Windows Update silently installs Windows 10 downloader

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Petrovic

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Microsoft has released an optional update that “enables additional capabilities for Windows Update notifications when new updates are available to the user”. We discovered the update is actually a downloader for Windows 10 which will notify the user that Microsoft’s upcoming operating system can be downloaded.



(Dutch version of Windows 8.1 – Windows 10 downloaden (download Windows 10) clear visible as file description)

Windows Update KB3035583 doesn’t reveal much about itself, only that it adds additional capabilities to Windows Update and applies to computers running Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 Service Pack 1. The update is offered as a recommended update since March 28th and because it’s a recommended update users have to manually put a checkmark next to the update in order to receive it.

Once the update is downloaded it adds a folder to System32 called “GWX” which contains 9 files and a folder called “Download”. One of the four .EXE files reveals what the update really is, the description of GWXUXWorker.EXE states, “Download Windows 10″. This explains the X in the name, the X is the Romanian number 10.

The folder also contains “config.xml” which contains some URLs that at the moment of writing didn’t work. The config file mentions “OnlineAdURL” that points to https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=526874 and Telemetry BaseURL pointing to http://g.bing.com/GWX/.



The section “Phases” describes how the downloader should behave when the Windows 10 release date nears. Initially, during phase “None”, all features are disabled, then during phase “AnticipationUX” advertising banners will be shown, presumably on a homescreen tile and additionally a tray icon will appear.

The next phase is called “Reservation” which according to the config file will show the advertisement tile, the tray icon but also a reservation page. Further phases are the first publication of the final RTM (release to manufacturing), version the general availability (GA) as well as various phases of the upgrade process such as UpgradeDownloadInProgress, UpgradeDownloaded, UpgradeReadyToInstall, UpgradeSetupCompatBlock, UpgradeSetupRolledBack and UpgradeSetupComplete.

It appears Microsoft is serious when it comes to upgrading Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users to Windows 10. The upgrade will be free in the first year and it appears Microsoft will take that time to convince users to upgrade. Users that don’t want to receive the upgrade “advertisements” should simply not install the recommend update. If Microsoft however decides to make KB3035583 an important update it will install automatically with other Windows update.

In case you are interested, download config.xml here

Source
 
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viktik

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Whats the advantage if we're upgrading to Windows 10?
directx 12 is exclusive to windows 10. So if you are using new directx 12 capable graphics card then your only option to utilize in best way is to use windows 10.

HEVC, matroska and FLAC codec is will be added to windows 10. they should have added few more audio codecs.

All those using pirated version can jump into windows 10. So those folks will be sure that they are using a clean OS free from any malware ( at-least at the beginning)

Windows 7 user will see some performance improvements. Since windows 10 is focusing on less hard disk usage, windows 7 user will gain about 10 GB to 15 GB hard disk space if they choose to use windows 10.
 
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illumination

I personally am not a fan of the "advertisements" method of nagging customers. Less tech savvy folks will not know what to look for in updates to not install, and will be hounded by microsoft. This to me, is as bad as PUPS..
 
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Ink

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Microsoft has released an optional update that “enables additional capabilities for Windows Update notifications when new updates are available to the user”.
...
The update is offered as a recommended update since March 28th and because it’s a recommended update users have to manually put a checkmark next to the update in order to receive it.

Users can check that these OPTIONAL updates remain as optional by changing a Windows Update settings. As far as I know, this should not affect the security of Windows - correct me, if incorrect.

upload_2015-4-5_15-7-40.png

Screenshot of Recommended Updates as Optional on Windows 8.1

This will prevent Recommended updated from being installed as Important updates, but still can be found under Optional Updates.

upload_2015-4-5_15-8-19.png

Screenshot of Optional updates for Windows 8.1
 
I

illumination

Users can check that these OPTIONAL updates remain as optional by changing a Windows Update settings. As far as I know, this should not affect the security of Windows - correct me, if incorrect.

View attachment 53555
Screenshot of Recommended Updates as Optional on Windows 8.1

This will prevent Recommended updated from being installed as Important updates, but still can be found under Optional Updates.

View attachment 53556
Screenshot of Optional updates for Windows 8.1
We know to do these things, but all those poor novice users out there will be getting frustrated soon ;)
 
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