Microsoft forced to back off tricky Win10 upgrade prompts

Microsoft has been forced to change the red "x" notification on its Windows 10 upgrade prompts after users reacted angrily to the misleading button.

Microsoft dispensed with the historical function of the red "x" in the upgrade prompts to instead use it as authorisation for the upgrade process; clicking the button meant users gave their consent for the upgrade to take place.

But backlash from users over the perceived trickery has pushed Microsoft to pledge to modify the button back to its original function.

Now, clicking the "x" will dismiss the upgrade prompt and won't initiate the Windows 10 download, Microsoft Windows and devices chief Terry Myerson said in a statement.

"Since we introduced a new upgrade experience for Windows 10, we've received feedback that some of our valued customers found it confusing," Myerson said.

"We've been working hard to incorporate their feedback and this week, we'll roll out a new upgrade experience with clear options to upgrade now, schedule a time, or decline the free offer."

Microsoft started pre-scheduling the Windows 10 upgrade for Windows 7 and 8.1 users in March. Upgrade prompts since then have notified users that the upgrade had commenced and provided them with a countdown.

Prior to the March change, clicking the "x" on an upgrade notification box had dismissed the notice and declined the upgrade.

Users reacted angrily to what they saw as an attempt to get them to authorise the move to Windows 10 when they had no intention of upgrading.

Microsoft this week was forced to pay US$10,000 to a real estate agent who sued the company after her PC was upgraded without her knowledge and caused significant problems with her device.

Windows 10 upgrades are available for free until July 29, one year after its official release.