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<title>Microsoft's Software Is Malware
- GNU Project - Free Software Foundation</title>
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<a href="/"><img src="/graphics/icons/home.png" height="24"
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<h2>Microsoft's Software is Malware</h2>
(削除) <p><a href="/proprietary/proprietary.html">Other examples of proprietary
malware</a></p> (削除ここまで)
<div (削除) class="highlight-para">
<p>
<em>Malware</em> means (削除ここまで) (追記) class="infobox">
<hr class="full-width" />
<p>Nonfree (proprietary) (追記ここまで) software (削除) designed (削除ここまで) (追記) is very often malware (designed (追記ここまで) to (削除) function in ways that (削除ここまで)
mistreat (削除) or harm (削除ここまで) the (削除) user. (This does not include accidental errors.)
This page explains how Microsoft software is malware.
</p>
<p>
Malware and nonfree software are two different issues. The difference
between <a href="/philosophy/free-sw.html">free software</a> and
nonfree (削除ここまで) (追記) user). Nonfree (追記ここまで) software is (追記) controlled by its developers,
which puts them (追記ここまで) in
(削除) <a href="/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">
whether the users have control of the program or vice versa</a>. It's
not directly (削除ここまで) a (削除) question (削除ここまで) (追記) position (追記ここまで) of (削除) what (削除ここまで) (追記) power over (追記ここまで) the (削除) program <em>does</em> when it
runs. However, in practice nonfree software (削除ここまで) (追記) users; <a
href="/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">that (追記ここまで) is (削除) often malware,
because (削除ここまで) the (削除) developer's awareness (削除ここまで)
(追記) basic injustice</a>. The developers and manufacturers often exercise (追記ここまで)
that (追記) power to the detriment of (追記ここまで) the users (削除) would be powerless (削除ここまで) (追記) they ought (追記ここまで) to (削除) fix
any (削除ここまで) (追記) serve.</p>
<p>This typically takes the form of (追記ここまで) malicious (削除) functionalities tempts (削除ここまで) (追記) functionalities.</p>
<hr class="full-width" />
</div>
<div class="article">
<div class="important">
<p>If you know of an example that ought to be in this page but isn't
here, please write
to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><webmasters@gnu.org></a>
to inform us. Please include (追記ここまで) the (削除) developer (削除ここまで) (追記) URL of a trustworthy reference or two (追記ここまで)
to (削除) impose some.
</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) serve as specific substantiation.</p> (追記ここまで)
</div>
<div (削除) class="summary" style="margin-top: 2em">
<h3>Type of (削除ここまで) (追記) id="TOC" class="toc-inline">
<h3>Types of Microsoft (追記ここまで) malware</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="#back-doors">Back doors</a></li>
<!--<li><a href="#censorship">Censorship</a></li>-->
<li><a (追記) href="#drm">DRM</a></li>
<li><a (追記ここまで) href="#insecurity">Insecurity</a></li>
<li><a (追記) href="#interference">Interference</a></li>
<li><a href="#jails">Jails</a></li>
<li><a (追記ここまで) href="#sabotage">Sabotage</a></li>
<li><a (削除) href="#interference">Interference</a></li> (削除ここまで) (追記) href="#subscriptions">Subscriptions</a></li> (追記ここまで)
<li><a href="#surveillance">Surveillance</a></li>
<li><a (削除) href="#drm">Digital restrictions
management</a> or “DRM” means functionalities designed
to restrict what users can do with the data in their computers.</li>
<li><a href="#jails">Jails</a>—systems
that impose censorship on application programs.</li> (削除ここまで) (追記) href="#tethers">Tethers</a></li> (追記ここまで)
<li><a (削除) href="#tyrants">Tyrants</a>—systems
that reject any operating system not “authorized” by the
manufacturer.</li> (削除ここまで) (追記) href="#tyrants">Tyrants</a></li> (追記ここまで)
</ul>
</div>
<h3 (削除) id="back-doors">Microsoft Back (削除ここまで) (追記) id="back-doors">Back (追記ここまで) Doors</h3>
(削除) <ul>
<li><p><a href="https://theintercept.com/2015/12/28/recently-bought-a-windows-computer-microsoft-probably-has-your-encryption-key/">
Microsoft has already backdoored its disk encryption</a>.</p></li>
<li><p>Microsoft (削除ここまで)
(追記) <ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201608171">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p id="windows-update">Microsoft (追記ここまで)
Windows has a universal back door through which <a (削除) href="http://www.informationweek.com/microsoft-updates-windows-without-user-permission-apologizes/d/d-id/1059183"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.informationweek.com/government/microsoft-updates-windows-without-user-permission-apologizes"> (追記ここまで)
any change whatsoever can be imposed on the users</a>.</p>
(削除) <p>More information on when <a href="http://slated.org/windows_by_stealth_the_updates_you_dont_want">
this (削除ここまで)
(追記) <p>This (追記ここまで) was (削除) used</a>.</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) <a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200219180230/http://slated.org/windows_by_stealth_the_updates_you_dont_want">
reported in 2007</a> for XP and Vista, and it seems
that Microsoft used the same method to push the <a
href="/proprietary/malware-microsoft.html#windows10-forcing">
Windows 10 downgrade</a> to computers running Windows 7 and 8.</p> (追記ここまで)
<p>In Windows 10, the universal back door
is no longer hidden; all “upgrades” will be <a (削除) href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/07/windows-10-updates-to-be-automatic-and-mandatory-for-home-users/">forcibly (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/07/windows-10-updates-to-be-automatic-and-mandatory-for-home-users/">
forcibly (追記ここまで) and immediately (削除) imposed</a>.</p></li>
<li><p><a href="http://www.computerworld.com/article/2500036/desktop-apps/microsoft--we-can-remotely-delete-windows-8-apps.html"> (削除ここまで) (追記) imposed</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201512280">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-12</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has <a
href="https://theintercept.com/2015/12/28/recently-bought-a-windows-computer-microsoft-probably-has-your-encryption-key/">
backdoored its disk encryption</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201308230">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>The German government <a
href="https://www.theregister.com/2013/08/23/nsa_germany_windows_8/">veers
away from (追記ここまで) Windows 8 (追記) computers with TPM 2.0</a> (<a
href="https://www.zeit.de/digital/datenschutz/2013-08/trusted-computing-microsoft-windows-8-nsa">original
article in German</a>), due to potential back
door capabilities of the TPM 2.0 chip.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201307300">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Here is a suspicion that
we can't prove, but is worth thinking about: <a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150206003913/http://www.afr.com/p/technology/intel_chips_could_be_nsa_key_to_ymrhS1HS1633gCWKt5tFtI">
Writable microcode for Intel and AMD microprocessors</a> may be a
vehicle for the NSA to invade computers, with the help of Microsoft,
say respected security experts.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201112080.1">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2011-12</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Windows 8 (追記ここまで) also has a back door for (追記) <a
href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/2732767/microsoft--we-can-remotely-delete-windows-8-apps.html"> (追記ここまで)
remotely deleting apps</a>.</p>
<p>You might well decide to let a security service that you trust
remotely <em>deactivate</em> programs that it considers malicious.
