[Update]Samsung laptops are blocking crucial Windows updates--Samsung Responds

[jos]

there's a problem with Samsung's update program: It forces laptops to ignore Microsoft's official Windows updates. Security researcher Patrick Barker explained in a blog post that Samsung laptops contain a piece of software called "Disable_Windowsupdate.exe."

The software, which blocks Windows updates, could leave Samsung laptops vulnerable to hackers. If a laptop doesn't run the most recent operating system, then hackers can exploit old flaws in software to install malicious programs. Even worse, Samsung silently downloads "Disable_Windowsupdate.exe" when you use a laptop, meaning that users likely don't know that they're not using the most recent operating system.

 

Samsung delivering the app via a non-secure protocol also means that if the server were to be compromised, it could allow an attacker to quietly install apps without you ever knowing about it.

 

In the meantime, if you’re a Samsung computer owner it’s worth checking for the presence of the tool at the below folder by opening a ‘run’ dialog (hit the Windows key + R) and paste in the below:

 

%ALLUSERPROFILE%\ProgramData\Samsung

 

 

http://thenextweb.com/insider/2015/06/24/samsung-computers-are-quietly-installing-an-app-that-disables-windows-update/

 

Update:

 

Samsung claimed that it was not blocking updates to Windows entirely, and framed the practice around the notion of choice. "As part of our commitment to consumer satisfaction, we are providing our users with the option to choose if and when they want to update the Windows software on their products," said the company in an official statement on the matter.

it "will be issuing a patch through the Samsung Software Update notification process to revert back to the recommended automatic Windows Update settings within a few days," essentially restoring the default function of Windows Update as recommended by Microsoft.

 

Source: http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/26/8854761/samsung-to-stop-disabling-windows-update-in-a-few-days

 

[Guest Kloaked]

Lol. Why is that even a thing with their laptops? Makes absolutely no sense to me.

[traceestarr]

Why would samsung even have a dedicated updating program in the first place? Seems a bit redundant. It would be best to use what's already IN the OS, not junk up people's computers with stupid bloatware. I would advise anybody getting an OEM manufactured computer/laptop to wipe it and reinstall windows, for a completely fresh installation without all the stupid shit.

[Bouzoo]

Honestly, does anyone here own a Samsung laptop? I don't know a person who knows a person who knows a person that is even considering buying one.

[mikeeginger]

This is just evil 

[GoodBytes]

I think this will become more popular with Windows 10.

As with Windows 10 it forces Windows updates, including drivers to be installed. If you install beta unsigned drivers, or you want to use older drivers because there is a performance issue with the new driver for some old game, or some driver causes sleep/wake up issues, BSOD issue, or whatever (they are many reasons why you want to use beta or older version of drivers), Windows 10 Update will force install those drivers, whether you like it or not.

All you can do, with Windows 10 Pro, is delay a the setup of currently available update (there is no fine control to pick what you want). That is all. And that delay is only for a few days (you don't pick), and once times up, it will force install it.

I did post a user feedback, but it is not getting many votes, I guess people have yet to realize the issue it will bring. I am experiencing this now under Windows 10.

https://windows.uservoice.com/forums/265757-windows-feature-suggestions/suggestions/8232813-hide-updates

Now is the time to vote.

I wonder if a community supported Windows Update replacer will be a thing.

[FakezZ]

I think this will become more popular with Windows 10.

As with Windows 10 it forces Windows updates, including drivers to be installed. If you install beta unsigned drivers, or you want to use older drivers because there is a performance issue with the new driver for some old game, or some driver causes sleep/wake up issues, BSOD issue, or whatever (they are many reasons why you want to use beta or older version of drivers), Windows 10 Update will force install those drivers, whether you like it or not.

All you can do, with Windows 10 Pro, is delay a the setup of currently available update (there is no fine control to pick what you want). That is all. And that delay is only for a few days (you don't pick), and once times up, it will force install it.

I did post a user feedback, but it is not getting many votes, I guess people have yet to realize the issue it will bring. I am experiencing this now under Windows 10.

https://windows.uservoice.com/forums/265757-windows-feature-suggestions/suggestions/8232813-hide-updates

Now is the time to vote.

