I received a call this morning in regards to a piece of software called GWX Config Manager attempting to access the Internet (Allow / Block). I personally hadn’t heard of this until today and thus thought it wise to apply some research on the matter.
To my absolute amazement it turns out that this is linked to a Microsoft Update (KB3035583) released 24/25th March 2015 (read more here https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3035583), which is actually a Windows 10 ad / downloader that will probably produce pop-up messages to end users about upgrading to Windows 10. Microsoft are not confirming or denying or saying too much about the truth behind KB3035583 update however, many anti-virus websites and other bloggers have stated that GWX aka. Get Windows X (10) will sit dormant until Microsoft feel they are ready to release the “FREE” upgrade later this year (Summer 2015) and when they do, this clever application will download and install it AUTOMATICALLY – (Yikes!!!)
Further investigations have shown that on many anti-virus providers websites reports show that some if not all of the following files are being blocked / quarantined as they are seen as malicious files or PuPs (Potentially unwanted Programs).
Config.xml
Gwxgc.exe
Gwx.exe
Gwxconfigmanager.exe
Gwxui.dll
Gwxux.exe
Gwxuxworker.exe
This in turn will produce error messages as the update will not been classified as being installed correctly and you might get repeated prompts to download and install it.
What is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is the next release of Microsoft’s Operating System (OS) and is designed to produce a better user experience for Desktop, Laptop and Tablet users with a bunch of other cool stuff, the plan is to release it later in the year (2015).
Microsoft will offer a direct “FREE” upgrade for qualified Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Phone devices as long as you upgrade in the first year. You can read more here http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/about.
What Does This Mean & What Should I Do?
Well that is up to you personally or your IT Administrator, IF this is all true and if you want to have Microsoft reminding you or your staff with banners and pop-ups about upgrading to Windows 10 and then automatically install it then let it be. However this WILL put a strain on your computer / network especially if you have several (or several 100) Windows devices. Also as we always advise as you have no idea what will happen to your computer(s) when they upgrade automatically (for example, will your software applications cease to work) our advice would be DON’T DO IT until you are happy that it won’t destroy your computer and worse still potentially loose your data.
for more help or advice about what to do about this issue you can contact support by emailing support@rlscomuters.co.uk.