Samsung computers include a file called “Disable_Windowsupdate.exe” and it’s not a virus or malware, but it’s a nightmare for Windows. It has been reported by a researcher and Microsoft MVP that Windows PCs built by Samsung come loaded with a file that disables Windows update, and according to the company is designed to “help your Windows configuration settings”.
The bloatware was uncovered by Patrick while investigating why the Microsoft’s Windows Update was randomly being disabled.
According to Samsung the reason to leave users without updates was:
“When you enable Windows updates, it will install the Default Drivers for all the hardware no laptop which may or may not work. For example if there is USB 3.0 on laptop, the ports may not work with the installation of updates. So to prevent this, SW Update tool will prevent the Windows updates.”
However, anyone with a little of expertise on using software understands that Windows Update plays a bigger role. Not only the service delivers features and drivers, but it’s also responsible for bug fixes and critical security updates, which are essentials to the optimal functionality of the operating system, and soon will also be the delivery mechanism for everyone to upgrade to Windows 10.
The interesting part is that Samsung’s “Disable_Windowsupdate.exe” wasn’t permanently disabling the process, as users were able to start and stop the service manually, however the service will be disabled again at reboot.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen such manipulation of software, no so long ago Lenovo put at risk many users with the Superfish adware, which ended on a big scandal and making the company to act to remove the threat.
For years, we only needed to be careful on what we installed on our systems and on the internet to avoid getting our PCs infected with viruses, spyware, and malware. Today, it seems that we can’t even trust manufacturers anymore, as such here is a tip: If you get a new Windows PC, take the time to download the clean ISO file from Microsoft servers and do a clean install of the operating system.
Source BSOD Analysis via Neowin
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].