Microsoft Store Application Updates: A Necessary Evil or an Overreach of Control?

The Microsoft Store has recently implemented a new update system for its applications, which can no longer be disabled. This change has sparked controversy among users and developers alike, with some arguing that it is an overreach of control by Microsoft.

One of the most hated features of Windows is its update system, which is slow, error-prone, and often interrupts users at inopportune moments. The new update system for the Microsoft Store follows a similar approach, where users can only postpone updates for a short while before they are installed automatically.

Users who have expressed their discontent with this change argue that it denies them control over their own property and takes away their right to decide when and how they want to receive updates. They point out that previous versions of Windows, such as XP, had allowed users to manage their updates without significant issues.

Some have suggested that the invisible downside of not updating systems is the potential for botnets, which could be used to launch devastating cyber attacks on national infrastructure. However, others argue that this argument is based on fear-mongering and ignores the fact that users are still responsible for maintaining their own property.

There is also a question of whether companies like Microsoft should take control away from owners and instead provide external incentives, such as security concerns or service disruptions, to encourage them to keep their systems up-to-date. This approach would require ISPs and cloud providers to refuse service to non-updated systems, and apps to require newer versions to access services.

While some users may not realize the negative effects of botnets on their networks and the Internet as a whole, others are already taking steps to protect themselves by implementing end-user free will policies on their own networks. The debate surrounding this issue highlights the need for a balanced approach that takes into account both the needs of companies like Microsoft and the rights of individual property owners.