But there is no excuse for <em>deleting</em> the programs, and you
should have the right to decide (削除) who (削除ここまで) (追記) whom (追記ここまで) (if anyone) to trust in this (削除) way.</p></li>
<li><p>German government <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160310201616/http://drleonardcoldwell.com/2013/08/23/leaked-german-government-warns-key-entities-not-to-use-windows-8-linked-to-nsa/">veers
away from Windows 8 computers with TPM 2.0 due (削除ここまで)
(追記) way.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="drm">DRM</h3>
<p>Digital restrictions management, or “DRM,” refers (追記ここまで) to (削除) potential back
door capabilities of (削除ここまで)
(追記) functionalities designed to restrict what users can do with (追記ここまで) the (削除) TPM 2.0 chip</a>.</p>
</li> (削除ここまで) (追記) data
in their computers.</p>
<ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. --> (追記ここまで)
<li (削除) id="windows7-back-door"><p>Users reported (削除ここまで) (追記) id="M201904040">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Ebooks “bought” from Microsoft's store check (追記ここまで) that (削除) <a
href="http://www.networkworld.com/article/2993490/windows/windows-10-upgrades-reportedly-appearing-as-mandatory-for-some-users.html#tk.rss_all"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) their DRM is valid by connecting to the store every time their
“owner” wants to read them. (追記ここまで) Microsoft (削除) was forcing them (削除ここまで) (追記) is going (追記ここまで) to (削除) replace Windows 7 and 8 with all-spying
Windows 10</a>.</p>
<p>Microsoft was in fact (削除ここまで) (追記) close
this store, (追記ここまで) <a
(削除) href="http://www.computerworld.com/article/3012278/microsoft-windows/microsoft-sets-stage-for-massive-windows-10-upgrade-strategy.html">
attacking computers (削除ここまで) (追記) href="https://www.bbc.com/news/technology-47810367">
bricking all DRM'ed ebooks it has ever “sold”</a>. (The
article additionally highlights the pitfalls of DRM.)</p>
<p>This is another proof (追記ここまで) that (削除) run Windows 7 and 8</a>, switching on (削除ここまで) a (削除) flag
that (削除ここまで) (追記) DRM-encumbered product doesn't belong
to the person who bought it. Microsoft (追記ここまで) said (削除) whether (削除ここまで) (追記) it will refund customers,
but this is no excuse for selling them restricted books.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M200708130.1">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2007-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2007/08/aacs-tentacles/">DRM
in Windows</a>, introduced (追記ここまで) to (削除) “upgrade” (削除ここまで) (追記) cater (追記ここまで) to (削除) Windows 10 when users
had turned it off.</p>
<p>Later on, Microsoft published instructions on (削除ここまで) <a
(削除) href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2016/01/microsoft-finally-has-a-proper-way-to-opt-out-of-windows-78-to-windows-10-upgrades/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="/proprietary/proprietary-drm.html#bluray">Blu-ray</a> disks.
(The article talks about (追記ここまで) how (削除) to permanently reject (削除ここまで) the (削除) downgrade to Windows 10</a>.</p>
<p>This seems to involve use of a back door (削除ここまで) (追記) same malware would later be
introduced (追記ここまで) in (削除) Windows 7 and 8.</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) MacOS. That had not been done at the time, but it was
done subsequently.)</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
</ul>
<h3 (削除) id="insecurity">Microsoft Insecurity</h3> (削除ここまで) (追記) id="insecurity">Insecurity</h3> (追記ここまで)
<p>These bugs are/were not intentional, so unlike the rest of the file
they do not count as malware. We mention them to refute the
supposition that prestigious proprietary software doesn't have grave
bugs.</p>
(削除) <ul>
<li> (削除ここまで)
(追記) <ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202411220">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-11</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Windows Recall is a feature of Microsoft's Copilot tool that
comes preinstalled on AI-specialized computers. <a
href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/feature/Privacy-and-security-risks-surrounding-Microsoft-Recall">
Recall records everything users do on their computer</a> and allows
them to search the recordings, but it has numerous security flaws and
poses a risk to privacy. As Recall cannot be completely uninstalled,
disabling it doesn't eliminate the risk because it can be reactivated
by malware or misconfiguration.</p>
<p>Microsoft says that <a
href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy-and-control-over-your-recall-experience-d404f672-7647-41e5-886c-a3c59680af15">
Recall will not take screenshots of digitally restricted
media</a>. Meanwhile, it stores sensitive user information such as
passwords and bank account numbers, showing that whereas Microsoft
worries somewhat about corporate interests, it couldn't care less
about user privacy.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202408140">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/zero-click-windows-tcp-ip-rce-impacts-all-systems-with-ipv6-enabled-patch-now/">
A critical vulnerability in Windows systems
that support IPv6</a> was discovered in 2024, <a
href="https://msrc.microsoft.com/update-guide/vulnerability/CVE-2024-38063">
16 years after the first affected system</a> was released. Unless
the relevant patch is applied, an attacker can remotely execute
arbitrary code on these systems. Microsoft considers exploits
“likely.”</p>
<p>The same sort of vulnerability in a free/libre operating system
would probably be discovered sooner, since many more people would be
able to look at the source code.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202210140">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2022-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/microsoft-office-365-email-encryption-could-expose-message-content/">
The Microsoft Office encryption is weak</a>, and susceptible to
attack.</p>
<p>Encryption is a tricky field, and easy to mess up. It is wise
to insist on encryption software that is (1) free software and (2)
studied by experts.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202202090">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2022-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>A security failure in Microsoft's Windows is <a
href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/fake-windows-11-upgrade-installers-infect-you-with-redline-malware/">infecting
people's computers with RedLine stealer malware</a> using a fake
Windows 11 upgrade installer.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202107090">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>A newly found Microsoft Windows vulnerability <a
href="https://edition.cnn.com/2021/07/08/tech/microsoft-windows-10-printnightmare/">
can allow crackers to remotely gain access to the operating system</a>
and install programs, view and delete data, or even create new user
accounts with full user rights.</p>
<p>The security research firm accidentally leaked instructions on
how the flaw could be exploited but Windows users should still wait
for Microsoft to fix the flaw, if they fix it.</p>
<p><small>Please note that the article
wrongly refers to crackers as “<a
href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Hacker">hackers</a>”.</small></p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202103050">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>At least 30 thousand organizations
in the United States are newly “<a
href="/philosophy/words-to-avoid.html#Hacker">cracked</a>” via <a
href="https://krebsonsecurity.com/2021/03/at-least-30000-u-s-organizations-newly-hacked-via-holes-in-microsofts-email-software/">holes
in Microsoft's proprietary email software, named Microsoft 365</a>. It
is unclear whether there are other holes and vulnerabilities in the
program or not but history and experience tells us it wouldn't be
the last disaster with proprietary programs.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202102110">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Researchers at the security firm SentinelOne discovered a <a
href="https://www.wired.com/story/windows-defender-vulnerability-twelve-years/">security
flaw in proprietary program Microsoft Windows Defender that lurked
undetected for 12 years</a>. If the program was free (as in freedom),
more people would have had a chance to notice the problem, therefore,
it could've been fixed a lot sooner.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202004270">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>The proprietary program Microsoft Teams' insecurity <a
href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2020/04/27/your-whole-companys-microsoft-teams-data-couldve-been-stolen-with-an-evil-gif/">could
have let a malicious GIF steal user data from Microsoft Teams
accounts</a>, possibly across an entire company, and taken control
of “an organization's entire roster of Teams accounts.”</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201705120">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-05</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> (追記ここまで)
<p>Exploits of bugs in Windows, which were developed by the NSA
and then leaked by the Shadowbrokers group, are now being used to <a
href="https://theintercept.com/2017/05/12/the-nsas-lost-digital-weapon-is-helping-hijack-computers-around-the-world/">attack
a great number of Windows computers with (削除) ransomware</a>.
