Microsoft: Difference between revisions
added tone warning - article reads like the author has an axe to grind |
edited some areas to fix tone, and left comments in others. It is important to write in a neutral tone, so that articles are credible. I reccommend reading Wikipedia's NPOV guidelines, which can be accessed via our Content Policy |
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Microsoft had stated that Windows 10 would be the last Windows version, but now they are forcing users into Windows 11 by discontinuing free official support for Windows 10 starting on October 14, 2025 | Microsoft had stated that Windows 10 would be the last Windows version, but now they are forcing users into Windows 11 by discontinuing free official support for Windows 10 starting on October 14, 2025<ref>https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/end-of-support</ref> . Windows 11 also new requirements for the installation, including a Microsoft account<!-- As this can be fairly easily bypassed, i'm not sure describing a microsoft account as a requirement is an appropriate word use? -->, TPM (trusted platform module).<ref>https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-specifications</ref><ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11-system-requirements-86c11283-ea52-4782-9efd-7674389a7ba3</ref> Many PCs made before X year do not have this hardware. It is notable that most of these restrictions can be bypassed. New Windows 11 builds are now shipping with Microsoft Copilot which is a pre-installed opt-out AI program.<ref>https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-11</ref><!-- Unsure how appropriate this is for a company page... seems more like an incident. A page about microsoft should really just focus on an overview, and linking to relevant Incident pages, and the other high-level things discussed on the article types page. --> | ||
== Controversies == | == Controversies == | ||
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In the case United States v. Microsoft Corp., 87 F. Supp. 2d 30 (D.D.C. 2000)<ref>https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp2/87/30/2307082/</ref>, Microsoft's Conduct taken as a whole is described as "deliberate assault upon entrepreneurial efforts that, could well have enabled the introduction of competition into the market for Intel-compatible PC operating systems". Further, "Microsoft's anticompetitive actions trammeled the competitive process through which the computer software industry generally stimulates innovation and conduces to the optimum benefit of consumers". | In the case United States v. Microsoft Corp., 87 F. Supp. 2d 30 (D.D.C. 2000)<ref>https://law.justia.com/cases/federal/district-courts/FSupp2/87/30/2307082/</ref>, Microsoft's Conduct taken as a whole is described as "deliberate assault upon entrepreneurial efforts that, could well have enabled the introduction of competition into the market for Intel-compatible PC operating systems". Further, "Microsoft's anticompetitive actions trammeled the competitive process through which the computer software industry generally stimulates innovation and conduces to the optimum benefit of consumers". | ||
=== Edge === | === Edge<!-- tone is way off here -->=== | ||
Microsoft's web browser, Edge, has also been a major problem for consumers. Windows comes with it preinstalled, and while it is possible to remove, Microsoft makes it harder and harder with each update. They state the reason for this as follows: "Our default web browser is an essential component of our operating system and can’t be uninstalled."<ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/why-can-t-i-uninstall-microsoft-edge-ee150b3b-7d7a-9984-6d83-eb36683d526d</ref> | Microsoft's web browser, Edge, has also been a major problem for consumers. Windows comes with it preinstalled, and while it is possible to remove, Microsoft makes it harder and harder with each update. They state the reason for this as follows: "Our default web browser is an essential component of our operating system and can’t be uninstalled."<ref>https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-edge/why-can-t-i-uninstall-microsoft-edge-ee150b3b-7d7a-9984-6d83-eb36683d526d</ref> | ||
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==== Recall ==== | ==== Recall ==== | ||
During 2024, Microsoft unveiled Recall<ref>https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-reveals-ai-powered-recall-feature-to-transform-windows-11s-searchability-while-confirming-hardware-requirements</ref>, marketed as a way to search through what you have done on your computer. This | During 2024, Microsoft unveiled Recall<ref>https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsoft-reveals-ai-powered-recall-feature-to-transform-windows-11s-searchability-while-confirming-hardware-requirements</ref>, marketed as a way to search through what you have done on your computer. This sparked controversy<ref>https://www.techradar.com/computing/windows/microsofts-controversial-recall-feature-for-windows-11-could-already-be-in-legal-hot-water</ref>, especially among security experts<ref>https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/Privacy-and-security-risks-surrounding-Microsoft-Recall</ref> who worried about the security of screenshots<ref>https://news.sky.com/story/microsoft-ai-feature-investigated-by-uk-watchdog-over-screenshots-13141171</ref>, since it could easily document private information like Social Security Numbers, bank account information, and passwords, as well as user browsing behavior. This feature was delayed after backlash<ref>https://www.malwarebytes.com/blog/news/2024/06/microsoft-recall-delayed-after-privacy-and-security-concerns</ref>. | ||
=== Microsoft account dark patterns when installing Windows === | === Microsoft account dark patterns when installing Windows<!-- Tone, and needs sources -->=== | ||
Numerous dark patterns have been implemented in the form of sneaky language and user interface during the installation process to mislead users into thinking a Microsoft account is required and thus logging in or creating an account. The dark patterns to push users towards linking a Microsoft account have been in place since Windows 10 was launched in 2015 and continue into the Windows 11 installation process. | Numerous dark patterns have been implemented in the form of sneaky language and user interface during the installation process to mislead users into thinking a Microsoft account is required and thus logging in or creating an account. The dark patterns to push users towards linking a Microsoft account have been in place since Windows 10 was launched in 2015 and continue into the Windows 11 installation process. | ||