Windows: Microsoft to begin automatic upgrade of users’ machines next year

Microsoft will begin automatically upgrading some users to the latest version of its Windows software, the firm has revealed. The firm said early next year it will begin automatically downloading and beginning to install Windows 10 to users of Windows 7 and 8. “Our aspiration is for customers to choose Windows, and to love Windows,” […]

Microsoft will begin automatically upgrading some users to the latest version of its Windows software, the firm has revealed.
The firm said early next year it will begin automatically downloading and beginning to install Windows 10 to users of Windows 7 and 8.
“Our aspiration is for customers to choose Windows, and to love Windows,” the firm said in a blog post announcing the change.
The firm said it will initially start offering Windows 10 as an ‘optional’ update.
“We will soon be publishing Windows 10 as an ‘Optional Update’ in Windows Update for all Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 customers,’ it said.
“Early next year, we expect to be re-categorizing Windows 10 as a ‘Recommended Update’.
“Depending upon your Windows Update settings, this may cause the upgrade process to automatically initiate on your device.’
“Before the upgrade changes the OS of your device, you will be clearly prompted to choose whether or not to continue.
“And of course, if you choose to upgrade (our recommendation!), then you will have 31 days to roll back to your previous Windows version if you don’t love it”, it said.
Microsoft is hoping Windows 10 will help it rebuild loyalty among users who are increasingly relying on tablets, smartphones and other devices.
PC sales have been shrinking in recent years and that trend is likely to continue, according to a new forecast from International Data Corp.
Analysts at IDC predicted that 2016 will mark the fifth consecutive year of declining PC sales worldwide.
Computer-makers are hoping to get a boost from consumer interest in Windows 10, which manufacturers are making available on new machines being sold this fall.