Windows 10 updates to get less pushy as free download period draws to an end

Microsoft really wants Windows users to make the jump to Windows 10, to the point where certain tactics used to push the upgrade have been compared to malware. Users who haven't upgraded to Windows 10 yet (and who haven't blocked the update) will soon begin seeing a new prompt with clearer options, allowing them to decline the upgrade entirely. Clicking the red "X" on the upgrade dialogue will no longer be taken as consent either.

"Since we introduced a new upgrade experience for Windows 10, we've received feedback that some of our valued customers found it confusing," Windows chief Terry Myerson, told The Verge. "We've been working hard to incorporate their feedback and this week, we'll roll out a new upgrade experience with clear options to upgrade now, schedule a time, or decline the free offer."

The free upgrade to Windows 10 is available until July 29. After this point, Microsoft will charge AUD$179 for Windows 10 Home, and AUD$299 for Windows 10 Pro. Computers running Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 are eligible for the free upgrade.

The news follows a U.S. court case where Microsoft paid out USD$10,000 to Teri Goldstein – a small business owner – after Windows 10 installed itself – allegedly – without her consent. The upgrade failed, and in turn, prevented her PC from functioning properly. According to The Seattle Times, the USD$10,000 figure was compensation for lost wages and the cost of a new computer. Goldstein won the case, and while Microsoft was originally going to appeal the decision, it backtracked to "avoid the expense of further litigation".

Read more: How to stop the sneaky Windows 10 auto-upgrade for good