A couple of days ago I restarted my Windows 10 system only to be immediately confronted with a full-screen message from Microsoft informing me that “It’s time to upgrade your PC before end of support“.
(note: the screenshot below has been resized/adjusted to meet web standards)
The “Keep Windows 10” link, which when clicked will dismiss the notification, is actually displayed at the bottom left-hand corner of the screen, in a position that makes it as inconspicuous as possible. However, clicking that link was not the end end of it, another smaller window then opened displaying virtually the same message. This was all before the OS actually loaded.
- You also might like: How To Safely Use Windows 10 Past End-Of-Support
Microsoft’s Blatant Invasion Of Privacy?
There are methods to prevent these types of notifications, including editing the Registry. However, that is not the point of this article. I am generally fairly accepting of Microsoft’s intrusions but this one really got me mad.
I see it as nothing less than a gross invasion of privacy. How dare Microsoft intrude into my personal PC space to issue this type of notification, unsolicited and without permission or warning?
If nothing else, it proves once and for all that Microsoft has the ability to manipulate, interfere with, and control our Windows operating systems. And, apparently, the company is not concerned about abusing that privilege.
Now, I realize Microsoft is keen on getting everyone on board with Windows 11, and maybe I’m overreacting, but I view this as possibly the worst instance of Microsoft’s dictatorial attitude to date.
Have you seen this notification? Let us know your thoughts via the comments.
—
Well , I am yet to see this , then again I have most all telemetry , ads and anything Microsoft blocked on my system
“I have most all telemetry , ads and anything Microsoft blocked on my system”
Me too Ed but that didn’t prevent this one from coming through. If a message had popped up after the OS had loaded, a reminder that Windows 10 is nearing end-of-life, that would have been a different matter. But this full-screen notification appearing first and foremost after a restart was most disconcerting.
Hello Jim. I have not received any intrusions from MS. These blockers must inject some form of code within the registry to block such interference. Since MS was able to popup prior to you booting, I assume this must be the case. I booted up one pc, that has limited blocking and it booted properly. Two others I rebooted which have more blocking options (Privacy Inspector from Ashampoo) and they were unaffected. Sorry, but if I was paranoid (can be at times) I might suspect you were trageted, Mindblower!
Guys,
1) This notification from MS would not be delivered simultaneously en masse but more likely staggered. With the effect that different people will see it at different times
2) This intrusion has absolutely nothing to do with blockers, privacy settings, or telemetry. MS has unfettered access to every operating system, including yours
3) The message did not popup prior to booting the OS, it popped up prior to loading/displaying the OS. Entirely different animals