Apparently MS has started to force the 21H2 update for W10 (released in Nov 2021) onto PCs running version 20H2 (released 12 months earlier).
Apparently this is because they plan to stop supporting 20H2 on May 10th.
You can see what you are currently running, you press Windows Key+R, then type winver, then click OK.
What happens if you don’t let it happen, or don’t do it?
It just means that you will get no support, from MS, on your PC or laptop updates, after that date.
Why would someone not update as soon as any are released out of beta mode?
It’s not in M$'s interest to release updates that will harm PC’s, so I tend to update on a regular basis, especially as I use window’s defender across all of my PC’s
So do I, however I back it up with Bitdefender. I don’t trust MS products. Thinking of switching to Linux all the way round. MS has a bad habit of forcing you to update or lose support. That I could live with, however they tend to change layouts and features that are completely different than what users are used to. I think that computers and programs are beginning to become large cell phones in the hands of MS.IMHO
Oh dear! I seem to be running 21H1
Because I used to update Windows as soon as they were out of beta and found various settings, and even the occasional programme, would go wrong or disappear.
Consequently, I routinely ignore updates by pretending that I am on a metered connection outside the shortest possible period (0200 - 0800) so that they can’t download.
I agree. I find that Windows Defender works well and keep that updated.
However, I don’t like Windows’ dictatorial attitude and prefer to decide when, and if, to download any other updates.
This is something I have only ever experience once some years back (pre W8 days) with one update unable to fully download; this was rectified by a follow-up patch a few days later. Since then all has worked just fine … just luck of the draw I suppose 
Yeah, I’m on the 21H2 version also. I accept all the downloads but are not happy about sharing a product with microsoft after I’ve paid for it. I suppose they’ve got us by the short and curlies though haven’t they…
Watch this space, microsoft will insist that you have the vaccine before giving any support in the future…
I did warn you…(Shakes finger)
My bold!
Sorry to be very boring, but, when you install a Microsoft Product, on your machine, or buy a machine with it already on, you don’t own it. You are merely “leasing” it.
In using it, you are agreeing to do so under the terms and conditions of that lease.
One of those terms and conditions is that you agree to keep it up to date.
To be even more boring, if something horrible comes along, like ransomware, the owning company could bring out a preventative patch but, if you don’t update, you might be exposed.
A bit like Medical Antivax jabs, really!
But, maybe, more legally binding!
But you bought it knowing it to be powered by M$ software.
Not many read the small print!
Yet another problem with today’s rushed society and the lawyer’s bread & butter.
It seems that the only two options when buying a new computer are Crapple and Micro$oft.
I find it strange that no computer manufacturers offer their products with a third party OS (eg, Linux), or even without any OS installed.
Are Crapple any better? I don’t think so. There’s no competition in the market. Weren’t China launching their own OS? Or was it a different country?
The Chinese are still trying to compete:- 
Another Chinese computer operating system: Will the UOS succeed? - CGTN
Oh I couldn’t possibly buy a Chinese computer. I don’t understand all their squiggly letters.
I did read the smallprint Ted, and was quite aware that I had to accept downloads, so I do…
It doesn’t make it any less painful though…
I’m of the old school, if I buy something, its mine!
This really annoyed me with MS office. So there is something called open office which has older versions similar to word excel etc. It’s free
I bet all this is down to tax treatment :e.g :
I think that it’s more simple than that, AnnieS.
I’d go for protecting their name & image by, legally, preventing the software from being tampered with.
If you “owned” your package, you could, happily rewrite it, or add/subtract chunks, whilst any publicity, for so doing, might hurt the MS credibility.
Added to which, they can demand that the user keeps the leased package fully up to date, which the user wouldn’t have to do if he owned it.
It’s not just MS, actually, as most software is leased the same way.
The word “Free” is a bit misunderstood, in software terms, for example, Free antivirus packages are usually minimum packages without all of the features. Those using them are, to a degree, guinea pigs automatically feeding back the details of virii as they get hit. Once you ask for the full version you get a
another lease and pay for it.
That’s my opinion.
There might be exceptions.
what’s the financial incentive for them?
