14 DAY TRIAL // A Microsoft MVP has recently discovered that some of the software that Samsung pre-installs on the computers it sells attempt to keep Windows Update disabled to block any patch that could harm the configuration of the system.
But in a statement issued today, Samsung says that this isn’t the case and explains that its customers are always allowed to choose whether they want to install updates or not.
“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,” the company explains.
“We take product security very seriously and we encourage any Samsung customer with product questions or concerns to contact us directly at 1-800-SAMSUNG.”
Where are the options?
The funny thing is that the Microsoft MVP who actually discovered this also talked to a Samsung representative and asked him about the application that attempts to disable Windows Update and the company employee said absolutely nothing about such an option, confirming that automatic updates are turned off because some patches could break down drivers and other Samsung software.
While this could indeed be possible, Microsoft says that it doesn’t recommend anyone to disable Windows Update and explains in a statement emailed this morning that it’s already working with Samsung to address the issue and make sure that none of their apps attempts to turn off automatic updates.
“When you enable Windows updates, it will install the Default Drivers for all the hardware no laptop which may or may not work. For example if there is USB 3.0 on laptop, the ports may not work with the installation of updates. So to prevent this, SW Update tool will prevent the Windows updates,” Redmond said.
Obviously, keeping Windows Update turned off could expose your computer to additional risks, as cybercriminals could attempt to infiltrate using vulnerabilities in the operating system that might be patched by Microsoft and delivered to you via automatic updates.
On the other hand, Samsung is somehow right, because given the number of botched updates that got shipped in the last 24 months, the risk of breaking down something still exists.
But there’s still no sign of that option that lets customers decide whether to keep Windows Update turned on or not, so it turns out that it’s not entirely up to you to choose to receive automatic updates if you install Samsung software.