View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
  2. Software
January 24, 2016updated 31 Aug 2016 9:42am

Is Microsoft forcing Windows 10 updates on Windows 7 and 8 users?

Microsoft looks to increase user-base to one billion by mid 2018.

By CBR Staff Writer

Microsoft is allegedly pushing Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 users to upgrade to Windows 10 as it eyes for one billion users by 2018.

According to reports, some users are receiving the complete Windows 10 installation file in their systems even though they have not requested for nor they have given consent for the installation.

Recently, the company had announced changes to its support policy specifying new hardware for its Windows 10 installation.

Microsoft said that future processors from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm will only get support from the company for Windows 10 while Windows 7 or Windows 8 will not get any support.

The company said that it will only offer support to specific new Skylake devices running on Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 until July 17, 2017.

Microsoft said in a blog: "We are particularly excited about the work we’ve done with Intel on their new 6th generation Intel Core processors (code named "Skylake").

"Compared to Windows 7 PC’s, Skylake when combined with Windows 10, enables up to 30x better graphics and 3x the battery life – with the unmatched security of Credential Guard utilising silicon supported virtualisation.

Content from our partners
How businesses can safeguard themselves on the cyber frontline
How hackers’ tactics are evolving in an increasingly complex landscape
Green for go: Transforming trade in the UK

"We and our partners are continuing to invest, innovate, and update to drive continued performance improvements across Windows 10 and Skylake devices.

Microsoft has also announced that Windows 10 is available for free of cost for the first year and users have to pay only in the second year.

In order to increase its Windows 10 user numbers, Microsoft has suggested upgrading to Window 10 for systems running on Windows 7 or later.

But, a majority of users do not want to make this change due to privacy concerns. Some believe that the practice of collecting personal information is a technology-reality today and it is only done to take advantages of latest features and capabilities.

Microsoft added: "Windows 7 was designed nearly 10 years ago before any x86/x64 SOCs existed. For Windows 7 to run on any modern silicon, device drivers and firmware need to emulate Windows 7’s expectations for interrupt processing, bus support, and power states- which is challenging for WiFi, graphics, security, and more.

"As partners make customisations to legacy device drivers, services, and firmware settings, customers are likely to see regressions with Windows 7 ongoing servicing.

"We want to help our customers prepare for their Windows 10 upgrade. To do that, we will deliver a list of specific new Skylake devices we will support to run Windows 7 and Windows 8.1.

"This approach ensures our customers can upgrade now to new devices their employees will love while preparing for a Windows 10 upgrade.

Recently Microsoft has announced that its Windows 10 user-base has reached 200m worldwide.

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU