Microsoft to push automatic Windows 10 upgrades in 2016

Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will be automatically rolled out next year to all users of its older operating systems who have selected to receive updates.

Until now, users of Windows 7 and 8 have needed to register to upgrade to Windows 10. But that's about to change: soon the OS will be listed as an 'Optional Update' and -- from 2016 -- a 'recommended' update that will automatically install itself, if users have opted to receive updates in that way.

You can opt out of automatic updates to avoid this, but Microsoft says that "we strongly discourage this in today’s connected world because of the constant risk of internet threats". You can also change your Windows Update settings to install critical updates but not recommended ones. Although it's still going to be possible to avoid installation, Microsoft seems quite determined for everyone to be using Windows 10 in near future.

The roll-out of reserved updates was initially staggered but, according to Microsoft, now Windows "will automatically kick off the upgrade process once you have made a reservation".

As an intermediate stage, Microsoft says that it will "soon" publish Windows 10 as an optional update, not installed by default, but accessible to all users.

The company will also shortly update its Windows 10 Media Creation Tool so that the same media image can be used to upgrade any PC, whether it's running Windows 32-bit or 64-bit, Home or Professional.  Microsoft writes that "you can use this media to upgrade any number of Genuine PCs, and even do clean installs wherever you have a Windows license".

Microsoft is also obviously keen to get users of pirated "non-genuine" copies of Windows 7 and 8.1 into its legitimate customer base, saying that, starting with those in the United States, "we’ll offer a one-click opportunity to get Genuine via the Windows Store or by entering an activation code purchased elsewhere. If this turns into a path for most customers to get Genuine, we will expand the experiment".