Not too long ago we wrote an article regarding potential concerns you should have before updating to Windows 10. Now that Windows 10 has officially reached 45 million users per Microsoft’s estimates, it only seemed fitting to do an update on the Windows 10 release. There were some minors bugs as was to be expected, but it turns out a whole list of other features have come up that might have some users scratching their heads.
It was well known that Microsoft was going to take a more invasive role when it came to Windows 10, but there are certain areas that Microsoft’s All Seeing Eye shouldn’t be able to access from a privacy point of view. If you select “Express Settings” during Windows 10 installation you apparently give Microsoft access to contacts, calendar details, text and touch input, location and more. While Microsoft claims this information is only used for personalization and targeted ads, the reality is that it can be potentially hazardous given the nature of cyber-attacks in today’s Internet society. Even more concerning is Microsoft’s access to keystrokes, which include your user name and passwords for most of your online accounts, even online banking. The threats are easy to see, but if you would like to opt out of these settings you may do so under the privacy tab in Settings.
Microsoft has slowly watched its Internet Explorer browser wither and die over the years, and its new Edge browser was designed to reverse this. While Edge is designed to be the go-to browser for Windows 10, it really doesn’t innovate much over other iterations of Internet Explorer. What is more interesting though is the issues some users have been reporting with Mozilla Firefox not playing nicely with Windows 10. Microsoft’s deliberate push to force users into using the new Edge browser has resulted in Mozilla CEO Chris Beard writing an open letter to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella criticizing the lack of control when it comes to selecting a default browser. While Beard might be making a big fuss over nothing given that users can choose their preferred browser by going into Settings, it does raise concerns over the experience that Microsoft is forcing its users to have.
While not as big of an issue to some users, Microsoft has received criticism for removing its DVD player from Windows 10. In order to play DVDs, users must purchase a $15 app from the app store. There are some work around solutions by using third party DVD players, but in a time where streaming has replaced DVDs as the primary method of viewership, this doesn’t seem like a game breaking issue for Microsoft.
With a launch as big as Windows 10, it’s not surprising that Microsoft ran into a few hiccups. What users should be concerned about is the approach that Microsoft is taking to Windows 10 regarding personal information and privacy. Windows 10 is intended to be the last iteration of Windows, and all subsequent changes will be updates that most users won’t have control over. The best thing users can do is stay informed about any changes coming their way in future updates, and take all the precautions necessary to keep their private information private.
Have you updated to Windows 10 yet? Share your thoughts in the comments down below!