Sorry to interrupt, but this is important ... or so says Microsoft Credit: Zoran Zeremski/Thinkstock Microsoft just released yet another Win10 upgrade nag system, disguised as a “Recommended” patch for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 systems. According to the KB 3173040 article, if you have Windows set to automatically install updates, and have the Windows Update “Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them” box checked, your machine will suddenly sprout a full-screen purple message that says: Sorry to interrupt, but this is important. Windows 10 free upgrade offer ends July 29. Microsoft recommends upgrading to Windows 10 — the most secure Windows ever built. The upgrade is free and you can easily roll-back to your current operating system within 31 days if you decide Windows 10 is not right for you. We’ll check for compatibility before starting the upgrade. Over 300 million people have upgraded. Upgrade your PC before the offer ends! Windows 7 and 8.1 customers are offered four choices: Upgrade now Remind me later Notify me three more times Do not notify me again Notably, there is no “X” in the upper right corner. There’s also no indication if any other combination of keys, clicks or swipes might simply tell the full-screen ad to buzz off. For all two of you who didn’t know that Microsoft wants you to upgrade to Windows 10, this should serve as a welcome reminder. The KB article says the full-page ad won’t appear if you have a “recent version” of the Get Windows 10 app installed, if your machine is known to be incompatible with Win10, or if you have previously rolled back from Win10 to your earlier operating system. Also, we’re promised that those of you who have run GWX Control Panel, Never10, or manually set the appropriate registry keys won’t see the ad. The download weighs in at a hefty 5.5 MB. No, I don’t make this stuff up. You have to wonder how many TV weather announcers, how many broadcasting game players, and how many unattended kiosks will suddenly find themselves festooned in Microsoft upgrade purple. I predict a field day in the mainstream press by tomorrow. There was a second patch released an hour ago, as well, KB 3163589. It’s for Win7 customers who aren’t using Win7 SP1, and for Win8 users who aren’t running Win 8.1. There’s no information about Windows 8.1 users who haven’t installed the Win 8.1 Update 1. Sorry to interrupt, but this is important. Related content opinion On a personal note... Woody Leonhard looks back a bit, looks ahead to retirement — and shares good news about who's picking up the Windows patching torch. By Woody Leonhard Nov 09, 2020 3 mins Small and Medium Business Computers Windows news analysis Get Microsoft's October patches installed — and seriously consider Win10 2004 Odd ancillary patches have their problems, but the mainstream October patches look pretty reliable. The big question: Is Win10 version 2004 up to your stability standards. I’m skeptical -- especially because it has few worthwhile improvements. By Woody Leonhard Oct 30, 2020 6 mins Small and Medium Business Microsoft Computers news analysis Microsoft Patch Alert: October 2020 The big news with this month’s patches – aside from the usual smorgasbord of strange errors – has more to do with the patches that are outside the regular cumulative update stream. Remarkably, we didn’t get any security fixes By Woody Leonhard Oct 22, 2020 189 mins Small and Medium Business Microsoft Office Microsoft news analysis With Patch Tuesday here, be sure Windows Update is paused With all the flotsam floating around, it’s easy to lose sight of Second Tuesdays. October’s arrives tomorrow and, with it, another round of Windows and Office patches. Take a minute to make sure you aren’t in the front lines, as eve By Woody Leonhard Oct 12, 2020 5 mins Small and Medium Business Microsoft Windows Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe