Microsoft Re-Releases Windows Telemetry Updates KB2952664 and KB2976978

[Exterminator]

Microsoft Re-Releases Windows Telemetry Updates KB2952664 and KB2976978

Even though this month’s Patch Tuesday was delayed, Microsoft rolled out non-security Office updates this week, targeting both Office 2013 and Office 2016 with a total of 17 patches.

But what’s more interesting is that this week, the company also re-released two patches there were previously linked to telemetry data collection in Windows 7 and Windows 8.1

First and foremost, the Office patches. Microsoft shipped 5 different updates for Office 2013, with dedicated patches for OneDrive, Project, and Visio. Then, there’s Office 2016, which is getting not only general patches, but also updates that are specifically aimed at Access, OneDrive for Business, PowerPoint, Project, Publisher, and Visio, bringing the total count to 12 updates.

Telemetry patches
In addition to these Office updates, Microsoft is also re-releasing KB2952664 and KB2976978 for Windows 7 and 8.1, respectively for a reason that’s not yet known.

As Woody Leonhard of InfoWorld notes, these updates first showed up at a time when everyone was struggling to deal with the infamous Get Windows 10 (GWX) app, though Microsoft specifically mentions that they are not related to this application in any way.

Their official KB pages indeed indicate that both updates were re-released on March 7, while their descriptions point out that only users who are part of the Windows Consumer Experience Improvement Program should get them.

“This update performs diagnostics on the Windows systems that participate in the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program. The diagnostics evaluate the compatibility status of the Windows ecosystem, and help Microsoft to ensure application and device compatibility for all updates to Windows. There is no GWX or upgrade functionality contained in this update,” the description reads.

It's not yet clear what these new updates are supposed to do, but given the fact that they’re more or less linked with telemetry activity, some users are kind of reticent when it comes to installing them. We’ve asked Microsoft to provide more information about these patches and we’ll update the article when and if an answer is provided.

 

[Deleted member 178]

But what’s more interesting is that this week, the company also re-released two patches there were previously linked to telemetry data collection in Windows 7 and Windows 8.1

no big deal now , the CIA will own you (eventually)

 

[DJ Panda]

Not really scared. I have the telemetry enabled. I worry a little bit that disabling or meddling in such things are A. Futile or B. Potentially unsafe with consequences such as possible system instability. A little life story. I was watching this video quite a while ago out of curiosity. I kept watching until he got to the part of disabling smart-screen. My personal opinion is that security and privacy are not the same. I would rather have some targeted ads rather than my computer being unbootable. Smart-screen though may collect some sorts of data is there to protect you. That's my word on it and I may disagree with some but their opinion still needs the same respect as someone I would agree with.

Thanks!

 

[Winter Soldier]

There are many opinions about the telemetry and data collection, but honestly I'm not worried about it.
We are all on the radar, always and anyway.
But I wanted to say: we accept an EULA when we install a program, an operating system, so we accept their conditions, but....who reads the EULA?

 

[Exterminator]

Microsoft Silently Releases Unnamed Windows Driver Update That Fails to Install

 

[Marko :)]

They just won't give up. Data collection must be really important to them when they insist on installing telemetry updates. I'm hiding it, again!

 

[tonibalas]

@Marko :D i have also hide it.