Microsoft, which has been struggling to regain the trust of its customers, has succeeded again. As expected, Windows Update has released several security and reliability updates for Windows 7 in the last Patch Tuesday. But some more observant developers were surprised by one of the packages released for Windows 7.
According to Microsoft regulations, what they call "updates security only” should only include security updates, and not quality fixes or diagnostic tools.
Almost three years ago, Microsoft split the monthly upgrade packages for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 in two separate categories: a monthly collection of updates and fixes (cumulative updates) and, for those who only want the patches that are absolutely necessary, for security.
What comes as a surprise for the security update, July 2019 KB4507456, (Security-only update ) είναι ότι συνοδεύεται από τον εκτιμητή συμβατότητας (Compatibility Appraiser tool), KB2952664, ο οποίος έχει σχεδιαστεί για να εντοπίζει ζητήματα που θα μπορούσαν να αποτρέψουν την αναβάθμιση ενός Windows 7 PC σε Windows 10.
Among Windows Update skeptics, the Compatibility Appraiser tool should be avoided as a whole. Their concern about this particular tool is because it is used to prepare forced updates or to track individuals computers.
The word telemetry appears in at least one file, and for some observers this file can perform a "seemingly harmless data collection" but can also be described as pure spyware.
Woody Leonhard said earlier today that Microsoft appears to be "secretly promoting telemetry functionality" in the latest update:
With the July update only for security KB4507456, Microsoft has intervened in a security update without any warning, adding the Compatibility Appraiser tool, as well as scheduled telemetry tasks. Package data for KB4507456 indicates that it replaces KB2952664 (among other updates).
Of course, nothing official has been announced by Microsoft, and they do not seem to be anxious to justify this insidious behavior? Where is the transparency that Redmond claims to adopt in all its services?
It should be mentioned that it is very possible that Microsoft is planning to force install the Compatibility Appraiser tool as the date end of support for Windows 7.
Recall that this date is after six months, on January 14, 2020. And although Microsoft will offer paid support for another three years to businesses, the main goal of the company is to move all its users to Windows 10 .
