Microsoft re-releases KB2952664, Windows 7 users fear forced upgrade

Last week, we reported about the resurrection of the dreaded KB2952664 and KB2976978 updates aimed at “helping” Windows 7 users to upgrade their OS. The upgrade nightmare appears to be back since Microsoft re-released KB2952664 as part of the October non-security update package.

The Windows 7 users who want to keep their systems fully updated will soon be unable to avoid installing KB2952664. Monthly update rollups include all the previous system updates, and by agreeing to install the rollup you also install the whole content of the update package. Now, if you want to keep KB2952664 away from your computer, the safest solution is to simply avoid monthly rollups via Windows Update and install only stand-alone update packages.

Here’s what KB2952664 does, according to Microsoft:

This update performs diagnostics on the Windows systems that participate in the Windows Customer Experience Improvement Program. The diagnostics evaluate compatibility on the Windows ecosystem and help Microsoft to ensure application and device compatibility for all updates to Windows. There is no GWX or upgrade functionality contained in this update.

In other words, there should be no difference between the October version of KB2952664 and its September version. However, users remain suspicious of this update and refuse to install it. This is actually a completely normal reaction, given their previous Windows 10 upgrade experience.

The majority of Windows 7 users consider that KB2952664 is Microsoft’s snooper patch, and are intrigued by its multiple appearances in the Windows Update Center. As a quick reminder, this is the second time KB2952664 appears this month, while it hit four times this summer, when the free upgrade offer was still valid.

The most interesting element in these KB2952664 snooper patch allegations is Microsoft’s silence. Users have been waiting for a clear answer about this issue for a long time, but are tired of hearing the same fancy corporate-speak side-stepping that uses a lot of words to say nothing. Unfortunately, Microsoft’s stance about this matter only weakens users’ trust in the update system and the company itself.

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