</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) ransomware</a>.</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
(削除) <li><p>A (削除ここまで)
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201608020">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>A (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="http://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-attack-can-steal-your-username-password-and-other-logins/">flaw (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-attack-can-steal-your-username-password-and-other-logins/">flaw (追記ここまで)
in Internet Explorer and Edge</a> allows an attacker to retrieve
Microsoft account credentials, if the user is tricked into visiting
a malicious link.</p>
</li>
(削除) <li> (削除ここまで)
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201312040">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-12</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> (追記ここまで)
<p><a (削除) href="http://arstechnica.com/security/2013/12/credit-card-fraud-comes-of-age-with-first-known-point-of-sale-botnet/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/12/credit-card-fraud-comes-of-age-with-first-known-point-of-sale-botnet/"> (追記ここまで)
Point-of-sale terminals running Windows were taken (削除) over (削除ここまで) (追記) over</a> (追記ここまで) and
turned into a botnet for the purpose of collecting customers' credit
card
(削除) numbers</a>.
</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) numbers.</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
</ul>
<h3 (削除) id="sabotage">Microsoft Sabotage</h3>
<p>The wrongs in this (削除ここまで) (追記) id="interference">Interference</h3>
<p>This (追記ここまで) section (追記) gives examples of Microsoft software harassing or annoying
the user, or causing trouble for the user. These actions (追記ここまで) are (追記) like
sabotage but the word “sabotage” is too strong for them.</p>
<ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do (追記ここまで) not (削除) precisely malware, since they do (削除ここまで) (追記) edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202505101">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2025-05</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>With Windows 10 soon reaching
obsolescence, users whose computer is (追記ここまで) not (削除) involve making (削除ここまで) (追記) modern enough are <a
href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/cant-upgrade-your-windows-10-pc-you-have-2-weeks-to-act-and-5-options/">
facing unjust choices</a>, such as paying for updates or buying
a new computer. But their best option is to replace Windows with
a <a href="/distros/free-distros.html">free operating system</a>,
and enjoy (追記ここまで) the (削除) program (削除ここまで) (追記) freedom and justice it brings them.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202404260">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has started to <a
href="https://www.cnet.com/tech/who-wants-ads-in-their-windows-11-start-menu-heres-how-to-turn-them-off/">
show ads in the “Recommended” section of the
Windows 11 Start menu</a>. Previously, this section only included
recently used documents and images. Now it also contains the icons
of apps Microsoft wants to advertise, in the hope (追記ここまで) that (削除) runs (削除ここまで) (追記) the user will
click on one of them, and buy the app. So far, the user can disable
the ads, but this doesn't make them more legitimate.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit (追記ここまで) in (追記) malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202403150">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/15/24101887/microsoft-bing-popups-windows-11-google-chrome">
Microsoft is using malware tactics to get users to switch to
their web browser</a>, Microsoft Edge, and their search engine, Microsoft
Bing. When users launch the Google Chrome browser Microsoft injects (追記ここまで)
a (削除) way that hurts (削除ここまで) (追記) pop up advertisement in (追記ここまで) the (削除) user.
But (削除ここまで) (追記) corner of the screen advising users to
switch to Bing. Microsoft also imported users Chrome browsing data
without their knowledge or consent.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202311101">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-11</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has been annoying people who wanted to
close the proprietary program OneDrive on their computers, <a
href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/11/8/23952878/microsoft-onedrive-windows-close-app-notification">
forcing them to give the reason why (追記ここまで) they (削除) are (削除ここまで) (追記) were closing it</a>. This
prompt was removed after public pressure.</p>
<p>This is (追記ここまで) a (削除) lot like (削除ここまで) (追記) reminder that angry users still have the power to make
developers of proprietary software remove small annoyances. Don't
count on public outcry to make them remove more profitable (追記ここまで) malware, (削除) since they are technical (削除ここまで)
(追記) though. Run away from proprietary software!</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202302140">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is <a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/feb/14/microsoft-to-phase-out-internet-explorer-with-new-edge-browser">
remotely disabling Internet Explorer, forcibly redirecting users to (追記ここまで)
Microsoft
(削除) actions (削除ここまで) (追記) Edge</a>.</p>
<p>Imposing such change is malicious, and the fact (追記ここまで) that (削除) harm to (削除ここまで) the (追記) redirection
is from one unjust program (IE) to another unjust program (Edge)
does not excuse it.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202108180">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is making it harder and harder to <a
href="https://www.theverge.com/22630319/microsoft-windows-11-default-browser-changes">replace
default apps in its Windows</a> operating system and is pressuring (追記ここまで)
users (追記) to use its proprietary programs instead. We believe the
best approach to this would be replacing Windows with a free
(as in freedom) operating system like GNU. We also maintain a <a
href="/distros/free-distros.html">list (追記ここまで) of (削除) specific Microsoft software.</p>
<ul>
<li><p> Microsoft (削除ここまで) (追記) fully free distributions
of GNU</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202102180">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2021-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/04/new-processors-are-now-blocked-from-receiving-updates-on-old-windows/">
has dropped support for (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://uk.pcmag.com/operating-systems/131798/microsoft-starts-automatically-removing-flash-from-windows">forcibly
removing the Flash player from computers running (追記ここまで) Windows (削除) 7 and 8 on recent processors</a> (削除ここまで) (追記) 10</a>, using
<a href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html#windows-update">a
universal backdoor (追記ここまで) in (削除) a big hurry.</p>
<p>It makes (削除ここまで) (追記) Windows</a>.</p>
<p>The fact that Flash has been <a
href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html#M202012020">disabled
by Adobe</a> is (追記ここまで) no (削除) difference what legitimate reasons Microsoft might
have (削除ここまで) (追記) excuse (追記ここまで) for (追記) this abuse of power. The nature of
proprietary software, such as Microsoft Windows, gives the developers
power to impose their decisions on users. Free software on the other
hand empowers users to make their own decisions.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do (追記ここまで) not (削除) doing work (削除ここまで) (追記) edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202010180">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is <a
href="https://www.slashgear.com/windows-10-users-are-grumpy-over-forced-updates-and-unwanted-apps-18643135/">forcing
Windows users</a> (追記ここまで) to (削除) support them. If (削除ここまで) (追記) <a
href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/manage-updates-in-windows-643e9ea7-3cf6-7da6-a25c-95d4f7f099fe">install
upgrades (追記ここまで) it (削除) doesn't want to (削除ここまで) (追記) pushes</a> using <a
href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html#windows-update">its
universal back doors</a>. These upgrades can (追記ここまで) do (削除) this work, it should let (削除ここまで) (追記) various harms to
users such as restricting computers from some functions and/or forcing (追記ここまで)
users (追記) to defenselessly (追記ここまで) do (削除) the work.</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) whatever Microsoft tells them to do.</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
(削除) <li>
<p>Microsoft has made (削除ここまで)
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201809120">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-09</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>One version of (追記ここまで) Windows (削除) 7 and 8 cease to function on certain
new computers, (削除ここまで) (追記) 10 (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4012982/discusses-an-issue-in-which-you-receive-a-your-pc-uses-a-processor-tha">effectively
forcing their owners (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.ghacks.net/2018/09/12/microsoft-intercepting-firefox-chrome-installation-on-windows-10/">
harangues users if they try (追記ここまで) to (削除) switch (削除ここまで) (追記) install Firefox (or Chrome)</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201803190">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2018-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is planning (追記ここまで) to (追記) make (追記ここまで) Windows (削除) 10</a>.</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) <a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/mar/19/windows-10-microsoft-force-people-edge-browser-windows-mail-chrome-firefox">
impose use of its browser, Edge, in certain circumstances</a>.</p>
<p>The reason Microsoft can force things on users is that Windows
is nonfree.</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
(削除) <li><p>Once (削除ここまで)
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201703170">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Windows displays <a
href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/3/17/14956540/microsoft-windows-10-ads-taskbar-file-explorer">
intrusive ads for Microsoft products and its partners'
products</a>.</p>
<p>The article's author starts from the premise that (追記ここまで) Microsoft has (削除) tricked (削除ここまで)
a (削除) user into accepting installation (削除ここまで) (追記) right to control what Windows does to users, as long as it doesn't
go “too far”. We disagree.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201612140">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-12</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>The Microsoft Telemetry Compatibility service <a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240606174511/https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/microsoft-telemetry-compatibility/cefa7c8e-49c9-4965-aef6-2d5f01bb38f2">
drastically reduces the performances of machines running
Windows 10</a>, and can't be disabled easily.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201608170">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p> After <a href="/proprietary/malware-microsoft.html#windows10-forcing">forcing the download (追記ここまで) of Windows
(削除) 10, (削除ここまで) (追記) 10</a>
on computers that were running Windows 7 and 8, Microsoft (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/06/01/windows_10_nagware_no_way_out/">they
find (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/3012278/microsoft-sets-stage-for-massive-windows-10-upgrade-strategy.html">
repeatedly switched on a flag (追記ここまで) that (追記) urged users to
“upgrade” to Windows 10</a> when (追記ここまで) they (削除) are denied (削除ここまで) (追記) had turned
it off, in (追記ここまで) the (削除) option (削除ここまで) (追記) hope that some day they would fail (追記ここまで) to (削除) cancel or even postpone the
imposed date (削除ここまで) (追記) say no.
