14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just released a new update to computers running Windows 7 and 8.1 whose role is to inform users that the free upgrade to Windows 10 offer is coming to an end.
Users on these systems who install Windows update KB3173040 are provided with a gigantic screen telling them, “Sorry to interrupt, but this is important. Windows 10 free upgrade offer ends July 29.”
There are several options in this screen, including the typical upgrade now and remind me later buttons, as well as two different entries that let you configure the reminder to notify you three more times or never notify about this again in the future.
The official KB page indicates that the update was released on June 30 to computers running Windows 7 and 8.1 and is being listed as “recommended,” so it’s by default selected, downloaded, and installed on these systems.
Why you might not see the screen
Microsoft explains what the role of the notification is:
“This notification is a reminder that the Window 10 free upgrade offer ends on July 29, 2016. Microsoft recommends that you upgrade to Windows 10 before the offer expires. You can choose to upgrade directly from the notification, dismiss the notification permanently, or choose to be reminded later. For more information about the Windows 10 upgrade and how to manage notifications, see the ‘More Information’ section.”
According to the KB page, the message should not appear if you blocked the Windows 10 upgrade by any means or in case you are already running the latest version of the Get Windows 10 app (this app will be removed on July 29, Microsoft promises, as the free upgrade offer ends on this date). Additionally, if you previously uninstalled Windows 10 after upgrading, you shouldn’t see this notification.
So if you don’t intend to upgrade to Windows 10 and just want to avoid being interrupted by this screen, add KB3173040 on the list of updates you need to block.