Microsoft issues XP and Vista updates without user consent

by Brad Linder Sep 13th 2007

Windows XP and Vista each have a Windows Update utility that can automatically download and install critical system updates. Most of the time, this is a good thing. But if you want to install updates on your own schedule, or if you're a privacy ~~freak~~ advocate and just don't want Microsoft accessing your PC without your consent, you can turn off automatic updates. Or so we thought.

It turns out that Microsoft pushed out a series of updates last month that went out to internet-connected computers (you know, most of them) even if automatic updates were turned off. It doesn't look like the company did anything really scary like install keylogging software on your PC. But it's a bit surprising nonetheless. Why give customers an option to disable automatic updates if you plan occasionally send them out anyway?

According to Windows Update Program Manager Nate Clinton, what's going on is that the Windows Update application itself needs updating at times. And there's no way to update without installing and downloading an update, so that next time you want to download and install some other update, it will go smoothly. Got that?

Still, it would have been nice if Microsoft had made a public announcement before pushing any unwanted new software to our computers.

[via CNet]

Tags: automatic-updates, windows-update

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Richard said 6:55PM on 9-13-2007

Don't tell your download squad is spreading this bullshit too? http://blogs.technet.com/mu/default.aspx

Nicholas said 7:45PM on 9-13-2007

Not 100% accurate, and everyone is blowing this out of proportion.

No updates were "pushed" to your machine behind the scenes. You got updated if you ran Windows Update, even if it was set to "Off". The reasons for this are clearly stated in the blog.

shadekh said 8:41AM on 9-14-2007

While the update itself was to keep the windows update service up to date, it still has implications on privacy. I do not want ANY change to my system without my consent. They could atleast have a notification that the update will be installed.

What if microsoft next decides that an update to the drm engine is nessesary for windows update to function, so that they only service genuine windows?

Am i really to believe that they cannot push a notification that further updates are available, but only if i install an update to the update service? Most people who switch off automatic updates know what they are doing, and going behind their backs is not an option, ever.

verycheeky said 9:19AM on 9-15-2007

So let me get this straight, I go to windows update and take a look to see what updates are available,( I do this often just to see if there is something like hardware etc ) and then smack, I get updated.
updated as in something was downloaded and applied to my system.

"Microsoft believes that users should remain in control of their computer experience."

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