Stormy Weather Is Annoying Nag
The joke was on Microsoft last week when a YouTube clip showing an unexpected appearance of its irritating ‘Upgrade to Windows 10’ nagware went viral for a worldwide airing.
On April 27, Metinka Slater, local TV weather forecaster in Des Moines. Iowa, was well into her stride, delivering a live broadcast on air.
Her station uses a Windows machine to generate weather map graphics behind the presenter.
Suddenly, predictions of stormy weather were replaced by that message recommending a Win 10 upgrade.
Fortunately, being a pro, Metinka took it in her stride, laughed it off, asking viewers “Don’t you love it when that pops up?” and carried on regardless.
However, the nagware had interfered with the clicker she uses to change graphics, so she added her own thoughts on Win 10, “Don’t do it!,” as she forced her way back into control.
That nag is hard to get rid of.
It is easy to turn off or uninstall the program that drives the notification, called KB3035583 (or GWX), but many who have done so report its early return.
Some users suggest that the only way to completely kill it off’ is by tinkering in the Registry.
For the amateur, that is as risky as home plumbing.
One mistake and there can be a challenging mess to put right.
Microsoft is not the only outfit guilty of delivering nagware.
Android users are fed up with unwanted screens encouraging them to upgrade phones and tablets to latest versions as well.
If as expected, more software providers follow these market leaders’ footsteps, the love-hate relationships we have with our devices are going to swing heavily to one side.