To do this, Microsoft used <a
href="https://www.theregister.com/2016/03/17/microsoft_windows_10_upgrade_gwx_vs_humanity/">
malware techniques</a>.</p>
<p>A detailed <a
href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/08/windows-10-microsoft-blatantly-disregards-user-choice-and-privacy-deep-dive">
analysis (追記ここまで) of (削除) installation</a>.
</p>
<p>This demonstrates what we've said for years: using proprietary
software means letting someone have power over you, and you're
going (削除ここまで) (追記) Microsoft's scheme</a> is available on the Electronic
Frontier Foundation's website.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201603090">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has made companies'
Windows machines managed by the company's sysadmins <a
href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/3042397/admins-beware-domain-attached-pcs-are-sprouting-get-windows-10-ads.html">harangue
users (追記ここまで) to (削除) get screwed sooner or later.</p></li>
<li><p>Microsoft (削除ここまで) (追記) complain to the sysadmins about not “upgrading”
to Windows 10</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201601160">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft (追記ここまで) has <a (削除) href="http://www.theverge.com/2016/1/16/10780876/microsoft-windows-support-policy-new-processors-skylake">desupported (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.theverge.com/2016/1/16/10780876/microsoft-windows-support-policy-new-processors-skylake">desupported (追記ここまで)
all future Intel CPUs for Windows 7 and 8</a>. Those
machines will be stuck with the nastier Windows 10. <a (削除) href="http://gizmodo.com/only-the-latest-version-of-windows-will-run-on-some-fut-1753545825"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://gizmodo.com/only-the-latest-version-of-windows-will-run-on-some-fut-1753545825"> (追記ここまで)
AMD and Qualcomm CPUs, (削除) too</a>.
</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) too</a>.</p> (追記ここまで)
<p>Of course, Windows 7 and 8 are unethical too, because they are
proprietary software. But this example of Microsoft's wielding its
power demonstrates the power it (削除) holds.
</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) holds.</p> (追記ここまで)
<p>Free software developers also stop maintaining old versions of
their programs, but this is not unfair to users because the users of
free software have control over it. If it is important enough to you,
you and other users can hire someone to support the old version on
your future (削除) platforms.
</p></li>
<li><p>Microsoft
is (削除ここまで) (追記) platforms.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="sabotage">Sabotage</h3>
<p>The wrongs in this section are not precisely malware, since they do
not involve making the program that runs in a way that hurts the user.
But they are a lot like malware, since they are technical Microsoft
actions that harm the users of specific Microsoft software.</p>
<ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202412250">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-12</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Windows Defender (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="http://gizmodo.com/woman-wins-10-000-from-microsoft-after-unwanted-window-1782666146">
forcibly pushing Windows
update (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/4063892/windows-defender-deleted-my-download-without-permi">
deletes downloaded files that it considers malware</a> as soon as
they are saved (追記ここまで) to (削除) its version 10</a>, ignoring (削除ここまで) (追記) disk, without requesting permission to do so. Many
angry users have complained about this unacceptable behavior over (追記ここまで) the (削除) flag on (削除ここまで)
(追記) last few years, and even suggested fixes, but Microsoft has ignored
them. It is high time for (追記ここまで) Windows (削除) 7 or 8
that you could set (削除ここまで) (追記) users (追記ここまで) to (追記) escape Microsoft's tyranny
by migrating to a free/libre system.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do (追記ここまで) not (削除) upgrade. This reaffirms (削除ここまで) (追記) edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201904041">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has been <a
href="https://borncity.com/win/2019/01/17/windows-10-update-kb4023057-re-released-1-16-2019/">
force-installing a “remediation”
program</a> on computers running certain
versions of Windows 10. Remediation, in Microsoft's view, means <a
href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb4023057-update-health-tools-windows-update-service-components-fccad0ca-dc10-2e46-9ed1-7e392450fb3a">
tampering with users' settings and files</a>, notably to
“repair” any components of (追記ここまで) the (削除) presence (削除ここまで) (追記) updating system that users
may have intentionally disabled, and thus regain full power over
them. Microsoft repeatedly pushed faulty versions of this program to
users' machines, causing numerous problems, some (追記ここまで) of (追記) which <a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240223182933/https://www.windowsmode.com/microsoft-suspends-windows-10-october-2018-update-rollout-due-to-critical-bugs/">
critical</a>.</p>
<p>This exemplifies the arrogant and manipulative attitude
that proprietary software developers have learned to adopt
toward the people they are supposedly serving. Migrate to (追記ここまで) a <a (削除) href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html">universal
back door (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="/distros/free-distros.html">free operating system</a> if you
can!</p>
<p>If your employer makes you run Windows, tell the financial
department how this wastes your time dealing with endless connections
and premature hardware failures.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit (追記ここまで) in (削除) Windows</a> (削除ここまで) (追記) malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201704194">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft has made Windows (追記ここまで) 7
and (削除) 8.</p></li>
<li><p>Windows 10 “upgrades” (削除ここまで) (追記) 8 cease to function on certain new computers, (追記ここまで) <a
(削除) href="http://www.ghacks.net/2015/11/24/beware-latest-windows-10-update-may-remove-programs-automatically/">
delete applications</a> without asking permission.</p></li>
<li><p>
Microsoft is (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/troubleshoot/windows-client/installing-updates-features-roles/processor-not-supported-together-with-windows-version">effectively
forcing their owners to switch to Windows 10</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201704134">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/sep/11/microsoft-downloading-windows-1">
repeatedly nagging many (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2017/04/new-processors-are-now-blocked-from-receiving-updates-on-old-windows/">
has dropped support for Windows 7 and 8 on recent processors</a>
in a big hurry.</p>
<p>It makes no difference what legitimate reasons Microsoft might
have for not doing work to support them. If it doesn't want to do
this work, it should let (追記ここまで) users (追記) do the work.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201606270">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-06</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p id="windows10-forcing">In its efforts (追記ここまで) to (削除) install (削除ここまで) (追記) trick users of (追記ここまで) Windows (削除) 10</a>.
</p></li>
<li><p> (削除ここまで)
(追記) 7 and 8 into installing all-spying Windows 10 against their
will, (追記ここまで) Microsoft (追記) forced their computers to <a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/sep/11/microsoft-downloading-windows-1">
silently download… the whole of Windows 10</a>! Apparently,
this (追記ここまで) was (削除) for months (削除ここまで) (追記) done through a (追記ここまで) <a
(削除) href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/feb/02/microsoft-downloading-windows-10-automatic-update">
tricking users (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="/proprietary/proprietary-back-doors.html#windows-update">
universal back door</a>. Not only did the unwanted downloads <a
href="https://www.theregister.com/2016/06/03/windows_10_upgrade_satellite_link/">
jeopardize important operations in regions of the world with poor
connectivity</a>, but many of the people who let installation proceed
found out that this “upgrade” was in fact a <a
href="https://gizmodo.com/woman-wins-10-000-from-microsoft-after-unwanted-window-1782666146">
downgrade</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201606010">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-06</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Once Microsoft has tricked a user (追記ここまで)
into (削除) “upgrading” to (削除ここまで) (追記) accepting installation of (追記ここまで) Windows (削除) 10</a>, if (削除ここまで) (追記) 10, <a
href="https://www.theregister.com/2016/06/01/windows_10_nagware_no_way_out/">they
find that (追記ここまで) they
(削除) failed (削除ここまで) (追記) are denied the option (追記ここまで) to (削除) notice and say no.
</p></li>
<li><p><a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130622044225/http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2013/06/how-can-any-company-ever-trust-microsoft-again/index.htm">
Microsoft informs (削除ここまで) (追記) cancel or even postpone (追記ここまで) the (削除) NSA (削除ここまで)
(追記) imposed date (追記ここまで) of (削除) bugs (削除ここまで) (追記) installation</a>.</p>
<p>This demonstrates what we've said for years: using proprietary
software means letting someone have power over you, and you're going
to get screwed sooner or later.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit (追記ここまで) in (削除) Windows before fixing them.</a></p></li>
<li><p><a href="http://www.computerworlduk.com/blogs/open-enterprise/windows-xp-end-of-an-era-end-of-an-error-3569489/"> (削除ここまで) (追記) malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201601310">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>FTDI's proprietary driver
for its USB-to-serial chips has been designed to <a
href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2014/10/windows-update-drivers-bricking-usb-serial-chips-beloved-of-hardware-hackers/">sabotage
alternative compatible chips</a>
so that they no longer work. (追記ここまで) Microsoft (追記) is <a
href="https://it.slashdot.org/story/16/01/31/1720259/ftdi-driver-breaks-hardware-again">installing
this automatically</a> as an “upgrade”.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201511240">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-11</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Windows 10 “upgrades” <a
href="http://www.ghacks.net/2015/11/24/beware-latest-windows-10-update-may-remove-programs-automatically/">
delete applications</a> without asking permission.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201503260">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20191205010621/https://www.computerworld.com/article/3423768/windows-xp--end-of-an-era--end-of-an-error.html">Microsoft (追記ここまで)
cut off security fixes for Windows XP, except to some big users that
pay (削除) exorbitantly.</a></p> (削除ここまで) (追記) exorbitantly</a>.</p> (追記ここまで)
<p>Microsoft is going to <a (削除) href="http://www.computerworlduk.com/news/security/3605515/more-than-half-of-all-ie-users-face-patch-axe-in-10-months/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://web.archive.org/web/20181030194725/https://www.computerworlduk.com/applications/more-than-half-of-all-ie-users-face-patch-axe-in-10-months-3605515/"> (追記ここまで)
cut off support for some Internet Explorer versions</a> in the same
way.</p>
<p>A person or company has the right to cease to work on a particular
program; the wrong here is Microsoft does this after having made the
users dependent on Microsoft, because they are not free to ask anyone
else to work on the program for (削除) them.</p></li> (削除ここまで) (追記) them.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201306220">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-06</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130622044225/http://blogs.computerworlduk.com/open-enterprise/2013/06/how-can-any-company-ever-trust-microsoft-again/index.htm">Microsoft
informs the NSA of bugs in Windows before fixing them</a>.</p>
</li> (追記ここまで)
</ul>
<h3 (削除) id="interference">Microsoft Interference</h3>
<p>Various proprietary programs often mess up (削除ここまで) (追記) id="subscriptions">Subscriptions</h3>
<ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201507150">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft Office forces users <a
href="https://www.computerworld.com/article/2948755/office-for-windows-10-will-require-office-365-subscription-on-pcs-larger-tablets.html">to
subscribe to Office 365 to be able to create/edit documents</a>.</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 id="surveillance">Surveillance</h3>
<ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202505190">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2025-05</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft Teams has been <a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/19/nsw-education-department-caught-unaware-after-microsoft-teams-began-collecting-students-biometric-data">
collecting voice and face data</a>
from students of an Australian school, to feed (追記ここまで) the (削除) user's system. They are like sabotage, but they (削除ここまで) (追記) CoPilot
chatbot. It took the school network administrators a
whole month to realize what was happening, and disable this
malfeature. It was obviously beyond their imagination that
Microsoft could have <a
href="https://learn.microsoft.com/microsoftteams/rooms/voice-and-face-recognition#admin-settings">
made biometric data collection the default</a> in Teams!</p>
<p>Let's hope legislators and regulatory agencies all over the world
will quickly put a stop to this sort of outrageous practice.</p>
<p>In any case people would be better off switching to a free-software
replacement such as Jitsi Meet for medium-size groups, or Big Blue
Button for larger ones. Many public instances (追記ここまで) are (追記) available, and
groups of users can also set up their own servers.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do (追記ここまで) not (削除) grave enough (削除ここまで) (追記) edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202503280">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2025-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is <a
href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/03/new-windows-11-build-makes-mandatory-microsoft-account-sign-in-even-more-mandatory/">
tightening the chains that force Windows useds (追記ここまで) to (削除) qualify
for (削除ここまで) (追記) sign into their
Microsoft account</a> [*], thus identifying themselves. We suspect this
is an intentional strategy to avoid inspiring a lot of resistance
all at once: leave openings to escape identification, then gradually
close them.</p>
<p>Enough is enough!</p>
<p>[*] <small>Why “useds”? Because running Windows is
not you using Windows; it is Windows using you.</small></p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202502230">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2025-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://proton.me/blog/outlook-is-microsofts-new-data-collection-service">
Outlook has become a “data collection and ad delivery
service”</a>. Since Outlook is now integrated with
Microsoft “cloud” services, and doesn't support
end-to-end encryption, (追記ここまで) the (削除) word “sabotage”. Nonetheless, they are nasty (削除ここまで) (追記) company has full access to users'
emails, contacts, (追記ここまで) and (削除) wrong. (削除ここまで) (追記) calendar events. Microsoft may also <a
href="https://www.cyberkendra.com/2023/11/new-outlook-update-raises-privacy.html">
retrieve credentials associated with any third-party services</a>
that are synchronized with Outlook. (追記ここまで) This (削除) section describes examples (削除ここまで) (追記) trove (追記ここまで) of (追記) personal data
enables Microsoft, as well as its commercial partners, to flood
users with targeted ads, and possibly to train “artificial
intelligences.” Even worse, this data is available to any
government that can force (追記ここまで) Microsoft (削除) committing
interference.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Windows displays (削除ここまで) (追記) to hand it over.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202407300">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2024-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>In its default configuration, Windows 11 now (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="http://www.theverge.com/2017/3/17/14956540/microsoft-windows-10-ads-taskbar-file-explorer">
intrusive ads (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-11-now-turns-on-onedrive-folder-backup-without-your-permission/">
uploads users' files and personal information to Microsoft's
“cloud”</a> without asking permission to do so. This is
presented as a convenient backup method, but if the allotted storage
capacity is exceeded, the user will need to buy more space, increasing
Microsoft's profit.</p>
<p>However, this small profit is probably not the company's major
reason (追記ここまで) for (追記) making cloud storage the default. Here is an excerpt
from the <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-US/servicesagreement">
Microsoft Services agreement</a> (Section 2b):</p>
<blockquote><p><i>To the extent necessary to provide the Services to
you and others, to protect you and the Services, and to improve (追記ここまで)
Microsoft products and (削除) its
partners' products</a>.</p>
