Sometime before 15/10/2024, a Windows update altered the internal setup of almost a dozen third-party programs, forcing them to auto-update without notice. I had specifically configured those programs not to update due to compatibility issues with my data and workflow. This issue occurred across all three of my computers, resulting in data loss and severe damage to my productivity.Some of the updated software was extremely difficult to roll back to previous versions, and the current versions proved incompatible with my data format and workflow. In several cases, the updates erased user configurations, leading to days of lost work. To make matters worse, some software continued updating even after I successfully reinstalled older, stable versions. It felt like opening Pandora’s box—once it was open, it couldn’t be closed again.For example, when Thunderbird updated to version 128, it destroyed all my account configurations and encountered compatibility issues with Mozbackup profiles. I tried reinstalling my trusty, lightweight Thunderbird 68, but it was futile—it kept being forcibly updated. Despite employing every conceivable method to block updates, Thunderbird persistently reverted to the bloated, sluggish, and buggy version 128. To add insult to injury, it also force-installed the intrusive Mozilla Maintenance Service, which force-updating not only Thunderbird but also Firefox, behaving like an infectious virus. In the end, I had no choice but to give it up.Microsoft pioneered the outrageous practice of "guessing" what users want and imposing their guess on the user. This method disregards decades of expertise, treating experienced users who know exactly what they need the same as someone opening the software for the first time. Microsoft’s attitude is clear: "It doesn’t matter what you want or how you plan to work. I will decide what you can or cannot do." And if this approach destroys months of your work? That’s your problem—after all, they’re Microsoft, and you’re just one user among millions.It is important to emphasize that this was not a bug. Windows is buggy—everyone knows that. But in this case, it was intentional. Microsoft deliberately included a command in their Windows update to ignore user settings and force third-party software to auto-update.I am 64 years old and have never liked Windows. However, after this outrageous damage, I’ve decided to invest my time—a very precious resource at my age—in learning Linux to handle any tasks that don’t absolutely require Windows. For anyone under 50, I strongly recommend learning Linux. It’s a worthwhile investment that will save you from the destruction of your work at the hands of Microsoft’s recklessness.
