If you thought, thanks to its automatic and unavoidable update system, that Microsoft\u2019s iron grip on Windows 10\u2019s user base was pretty much complete, wait until you get a load of this fun little fact.<\/p>\n
According to Windows 10\u2019s License Agreement, the OS has been granted the power of jury, judge and executioner.<\/p>\n
Should it discover unauthorised \u201chardware peripheral devices\u201d or software, it will flag and subsequently block it from access completely.<\/p>\n
Sometimes you’ll need software updates to keep using the Services. We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices. You may also be required to update the software to continue using the Services.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The good news is that Windows 10 isn\u2019t allowed to altogether delete software, but blocking it or, indeed, hardware components with updates is more than okay.<\/p>\n
The bad news, besides the OS\u2019 excessive power, is that it\u2019s really ambiguous as to what counts as unauthorised hardware or counterfeit software. And what if there\u2019s a mistake, how do we go about undoing a booboo on Microsoft\u2019s behalf?<\/p>\n
Microsoft has, thankfully, relinquished absolute access over automatic updates<\/a>, releasing a tool<\/a> that allows users to block particular automatic updates\/drivers.<\/p>\n
Does that mean that enough pressure will force their hand on this matter?<\/p>\n
There can\u2019t be all that many of us that are overly fond of the idea that Microsoft will be monitoring everything we do, virtually everything anyway.<\/p>\n
And who is this really benefitting? Certainly not the user base, otherwise known as the customers.<\/p>\n
\nMore news from the PC front<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Your PC probably doesn\u2019t suck: Steam\u2019s Hardware Survey suggests<\/a><\/p>\n
Gain access to over 260 settings in Windows 10 with \u2018God Mode\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n