I wonder if a community supported Windows Update replacer will be a thing.

All the sacrifices just to cater to the the uneducated users, that will make their system insecure even if it is fully updated because of the way they use it anyway...

[jbslayer]

Honestly, does anyone here own a Samsung laptop? I don't know a person who knows a person who knows a person that is even considering buying one.

I have one from 2012, but with linux installed on it  :lol:

[evilarceus]

Couldn't make it even more obvious? "Disable_Windowsupdate.exe"? Really Samsung?

[RH00D]

I think this will become more popular with Windows 10.

As with Windows 10 it forces Windows updates, including drivers to be installed. If you install beta unsigned drivers, or you want to use older drivers because there is a performance issue with the new driver for some old game, or some driver causes sleep/wake up issues, BSOD issue, or whatever (they are many reasons why you want to use beta or older version of drivers), Windows 10 Update will force install those drivers, whether you like it or not.

All you can do, with Windows 10 Pro, is delay a the setup of currently available update (there is no fine control to pick what you want). That is all. And that delay is only for a few days (you don't pick), and once times up, it will force install it.

I did post a user feedback, but it is not getting many votes, I guess people have yet to realize the issue it will bring. I am experiencing this now under Windows 10.

https://windows.uservoice.com/forums/265757-windows-feature-suggestions/suggestions/8232813-hide-updates

Now is the time to vote.

I wonder if a community supported Windows Update replacer will be a thing.

 

I thought the forcing of all updates was only for the Preview and they were going to disable that? I was under impression only Microsoft 1st-party updates are required, at least in final version?

[#Banana]

Welp, ill be taking a look at my Ativ Plus tonight. lol

[Dabombinable]

I think this will become more popular with Windows 10.

As with Windows 10 it forces Windows updates, including drivers to be installed. If you install beta unsigned drivers, or you want to use older drivers because there is a performance issue with the new driver for some old game, or some driver causes sleep/wake up issues, BSOD issue, or whatever (they are many reasons why you want to use beta or older version of drivers), Windows 10 Update will force install those drivers, whether you like it or not.

All you can do, with Windows 10 Pro, is delay a the setup of currently available update (there is no fine control to pick what you want). That is all. And that delay is only for a few days (you don't pick), and once times up, it will force install it.

I did post a user feedback, but it is not getting many votes, I guess people have yet to realize the issue it will bring. I am experiencing this now under Windows 10.

https://windows.uservoice.com/forums/265757-windows-feature-suggestions/suggestions/8232813-hide-updates

Now is the time to vote.

I wonder if a community supported Windows Update replacer will be a thing.

In some ways I'm just glad that I've already got the latest (and last drivers) for most of my hardware. Though I'll be extremely annoyed if the Nvidia drivers ever get automatically updated through Windows Update I'm having enough issues with the ones above 350 as it is.

[GoodBytes]

I thought the forcing of all updates was only for the Preview and they were going to disable that? I was under impression only Microsoft 1st-party updates are required, at least in final version?

Nope.

http://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-home-users-may-not-be-able-to-opt-out-of-automatic-updates

[GoodBytes]

In some ways I'm just glad that I've already got the latest (and last drivers) for most of my hardware. Though I'll be extremely annoyed if the Nvidia drivers ever get automatically updated through Windows Update I'm having enough issues with the ones above 350 as it is.

Well you'll be stuck getting it. The moment you'll install the older ones, Windows Update will force install the latest ones back.

I have no problem not being able to block/hide Windows updates. But Drivers too? That is silly.

[Fetzie]

I think this will become more popular with Windows 10.

As with Windows 10 it forces Windows updates, including drivers to be installed. If you install beta unsigned drivers, or you want to use older drivers because there is a performance issue with the new driver for some old game, or some driver causes sleep/wake up issues, BSOD issue, or whatever (they are many reasons why you want to use beta or older version of drivers), Windows 10 Update will force install those drivers, whether you like it or not.

