“There is no such thing as a free lunch” has been the mantra of those cynical about the true cost of ‘free’ Windows 10. But as Microsoft increases pressure on users to upgrade, it turns out the real cost of Windows 10 lies somewhere far less expected…
Windows 7 and Windows 8. Yes, the operating systems which users already paid for (either directly, or indirectly in the cost of a new computer) are getting more expensive by the day. The cost comes in terms of lost productivity, flexibility and enjoyment as Microsoft does its best to make life for Windows 7 and Windows 8 users so unbearable they give in and upgrade to Windows 10.
Prior to February 2016 the cost was already pretty high. On the irritation side Microsoft introduced upgrade prompts for Windows 7 and Windows 8 which reinstalled themselves if users disabled them. The upgrade prompts then became pop-up windows which were continually reworded to cut down choice until ‘Upgrade now’ or ‘Upgrade tonight’ or just one option – ‘Upgrade now’ – were all that was presented.
‘Get Windows 10′ notifications and upgrade pressure is being cranked ever higher. Image credit: Gordon Kelly
In addition Microsoft also hit many unsuspecting Windows 7 and Windows 8 users in the pocket by silently downloading the whole of Windows 10 (4-6GB) into a secret folder on their computers, even if users had repeatedly stated they did not want to upgrade. Those who have Internet contracts with data allowances found themselves facing inexplicable bills for breaking through those allowances. Windows 8 users could stop this by setting their computers to a metered allowance(Windows 7 users were out of luck) but most didn’t know to do this in advance.
And this was just the start. Amid falling adoption rates, Microsoft announced in October that the real war on users refusing to upgrade to Windows 10 would begin in January. And so it has proved.
Source: Forbes
Written by: Gordon Kelly for Forbes
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