On the established Patch Tuesday, the day when Microsoft releases improvements for its software , it also released several security and patch packages for Windows 7. This time, however, something was different.
About three years ago, Microsoft split its monthly Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 updates into two categories: a monthly collection of updates and fixes, and a package of security updates.
The difference this time around was the security. Specifically, this update came with a Compatibility Appraiser with the code KB2952664. This is designed to detect issues that could prevent Windows 7 from updating to Windows 10.
The downside to this compatibility estimator is that it may be used for future forced updates or for monitoring individual computers. Additionally, the term “ telemetry ” appears in some files and many believe it may be the beginning of spyware attacks .
The Compatibility Appraiser was offered again through Windows Update two years ago, which means that it is already installed on many computers.
The question that arises now is why Microsoft is completely unwilling to answer questions on the subject. On the other hand, the company's reluctance is explained by the fact that this week it has had to deal with zero-day attacks from hackers.
It must be admitted that Microsoft's announcements about updates have generally become better and at least more consistent in recent years, but there are still issues where the company's persistent silence causes resentment. This gives critics the right to conclude that there are other motives behind this attitude.
Now we have no choice but to wait for an official response from Microsoft regarding the Compatibility Appraiser, as the objections and questions do not seem to be diminishing.