All you can do, with Windows 10 Pro, is delay a the setup of currently available update (there is no fine control to pick what you want). That is all. And that delay is only for a few days (you don't pick), and once times up, it will force install it.

I did post a user feedback, but it is not getting many votes, I guess people have yet to realize the issue it will bring. I am experiencing this now under Windows 10.

https://windows.uservoice.com/forums/265757-windows-feature-suggestions/suggestions/8232813-hide-updates

Now is the time to vote.

I wonder if a community supported Windows Update replacer will be a thing.

 

Doesn't Microsoft only enforce OS updates (i.e. the stuff currently deployed via Windows Update)? Especially with the plethora of part-specific drivers (for example every motherboard manufacturer has something like 5 different NIC chips each with their own drivers on the Intel/Realtek/whatever website) forcing hardware driver updates just won't be feasible.

 

The site you linked to in http://linustechtips.com/main/topic/393023-samsung-laptops-are-blocking-crucial-windows-updates/#entry5307390only talks about OS updates, not drivers.

[Speedbird]

I feel like Samsung just hates their customers.

Reinstalling Windows is a process of taking the entire laptop apart because there's literally no way to enter the BIOS or even change the boot order by default in their Windows 8 laptops.

Not even through Windows 8's Advanced Restar menu?

[Dabombinable]

Well you'll be stuck getting it. The moment you'll install the older ones, Windows Update will force install the latest ones back.

I have no problem not being able to block/hide Windows updates. But Drivers too? That is silly.

Honestly if I end up having to pirate Windows 10 to not get the forced updates Windows 7 will be on my computer for a long time.

(The normal updates will affect me as I'm on 10/2 ADSL2, and my family more so as most of them are on Wireless, with one of them on pre-paid which cost $200 for 12GB (up from $180 for 12GB, though the price apparently plummeted to $140 for 16GB-which still is quite expensive) last year-and they normally have the 12GB last them the whole year as long as they keep an eye out for any Windows 7 updates that reset the preferences to automatic as only security updates are done to 'save' data ).

[dfsdfgfkjsefoiqzemnd]

Honestly, does anyone here own a Samsung laptop? I don't know a person who knows a person who knows a person that is even considering buying one.

I own a Samsung NP900X4D.  Quite pleased with it too, after upgrading the SSD it's perfect for my (work-related) use.

 

No issues with Windows update here, I'm running Mint

[Nowak]

My sister has an old Samsung, an NP-RF510 I think it was? It's way past due retirement, though, so she probably won't have to deal with this for long.

[FakezZ]

Honestly if I end up having to pirate Windows 10 to not get the forced updates Windows 7 will be on my computer for a long time.

(The normal updates will affect me as I'm on 10/2 ADSL2, and my family more so as most of them are on Wireless, with one of them on pre-paid which cost $200 for 12GB (up from $180 for 12GB, though the price apparently plummeted to $140 for 16GB-which still is quite expensive) last year-and they normally have the 12GB last them the whole year as long as they keep an eye out for any Windows 7 updates that reset the preferences to automatic as only security updates are done to 'save' data ).

Wow, 12 GB for the whole year!? This is fucking brutal...

[jos]

Samsung responds updated////

[shirokado]

Honestly, does anyone here own a Samsung laptop? I don't know a person who knows a person who knows a person that is even considering buying one.

Almost everyone in my Country owns a Samsung computer. Time to time you'll see different brands but Samsung computers are extremely common here. South Korea btw.

[Fetzie]

It doesn't matter if you are "merely delaying" the Windows Updates. People won't think to look for updates if they don't know they exist (and even if they do that, the likelihood of them actually installing the updates is low).

[GoldSrc]

Honestly, does anyone here own a Samsung laptop? I don't know a person who knows a person who knows a person that is even considering buying one.

My friend has one, I don't remember which one though..

[Bouzoo]

Almost everyone in my Country owns a Samsung computer. Time to time you'll see different brands but Samsung computers are extremely common here. South Korea btw.

I should've seen that coming yet I didn't.  :lol: