14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has started prompting users of older Windows 10 versions to update to the most recent release, as the company is getting ready to drop support for another build.
Surprisingly, however, Microsoft is using the Microsoft Store to display these update messages, as the company has apparently embraced a less aggressive approach this time.
Previously, Microsoft has been heavily criticized for pushing intrusive upgrade prompts on Windows 7 computers in order to upgrade to Windows 10. The culprit was a Get Windows 10 app that was installed automatically on all Windows 7 PCs via Windows Update, and it was also responsible for a number of forced upgrades that were performed without authorization.
By moving these prompts to the Microsoft Store, the company can be sure that no such criticism would occur, as technically only those who launch the Store app would be targeted.
Windows 10 Mobile users also targeted
Also, Microsoft is only supposed to display update prompts on systems running Windows 10 versions that are no longer supported, though there are reports that all versions may be seeing these messages in the Microsoft Store. There are no update notifications on my systems running April 2018 Update or Redstone 6 preview builds, though.
At the same time, it looks like similar messages are also pushed to Windows 10 Mobile devices, with the Microsoft Store also encouraging users to download the latest version of Windows 10. Oddly enough, when trying to update smartphones are actually redirected to the Windows 10 for PC download page.
“Your device is running an older version of Windows 10. To continue to receive security updates and enjoy the latest feature Windows 10 has to offer, you need to update your device to a newer version of Windows 10,” this message reads.
This new update offensive comes at the right time, though. Microsoft is getting ready to pull the plug on Windows 10 Creators Update (version 1703) in October, so users would have to switch to Fall Creators Update (1709) or April 2018 Update (1803) to continue receiving updates.