<p>The article's author starts from (削除ここまで) (追記) services, you grant to Microsoft a worldwide
and royalty-free intellectual property license to use Your Content,
for example, to make copies of, retain, transmit, reformat,
display, and distribute via communication tools Your Content on (追記ここまで) the (削除) premise (削除ここまで)
(追記) Services.</i></p></blockquote>
<p>We strongly suspect (追記ここまで) that (削除) Microsoft
has (削除ここまで) (追記) the backed-up material is used to feed
Microsoft's greedy “AI.” In addition, it is most likely
analysed to better profile users in order to flood them with targeted
ads, thereby generating more profit.</p>
<p>Users, on the other hand, are at the mercy of any
entity that demands their data, let alone of any cracker
that breaks into Microsoft's servers. They <em>must</em>
escape from this sick environment, and install (追記ここまで) a (削除) right (削除ここまで) (追記) sane <a
href="https://www.gnu.org/distros/free-distros.html"> free/libre
system</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202306120">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-06</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Edge <a
href="https://www.neowin.net/news/edge-sends-images-you-view-online-to-microsoft-here-is-how-to-disable-that/">sends
the URLs of images the user views (追記ここまで) to (削除) control what Windows does (削除ここまで) (追記) Microsoft's servers</a> by
default, supposedly (追記ここまで) to (削除) users, (削除ここまで) (追記) “enhance” them. And these images
<a href="/proprietary/proprietary-surveillance.html#M201405140">may
end up on the NSA's servers</a>.</p>
<p>Microsoft claims its nonfree browser sends the URLs without
identifying you, which cannot be true, since at least your IP
address is known to the server if you don't take extra measures.
Either way, such enhancer service is unjust because any image editing
<a href="/philosophy/who-does-that-server-really-serve.html">should
be done on your own computer using installed free software</a>.</p>
<p>The article describes how to disable sending the URLs. That makes
a change for the better, but we suggest that you instead switch to a
freedom-respecting browser with additional privacy features such (追記ここまで) as (削除) long (削除ここまで)
(追記) <a href="/software/gnuzilla/">IceCat</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202302080">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>As soon (追記ここまで) as it
(削除) doesn't go “too far”. We disagree.</p></li>
<li><p>Microsoft inserts (削除ここまで) (追記) boots, and without asking any permission, (追記ここまで) <a
(削除) href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/mar/10/windows-10-users-complain-new-microsoft-subscription-onedrive-adverts">
annoying advertisements inside (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230212120649/https://www.techspot.com/news/97535-windows-11-spyware-machine-out-users-control.html">Windows
11 starts to send data to online servers</a>. The user's personal
details, location or hardware information are reported to Microsoft and
other companies to be used as telemetry data. All (追記ここまで) of (追記) this is done is (追記ここまで)
the (削除) File Explorer</a> to nag (削除ここまで) (追記) background, and (追記ここまで) users (追記) have no easy way (追記ここまで) to (削除) buy subscriptions (削除ここまで) (追記) prevent it—unless
they switch the computer offline.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202301190">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2023-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft <a
href="https://betanews.com/2023/01/19/microsoft-is-using-the-kb5021751-update-to-see-if-you-have-an-unsupported-version-of-office-installed/">
released an “update” that installs a surveillance
program</a> on users' computers to gather data on some installed
programs (追記ここまで) for (追記) Microsoft's benefit. The update is rolling out
automatically, and (追記ここまで) the (削除) OneDrive service.</p></li>
<li>In order (削除ここまで) (追記) program runs “one time silently.”</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202209220">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2022-09</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Windows 11 Home and Pro now <a
href="https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-11-specifications">
require internet connection and a Microsoft account</a> (追記ここまで) to (削除) increase (削除ここまで)
(追記) complete the installation. (追記ここまで) Windows (削除) 10's (削除ここまで) (追記) 11 Pro had an option to create
a local account instead, but the option has been removed. This
account can (and most certainly will) be used for surveillance
and privacy violations. Thankfully, a free software tool named <a
href="/gothub/pbatard/rufus/">Rufus</a> can bypass those
requirements, or help users (追記ここまで) install (削除) base, (削除ここまで) (追記) a <a href="/distros/distros.html">
free operating system</a> instead.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202011260">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-11</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft's Office 365 suite enables employers <a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/nov/26/microsoft-productivity-score-feature-criticised-workplace-surveillance">to
snoop on each employee</a>. After
a public outburst, (追記ここまで) Microsoft (追記) stated that (追記ここまで) <a
(削除) href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/08/windows-10-microsoft-blatantly-disregards-user-choice-and-privacy-deep-dive">
blatantly disregards user choice and privacy</a>. (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/dec/02/microsoft-apologises-productivity-score-critics-derided-workplace-surveillance">it
would remove this capability</a>. Let's hope so.</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
(削除) <li><p>Microsoft (削除ここまで)
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202010221">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is imposing its
surveillance on the game of Minecraft by <a
href="https://www.theverge.com/2020/10/22/21527647/minecraft-microsoft-account-mojang-java">requiring
every player to open an account on Microsoft's network</a>. Microsoft (追記ここまで)
has
(削除) started (削除ここまで) (追記) bought the game and will merge all accounts into its network,
which will give them access to people's data.</p>
<p>Minecraft players <a
href="https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Minetest">can play Minetest</a>
instead. The essential advantage of Minetest is that it is free
software, meaning it respects the user's computer freedom. As a bonus,
it offers more options.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202010210">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>As of 2019-2020, Minecraft players are (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/jul/04/microsoft-windows-10-full-screen-upgrade-notification-pop-up-reminder">nagging (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/java-edition-moving-house">being
forced to move to Microsoft servers</a>, which results in
privacy violation. Microsoft publishes a program so (追記ここまで) users (削除) obnoxiously (削除ここまで) (追記) can run
their own server, but the program is proprietary (追記ここまで) and (削除) repeatedly (削除ここまで) (追記) it's another <a
href="/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html">injustice (追記ここまで)
to (削除) install Windows 10</a>.</p></li>
<li><p>Microsoft (削除ここまで) (追記) users</a>.</p>
<p>People can play (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="http://news.softpedia.com/news/windows-10-upgrade-reportedly-starting-automatically-on-windows-7-pcs-501651.shtml">is
tricking
users</a> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://directory.fsf.org/wiki/Minetest">Minetest</a>
instead. Minetest is free software and respects the user's computer
freedom.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202004301">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Proprietary programs Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and WebEx (追記ここまで) <a
(削除) href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160522062607/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/03/17/microsoft_windows_10_upgrade_gwx_vs_humanity/">
into replacing Windows 7 with Windows 10</a>.</p></li>
<li><p>Microsoft has made companies' Windows machines managed by (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.consumerreports.org/video-conferencing-services/videoconferencing-privacy-issues-google-microsoft-webex-a7383469308/">are
collecting user's personal and identifiable data</a> including how long
a call lasts, who's participating in (追記ここまで) the
(削除) company's
sysadmins (削除ここまで) (追記) call, and the IP addresses
of everyone taking part. From experience, this can even harm users
physically if those companies hand over data to governments.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202004131">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2020-04</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Google, Apple, and Microsoft (and probably some other companies)
<a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20230603050115/https://www.lifewire.com/wifi-positioning-system-1683343">are
collecting people's access points and GPS coordinates (which can
identify people's precise location) even if their GPS is turned
off</a>, without the person's consent, using proprietary software
implemented in person's smartphone. Though merely asking for permission
would not necessarily legitimize this.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201912160">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-12</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft is (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="http://www.infoworld.com/article/3042397/microsoft-windows/admins-beware-domain-attached-pcs-are-sprouting-get-windows-10-ads.html">harangue (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.howtogeek.com/442609/confirmed-windows-10-setup-now-prevents-local-account-creation/">tricking (追記ここまで)
users to (削除) complain (削除ここまで) (追記) create an account on their network</a> to be able (追記ここまで) to (追記) install
and use (追記ここまで) the (削除) sysadmins about (削除ここまで) (追記) Windows operating system, which is malware. The account can
