It was only yesterday when Microsoft MVP Patrick Barker discovered a piece of software from Samsung installed on a colleague's laptop. This file seemingly prevents Windows Update from automatically checking for and downloading updates, forcing consumers to use Samsung's own update software instead. As noted above, Samsung has denied this is the case.
Here's the response from Samsung Ireland:
"It is not true that we are blocking a Windows 8.1 operating system update on our computers. 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. We take product security very seriously and we encourage any Samsung customer with product questions or concerns to contact us directly on lo-call 0818 717 100."
It's an expected response from Samsung. That said, we're not entirely sure what to make of a piece of software titled "Disable_Windowsupdate.exe" if it doesn't actually disable the Windows Update feature. Perhaps they should named the file "Does_Not_Disable_Windowsupdate.exe"? Unfortunately for the company, a rep confirmed the the report yesterday, stating that Samsung's software can and will prevent Windows Update from installing updates.
While somewhat good intentions may have played their part (as to not have Samsung laptops affected by updates that break the company's own bloatware), it's still a serious issue, especially given the fact that consumers aren't alerted to the updater tool blocking Windows Update. If you're rocking a Samsung laptop, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Simply uninstall the Samsung SW Updater tool and you're good to go.
Source: Ireland's Technology Blog
