Microsoft pushes Windows 10 downloads even harder

Microsoft has been criticised over its latest move to get users to upgrade to the Windows 10 operating system.

The company has been noted for its "aggressive" campaign to ensure computers use the system in the past and has come in for flak over some of its practices, including "nagging" users to convert, using covert software updates and creating potentially misleading pop-ups leading users to download it.

Now, tech critics are warning PC users another aggressive push is about to happen.

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Windows 10 has now become a "recommended" update, meaning Windows 7 and 8 users with automatic downloads enabled will receive it regardless.

"The change is meant to make the transition to Windows 10 easier for those who still haven’t upgraded", says Lifehacker, which has also compiled a "what to do" list for those wishing to block the download.

They add that the automatic upgrade will remove choice from the equation for most users, many of whom may not want the large, data-eating software.

However, it doesn't end there.

According to the Register, those with manual downloads could still find themselves upgrading to Windows 10, too.

"Windows Update automatically selects the optional download as desired, so there's no need to click on the box to get it," it says.

Users are still given the option to stop the installation after the download has completed, but the use of a pop-up box – something the Register says can be deceptive – shows how determined Microsoft is to push Windows 10 onto computers regardless.

The latest move goes against the typically user-initiated process of downloading updates, argues ExtremeTech, and deliberately targets those who have rejected Microsoft's previous offers of Windows 10 but have unwittingly left automatic updates enabled.

"This could create a nasty snarl of blowback if the upgrade push starts making life difficult for large numbers of people," the site adds.