Comment by LooseMarmoset

In the runup to Windows 10, Microsoft was trying to push a patch that enabled telemetry - KB2952664.

I didn't want Microsoft to poll my machine for data Microsoft would not describe to me in detail, so I uninstalled the patch and deselected it so it wouldn't re-install. I generally didn't read through the patches at the time, and and usually just let Microsoft update do it's thing, so I wasn't really in the habit of refusing Windows updates, though.

The problem with KB2952664 was that Microsoft kept re-issuing this stupid patch, which re-selected it for upgrades. This happened quite a number of times. Then, when they discovered that people kept blocking KB2952664, they re-issued the patch, again, but this time numbered KB3068708 so it wouldn't be blocked, and did in fact bypass my then-current setting that disabled automatic Windows updates.

Then, Microsoft added the telemetry, again, but this time they included it with a patch labeled as a security update: KB4507456.

Right before Windows 10 came out, Microsoft added what they called an optional prompt to allow Windows to automatically upgrade to 10. I refused the upgrade, but on launch day, came downstairs to find that Microsoft had upgraded my PC anyway, and did so clean - I lost every file on my system.

The dark patterns that Microsoft uses to trick non-computer-savvy people into using OneDrive, or non-local accounts are downright diabolical. They couch the OneDrive setup in terms like "Your computer and your data are not protected! You are at risk of lowered file and computer security. Click here to resolve these issues."

Microsoft relies on ignorance to push this absolute bullshit on unsuspecting people, and in a just world, the execs that dreamed this up would be prosecuted under RICO.

And yet, there are serious computer professionals that clearly understand what Microsoft is doing here, but continue to use Windows. Convenience trumps all, apparently.