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 "security-only updates" should only include security updates, not quality fixes or diagnostic tools.
Almost three years ago, Microsoft divided the monthly upgrade packages for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 into two separate categories: a monthly collection of updates and fixes (cumulative updates) and, for those who only want the patches that are absolutely necessary, the security.
What comes as a surprise for the security update, July 2019 KB4507456, (Security-only update ) is accompanied by the Compatibility Appraiser tool, KB2952664, which is designed to detect issues that could prevent a Windows 7 PC from upgrading to Windows 10.
Among the skeptics of Windows Update, the Compatibility Appraiser tool should be avoided. Their concern about this tool is because it is used to prepare forced updates or to monitor individual computers.
The word telemetry appears in at least one file, and to some observers this particular file may carry out "seemingly harmless data collection" but may also be characterized as pure spyware.
Woody Leonhard reported earlier today that Microsoft appears to be "secretly pushing telemetry functionality" to the last update:
With the July update only for security KB4507456, Microsoft has rolled in a security update without any warning, adding the Compatibility Appraiser tool, as well as scheduled telemetry tasks. His details packety for KB4507456 they say 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 noted that it is very likely that Microsoft plans to force install the Compatibility Appraiser tool as its expiration date approaches. supportof 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 .
