14 DAY TRIAL // Earlier this week, a Microsoft MVP discovered that software pre-installed by Samsung on its own devices automatically disabled Windows Update, leaving these computers unprotected in case vulnerabilities are found in Windows or other Microsoft applications.
In a statement provided this morning to VentureBeat, Samsung finally admits that it's quietly disabling automatic updates through its SW Update software update tool and explains that a patch will be shipped very soon to correct this.
“Samsung has a commitment to security and we continue to value our partnership with Microsoft. We will be issuing a patch through the Samsung Software Update notification process to revert back to the recommended automatic Windows Update settings within a few days. Samsung remains committed to providing a trustworthy user experience and we encourage customers with product questions or concerns to contact us directly at 1-800-SAMSUNG,” the company said.
“It is not true we're disabling Windows Update”
Interestingly, Samsung initially said that all these accusations were false and that it was not disabling Windows Update on its devices, pointing out that the security of its customers is one of the company's priorities.
“It is not true that we are blocking a Windows 8.1 operating system update on our computers. As part of our commitment to consumer satisfaction, we are providing our users with the option to choose if and when they want to update the Windows software on their products,” it said.
And yet, today the company has (indirectly) admitted that it's quietly messing with your PC update configuration, so the big question is what made Samsung change its mind on such short notice?
The answer is most likely Microsoft. Contacted by the whole world after this story made the headlines, Microsoft said it was not aware of such an issue, but it was working with Samsung to look into it and determine the appropriate action.
At that time, Samsung was busy denying accusations, so after the two companies analyzed the problem for nearly two full days, the South Koreans finally acknowledged the problem and started working on a fix.