Security-only update package.
What was surprising about this month's Security-only update, formally titled the "July 9, 2019—KB4507456 (Security-only update)," is that it bundled the Compatibility Appraiser, KB2952664, which is designed to identify issues that could prevent a Windows 7 PC from updating to Windows 10.
Among the fierce corps of Windows Update skeptics, the Compatibility Appraiser tool is to be shunned aggressively. The concern is that these components are being used to prepare for another round of forced updates or to spy on individual PCs. The word telemetry appears in at least one file, and for some observers it's a short step from seemingly innocuous data collection to outright spyware.
[Lots more at the link: https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-stirs-suspicions-by-adding-telemetry-files-to-security-only-update/]
"... designed to identify issues that could prevent a Windows 7 PC from updating to Windows 10..."Why do I get the feeling that Microsoft is preparing to FORCE-UPDATE Windows 7 machines to Windows 10?
They can try to force the update to Windows 10. And if they brick my PC in the process, that will be the last MS-OS machine I ever own.
[This month’s Security-only update package for Windows 7 includes an unexpected compatibility/telemetry component that has some skeptical users up in arms.]
Don’t worry, I’m sure MS only has our best interests in mind.
Sometimes, I miss the good old days of Windows 3.1....
Riigghhhttt. They who so desperately want everyone on W10 spyware. The 7 users that wanted 10 have already done so, this smacks of a backdoor way to get at the holdouts like me. I would expect a crippling "feature"embedded in there to pop up some day.
No MS W7 updates for me for several years now. No security issues either. Maybe because I do not allow MS to access my machines?
Not going to happen with my Windows 7.
Exactly. If you plan on crapping on any of my boxes, MicroSuck, good luck. Better bring lunch.
“”Sometimes, I miss the good old days of Windows 3.1....””
Me2!
Microsoft Works on that platform did EVERYTHING I needed to accomplish. (Sure do wish I had kept a set of disks with that program set on it)
If they do, can we get out of it?
Die hard Win 7 user here. I have all MSFT updates turned off. My Internet access is via Wi-Fi hotspot (cellular modem) which is turned off unless I'm using the computer.
I doubt MSFT will come calling.
It looks like that. “We want to know if the computer can handle Windows 10, and if so, force it.”
Sure. They can do anything they please, as long as they have access to your computer. As long as you're connected to the internet, your computer can "phone home" and take instructions from Microsoft. That's what "Check for updates" does, for example.
> If they do, can we get out of it?
Maybe, with effort, technical tweaks, and being very, very careful about what you allow your computer to do. Otherwise, just lay back and enjoy it. :-/
They have every motivation to force Win7 users into Win10-land.
And the days of PCTools - everybody thought it was bad - you just had to turn off the cache if you had a 2nd caching program.
I may have it on an old machine - I’ve got several - no place to really set them up.
I found that update,KB2952664, and uninstalled it. Won’t take any chances with it.
Buy a Win7 installation DVD, Ultimate, if you want to run the full 32g of RAM.
Disable updates completely.
Download standalone Service Pack 2 to a drive and keep it on hand.
Refuse everything else.
I spent two weeks trying to figure out why my Alienware 17 R5’s screen kept dimming all the time, even though I did my own power settings.
Turns out that a little red pair of “eyes” above the keyboard was tracking my eye movements.
If I looked away for a few, it dimmed.
Killed that thing.
Wish I could install 7 on this thing but there are NO 7 drivers for any of the hardware.
Sucks.
mark
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