Microsoft Pays Out $10,000 After Unwanted Windows 10 Update

There never seems to be a good time for an operating system update. Never. Even though their coercing little pop-ups may be annoying, spare a thought for Microsoft, who ended up forking out $10,000 because of one Californian's run-in with its Windows 10 update.

Teri Goldstein, a travel-agency business owner, told The Seattle Times that her work computer attempted to download the Windows 10 update without her authorization. Although she reportedly clicked the "X" on the pop-up, the update unwittingly downloaded. However, within a few days, the update failed and ended up crashing her computer.

As The Register points out, the notification box for the Windows 10 update is one of the few examples on the Windows operating system where closing the box with the "X" in the top right-hand corner actually confirms the download for you. Hardly what you would expect from a big red cross.

The Windows 10 support website states: “This notification means your Windows 10 upgrade will occur at the time indicated, unless you select either Upgrade now or 'Click here to change upgrade schedule or cancel scheduled upgrade.' If you click on OK or on the red 'X', you’re all set for the upgrade and there is nothing further to do.”

Although Microsoft insist the upgrade is totally optional, the Windows 10 update has previously come under fire for its pushiness, with reports saying the update was made “convoluted and difficult” for users to opt out of.

The Seattle Times explains that Microsoft have been pushing for the Windows 10 operating system in a bid to "stay relevant" in the ongoing war with super-trendy Apple and Google. It also helps guide more of their audience towards using the Bing search engine and other Microsoft-owned products.

But back to Teri Goldstein – the crashing of her computer meant she was unable to work. Even after she reached out to Microsoft support, her computer was unusable. Seeking compensation for her lost wages and a new computer, Goldstein took the tech-giants to court. After a long court case and an appeal on the part of Microsoft, they eventually agreed to pay a sum of $10,000.

Microsoft denied any wrongdoing on their behalf and insisted they only dropped the appeal to avoid further expenses.