In a move that has raised eyebrows among tech enthusiasts, Microsoft has once again stealthily deployed an update to Windows 10 systems, aimed at prompting users to upgrade to Windows 11. This isn't the first time the tech giant has employed such tactics, sparking discussions about user choice and transparency.
The update in question, known as KB5001716, was discreetly installed on Windows 10 devices following the October cumulative update. Interestingly, it also made its way to Windows 11 version 21H2 machines, which have been out of support for over a year.
According to Microsoft, this update serves multiple purposes. It enables Windows to attempt downloading and installing feature updates on devices nearing or past their end of support date. Additionally, it may display notifications about issues preventing Windows Update from keeping the device updated and protected.
For Windows 10 users, this likely translates to more frequent prompts encouraging a move to Windows 11. In some instances, updates may even be forced onto PCs when a Windows version is no longer supported, raising concerns about user autonomy.
This isn't the first appearance of KB5001716. It mysteriously surfaced on PCs in April 2024 and October 2023, suggesting these are revised versions being redelivered. This redeployment has led to installation errors in some cases due to conflicts with previous installs.
While Microsoft's intention to keep devices secure is understandable, the covert manner in which this update is being pushed to PCs without prior warning has drawn criticism. It remains unclear whether this could potentially force a Windows 11 upgrade on compatible Windows 10 PCs, although forced upgrades typically apply to feature updates within the same OS version.
As users grapple with these unexpected changes, the incident raises important questions about the balance between system security and user control in the ever-evolving landscape of operating system management.