KB patch that checks Windows 7/8.x machines for Windows 10 readiness reappears

3 min. read

Published onOctober 5, 2016

published onOctober 5, 2016

Share this article

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Microsoft got in some hot water with a number of Windows users last year when they were trying to give away their latest operating system for free. The problems arose because perfectly content Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users felt Microsoft was too pushy with their free offer. Namely the often vilifiedGet Windows 10 app.

Probably almost every Windows user is familiar with the Get Windows 10 app at this point. It sat in the notification tray to help Windows 7 and 8.1 users reserve their free upgrade. But problems arose as the app persistently reminded users to upgrade with a notoriously hard to spot button for opting out. There was so much customer ire over upgrading there are noweven lawsuits springing upagainst Microsoft because of their tactics for promoting the free offer.

As the Microsoft’s free upgrade offercame to a close, the company confirmedthe Get Windows 10 appwould be making an exit. And as of just two weeks ago, we finally sawthe Get Windows 10 app being removedfrom Windows 7 and 8.1 PCs.

So it was a surprise to Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 users when they sawKB 2952664andKB 2976978, respectively, show up in Windows Update yesterday. Somefear these updatesare heralding the return of the dreaded Get Windows 10 app. This is because these updates were prerequisites for the main update which ushered the Get Windows 10 app into Windows 7 and 8.1 notification trays.

As Microsoft says in the bulletins for KB 2952664 and KB 2976978:

This update performs diagnostics on the Windows systems that participate in the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program. These diagnostics help determine whether compatibility issues may be encountered when the latest Windows operating system is installed. This update will help Microsoft and its partners ensure compatibility for customers who want to install the latest Windows operating system.

To be clear, the return of these updates is not the return of the Get Windows 10 app. But at this point there is no definitive word from Microsoft for why these specific updates that check upgrade compatibility are returning. Recently at Ignite, Microsoft announced Windows 10 is on400 million active devices, and that the adoption of Windows 10 has been one of the fastest in company history.

However, while this number sounds impressive, other reports say that Windows 10 market shareever so slightly slippedin last month’s data.Microsoft previously announcedthat it would miss its self-stated goal of getting 1 billion Windows 10 powered devices in three years.

So could some new special offer to upgrade be in the mix to reignite Windows 10’s adoption? Maybe. Anything could be possible with the holiday season just around the corner. But is the Get Windows 10 app making a return? Most likely not. Microsoft issued very firm statements the free upgrade offer would end in July and the Get Windows 10 app with it. But until Microsoft clarifies why they reintroduced prerequisites for an app that was one of their largest PR problems over last year, imaginations will be left to run wild.

Radu Tyrsina

Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time).

For most of the kids of his age, the Internet was an amazing way to play and communicate with others, but he was deeply impressed by the flow of information and how easily you can find anything on the web.

Prior to founding Windows Report, this particular curiosity about digital content enabled him to grow a number of sites that helped hundreds of millions reach faster the answer they’re looking for.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Radu Tyrsina

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

KB patch that checks Windows 7/8.x machines for Windows 10 readiness reappears#

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier

KB patch that checks Windows 7/8.x machines for Windows 10 readiness reappears