be used for surveillance and/or violating people's rights in many ways,
such as turning their purchased software to a subscription product.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do (追記ここまで) not (削除) “upgrading” (削除ここまで) (追記) edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201908210">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft recorded users of Xboxes and had <a
href="https://www.vice.com/en/article/43kv4q/microsoft-human-contractors-listened-to-xbox-owners-homes-kinect-cortana">
human workers listen (追記ここまで) to (削除) Windows
10</a>.</p></li>
</ul>
<h3 id="surveillance">Microsoft Surveillance</h3>
<ul>
<li><p>Windows (削除ここまで) (追記) the recordings</a>.</p>
<p>Morally, we see no difference between having human workers listen and
having speech-recognition systems listen. Both intrude on privacy.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201908151">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Skype refuses to say whether it can <a
href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2012/07/20/skype_won_t_comment_on_whether_it_can_now_eavesdrop_on_conversations_.html">eavesdrop
on calls</a>.</p>
<p>That almost certainly means it can do so.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201905281">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2019-05</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft <a
href="https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/outlook_com/forum/all/why-does-my-new-e-mail-account-need-a-phone-number/70049eaf-3b66-4d02-87cc-79dc73c2ea08">forces
people to give their phone number</a> in order to be able to create an account on
the company's network. On top of mistreating their users by providing
nonfree software, Microsoft is tracking their lives outside the computer and
violates their privacy.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201710134">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Windows (追記ここまで) 10 telemetry program sends information to Microsoft about
the user's computer and their use of the computer.</p>
<p>Furthermore, for users who installed the
fourth stable build of Windows 10, called the
“Creators Update,” Windows maximized the surveillance <a
(削除) href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/10/dutch-privacy-regulator-says-that-windows-10-breaks-the-law"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2017/10/dutch-privacy-regulator-says-that-windows-10-breaks-the-law/"> (追記ここまで)
by force setting the telemetry mode to “Full”</a>.</p>
<p>The <a
(削除) href="https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/configuration/configure-windows-telemetry-in-your-organization#full-level"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/privacy/configure-windows-diagnostic-data-in-your-organization#full-level"> (追記ここまで)
“Full” telemetry mode</a> allows Microsoft Windows
engineers to access, among other things, registry keys <a (削除) href="https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc939702.aspx">which (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-2000-server/cc939702(v=technet.10)">
which (追記ここまで) can contain sensitive information like administrator's login
(削除) password</a>.</p></li>
<li><p>Windows DRM (削除ここまで)
(追記) password</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201702020">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>DRM-restricted (追記ここまで) files (削除) <a href="https://yro.slashdot.org/story/17/02/02/231229/windows-drm-protected-files-used-to-decloak-tor-browser-users">can (削除ここまで) (追記) can (追記ここまで) be used to (追記) <a
href="https://yro.slashdot.org/story/17/02/02/231229/windows-drm-protected-files-used-to-decloak-tor-browser-users"> (追記ここまで)
identify people browsing through Tor</a>. The vulnerability exists
only if you use (削除) Windows.
</p></li>
<li><p>By (削除ここまで) (追記) Windows.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201611240">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-11</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>By (追記ここまで) default, Windows 10 <a (削除) href="http://betanews.com/2016/11/24/microsoft-shares-windows-10-telemetry-data-with-third-parties">sends (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://betanews.com/2016/11/24/microsoft-shares-windows-10-telemetry-data-with-third-parties/">sends (追記ここまで)
debugging information to Microsoft, including core dumps</a>. Microsoft
now distributes them to another (削除) company.</p></li>
<li>It (削除ここまで) (追記) company.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201608170.1">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>In order to increase Windows 10's install base, Microsoft <a class="not-a-duplicate"
href="https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2016/08/windows-10-microsoft-blatantly-disregards-user-choice-and-privacy-deep-dive">
blatantly disregards user choice and privacy</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201603170">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-03</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20250616211726/https://duo.com/decipher/bring-your-own-dilemma-oem-laptops-and-windows-10-security">
Windows 10 comes with 13 screens of snooping options</a>, all enabled
by default, and turning them off would be daunting to most users.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201601050">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-01</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>It (追記ここまで) appears <a
(削除) href="http://www.ghacks.net/2016/01/05/microsoft-may-be-collecting-more-data-than-initially-thought/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.ghacks.net/2016/01/05/microsoft-may-be-collecting-more-data-than-initially-thought/"> (追記ここまで)
Windows 10 sends data to Microsoft about what applications are
(削除) running</a>.</li>
<li><p>A (削除ここまで)
(追記) running</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201511264">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-11</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>A (追記ここまで) downgrade to Windows 10 deleted surveillance-detection
applications. Then another downgrade inserted a general spying
program. Users noticed this and complained, so Microsoft renamed it <a
(削除) href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160407082751/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/11/26/microsoft_renamed_data_slurper_reinserted_windows_10/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.theregister.com/2015/11/26/microsoft_renamed_data_slurper_reinserted_windows_10/"> (追記ここまで)
to give users the impression it was gone</a>.</p>
<p>To use proprietary software is to invite such (削除) treatment.</p></li>
<li><p>
<a href="https://duo.com/blog/bring-your-own-dilemma-oem-laptops-and-windows-10-security"> (削除ここまで) (追記) treatment.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201508130">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/08/even-when-told-not-to-windows-10-just-cant-stop-talking-to-microsoft/"> (追記ここまで)
Windows 10 (削除) comes with 13 screens of snooping options</a>, all enabled by default,
and turning them off would be daunting (削除ここまで) (追記) sends identifiable information (追記ここまで) to (削除) most users.</p></li>
<li><p>
Windows (削除ここまで) (追記) Microsoft</a>, even if
a user turns off its Bing search and Cortana features, and activates
the privacy-protection settings.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201507300">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Windows (追記ここまで) 10 <a (削除) href="https://web.archive.org/web/20151001035410/https://jonathan.porta.codes/2015/07/30/windows-10-seems-to-have-some-scary-privacy-defaults/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://web.archive.org/web/20180923125732/https://jonathan.porta.codes/2015/07/30/windows-10-seems-to-have-some-scary-privacy-defaults/"> (追記ここまで)
ships with default settings that show no regard for the privacy of
its users</a>, giving Microsoft the “right” to snoop on
the users' files, text input, voice input, location info, contacts,
calendar records and web browsing history, as well as automatically
connecting the machines to open hotspots and showing targeted ads.</p>
<p>We can suppose Microsoft (削除) look (削除ここまで) (追記) looks (追記ここまで) at users' files for the US government
on demand, though the “privacy policy” does not (削除) explicit (削除ここまで) (追記) explicitly (追記ここまで)
say so. Will it look at users' files for the Chinese government
on (削除) demand?</p></li>
<li><p>
<a href="http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2015/08/even-when-told-not-to-windows-10-just-cant-stop-talking-to-microsoft/">
Windows 10 sends identifiable information to Microsoft</a>, even if a user
turns off its Bing search and Cortana features, and activates the
privacy-protection settings.</p></li>
<li><p>The unique “advertising ID” for each user enables other companies to
track the browsing of each specific user.</p></li>
<li>Spyware in Windows 8: <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20160313105805/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/02/28/windows_update_keeps_tabs/">
Windows Update snoops on the user.</a>
<a href="http://www.infoworld.com/t/microsoft-windows/look-the-black-underbelly-of-windows-81-blue-222175">
Windows 8.1 snoops on local searches.</a> And there's a
<a href="http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article40836.html">
secret NSA key in Windows</a>, whose functions we don't know.</li>
<li><p>
<a href="http://www.itproportal.com/2014/05/14/microsoft-openly-offered-cloud-data-fbi-and-nsa/">
Microsoft SkyDrive allows the NSA to directly examine users' data.</a></p> (削除ここまで) (追記) demand?</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
(削除) <li><p>Spyware (削除ここまで)
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit (追記ここまで) in (削除) Skype:
<a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2013/06/20/project-chess-how-u-s-snoops-on-your-skype/">
http://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2013/06/20/project-chess-how-u-s-snoops-on-your-skype/</a>.
