Microsoft criticised over misleading Windows 10 upgrade

Microsoft has been accused of 'nagging' users to upgrade to Windows 10 after a new pop-up box on users' computers has given them no choice but to "upgrade now" or "upgrade tonight."

The dialogue box can be closed by clicking the 'X' button, but the move has prompted a backlash from users and critics.

Microsoft is bringing out new software changes which Forbes describes as "annoying" and "increasingly difficult" for users to avoid.

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Windows 7 and 8 users are receiving the misleading pop-up as part of a fresh drive by Microsoft to get people to upgrade to the latest operating system. But the change in Microsoft's attitude from offering the software as a choice for free to misleading users into thinking they have no option are "tactics more reminiscent of malware than a leading technology company", say Forbes.

Microsoft's aggressive approach could be down to reports that Windows 10 installations have been lower than Microsoft anticipated they would be.

"It's hard to imagine any marketing campaign worse than Microsoft's ongoing "Get Windows 10" debacle" says Infoworld.

The website lists the various irritating Windows 10 related actions Microsoft has sent the way of 7 and 8 users, including the automatic download of the GWX program to prompt users to upgrade, the forced download of up to 5GB of installation files, and reports of computers accidentally launching the Windows 10 upgrade.

Another article from Forbes describes how Microsoft has even brought out updates for computers which prevents safeguards against downloading Windows 10, circumventing them and reversing user settings to leave the PC vulnerable to an unwanted Windows 10 upgrade.

The Register reports on how Windows will be upgrading the status of the Windows 10 upgrade from 'optional' to 'recommended' in the New Year, meaning many users with automatic patches enabled will get Windows 10 by default.