Microsoft is installing the Windows 10 privacy problems on Windows 7 and 8
Microsoft is installing the Windows 10 privacy problems
on Windows 7 and 8
September 1, 2015
By Justin Ferris
The new Windows 10, like any new version of Windows, has
stirred up its fair share of controversy. It's fast, secure, has a promising
new default browser, brought back the Start Menu and overall manages to create
a nice blend of the best features of Windows 7 and 8.
Unfortunately, it also brought with it a loss of control
over updates and quite a few privacy concerns. From the personal assistant
Cortana learning everything about your life to phoning home even when it
shouldn't, Microsoft's default settings leave something to be desired. That's
why some people are sticking with earlier versions of Windows for now, but that
might not help as much as they think.
A few of the latest updates in Windows 7 and 8 include
some of Windows 10's tracking features. These are listed as "Diagnostic
and Telemetry" tracking, which let Microsoft know what goes wrong with
your system or other points of data Microsoft can use to improve Windows in the
future.
Most of this information doesn't really endanger your
privacy, and Microsoft already has customer experience and troubleshooting
tracking built into Windows 7 and 8. Of course, it generally asks before
sending information to Microsoft, unlike the new updates.
Still, one of the new updates does tell Microsoft what
kind of programs are triggering the User Account Controls (that message that a
program needs administrator permission to install, run or change settings).
That can give Microsoft an idea of what kind of programs you run.
The updates in question are KB3068708, KB3022345,
KB3075249 and KB3080149. To see if they are installed, go to Control
Panel>>System and Security. Then under "Windows Update," click
the "View installed updates" link.
Scroll down to the "Microsoft Windows" section.
If they're installed, they'll be in the August batch of updates. Once you find
them, you can remove them without a problem.
If you don't see them, or only see one, the rest are
listed as Optional and Recommended updates and your computer might not install
those automatically. If not, then you don't have to worry about them.
Of course, there's nothing to say Microsoft won't start
slipping more tracking features into future updates. If it does, we'll let you
know so you can take steps to protect your privacy.
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