Microsoft is distributing a new update for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1. Update Update KB3173040 notifies about the end of free upgrade to Windows 10.
Update KB3173040 (Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 SP1 end of free upgrade offer notification) adds another nag screen to Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 systems that hasn't been upgraded to Windows 10.
It's a full-screen notification that appear on the computer and interrupts your work. It seems, Microsoft is fishing for bad comments and went "to far" again. Just think of a traffic control panel that suddenly display such a nag screen. Or remember the incident during weather broadcast discussed here. Nevertheless, the above nag screen gladly doesn't show, if:
- you are working with Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP
- you are using a Linux machine or a Mac
Beside these nag ware free zones, there are other circumstances, where the nag screen will be hidden. According to Microsoft's KB article, it's if:
- You have a recent version of the "Get Windows 10" app installed.
- You have selected the Do not notify me again option.
- Your computer is detected to be incompatible with Windows 10.
- You have previously uninstalled Windows 10 after you upgrade.
- Your Windows 10 installation failed and rolled back.
- You have hidden the "Get Windows 10" app notifications.
- You have disabled the Windows 10 upgrade or you have disabled the offer screen through registry key settings.
My recommendation: If you don't intend to upgrade to Windows 10, hide this update and block Windows 10 upgrade with tools mentioned in the link list below.
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