Microsoft changed Skype
<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/11/microsoft-nsa-collaboration-user-data">
specifically for spying</a>.</p>
</li>
<li><p>
Microsoft (削除ここまで) (追記) malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201506170">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2015-06</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Microsoft (追記ここまで) uses Windows 10's “privacy policy”
to overtly impose a “right” to look at
users' files at any time. Windows 10 full disk encryption <a (削除) href="https://edri.org/microsofts-new-small-print-how-your-personal-data-abused/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://edri.org/our-work/microsofts-new-small-print-how-your-personal-data-abused/"> (追記ここまで)
gives Microsoft a key</a>.</p>
<p>Thus, Windows is overt malware in regard to surveillance, as in
other issues.</p>
(削除) <p>We can suppose Microsoft look at users' files for the US government on
demand, though the “privacy policy” does not explicit say so. Will it
look at users' files for the Chinese government on demand?</p> (削除ここまで)
<p>The unique “advertising ID” for each user enables
other companies to track the browsing of each specific user.</p>
<p>It's as if Microsoft has deliberately chosen to make Windows 10
maximally evil on every dimension; to make a grab for total power
over anyone that doesn't drop Windows (削除) now.</p></li> (削除ここまで) (追記) now.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201410040">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2014-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>It only gets worse with time. <a
href="https://www.techworm.net/2014/10/microsofts-windows-10-permission-watch-every-move.html">
Windows 10 requires users to give permission for total snooping</a>,
including their files, their commands, their text input, and their
voice input.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201405140">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2014-05</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190421070310/https://www.itproportal.com/2014/05/14/microsoft-openly-offered-cloud-data-fbi-and-nsa/">
Microsoft SkyDrive allows the NSA to directly examine users'
data</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201307110">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Skype contains <a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20130928235637/http://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2013/06/20/project-chess-how-u-s-snoops-on-your-skype/">spyware</a>.
Microsoft changed Skype <a
href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/jul/11/microsoft-nsa-collaboration-user-data">
specifically for spying</a>.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201307080">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2013-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>Spyware in older versions of Windows: <a
href="https://www.theregister.com/2003/02/28/windows_update_keeps_tabs/">
Windows Update snoops on the user</a>. <a
href="https://www.infoworld.com/article/2611451/a-look-at-the-black-underbelly-of-windows-8-1--blue-.html">
Windows 8.1 snoops on local searches</a>. And there's a <a
href="http://www.marketoracle.co.uk/Article40836.html"> secret NSA
key in Windows</a>, whose functions we don't know.</p>
</li> (追記ここまで)
</ul>
<h3 (削除) id="drm">Microsoft DRM</h3>
<ul>
<li><p><a href="http://arstechnica.com/apple/2007/08/aacs-tentacles/">
DRM (digital restrictions mechanisms) (削除ここまで) (追記) id="tethers">Tethers</h3>
<p>Tethers are functionalities that require constant (or very frequent)
connection to a server.</p>
<ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit (追記ここまで) in (削除) Windows</a>, introduced (削除ここまで) (追記) malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M202502280">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2025-02</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/02/on-may-5-microsofts-skype-will-shut-down-for-good/">
Microsoft is shutting down Skype</a> on May 5th, 2025. As with other
tethered proprietary programs, users have (追記ここまで) to
(削除) cater (削除ここまで) (追記) rely on servers that are
controlled by the developer. When these servers shut down, the service
disappears. Instead of migrating to the service that Microsoft suggests
as a replacement, Skype users should regain control of their
communications by switching (追記ここまで) to (追記) one that is based on free software. (追記ここまで)
<a (削除) href="/proprietary/proprietary-drm.html#bluray">Bluray</a> disks.
(The article also talks about how (削除ここまで) (追記) href="https://jitsi.org/jitsi-meet/">Jitsi Meet</a>, for example, is
appropriate for small video meetings. Anyone can set up a Jitsi server
and let other people use it, and indeed many of these are available
around (追記ここまで) the (削除) same malware would later be introduced (削除ここまで) (追記) world.</p>
</li>
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit (追記ここまで) in (削除) MacOS.)</p></li> (削除ここまで) (追記) malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201708310">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-08</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p>The recent versions of Microsoft Office require the user to <a
href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/microsoft-365-for-home-and-school-faq?legRedir=true&CorrelationId=c9c5b549-11ad-4f71-bf81-b7e069fdb372">
connect to Microsoft servers at least every thirty-one
days</a>. Otherwise, the software will refuse to edit any documents
or create new ones. It will be restricted to viewing and printing.</p>
</li> (追記ここまで)
</ul>
<h3 (削除) id="jails">Microsoft Jails</h3>
<ul>
<li> (削除ここまで) (追記) id="jails">Jails</h3>
<p>Jails are systems that impose censorship on application programs.</p>
<ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201706130">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2017-06</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> (追記ここまで)
<p>Windows 10 S (削除) ought to be called Windows 10 J, for “Jail”: (削除ここまで) (追記) was a jail: (追記ここまで) <a (削除) href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/03/windows-10-s-microsoft-faster-pc-comparison">only (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/may/03/windows-10-s-microsoft-faster-pc-comparison">
only (追記ここまで) programs from the Windows Store (削除) can (削除ここまで) (追記) could (追記ここまで) be
(削除) downloaded (削除ここまで)
(追記) installed (追記ここまで) and (削除) executed</a>.</p>
<p>If the history (削除ここまで) (追記) executed</a>. It was however possible to <a
href="https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15789998/microsoft-windows-10-s-upgrade-windows-10-pro-guide">
upgrade to Windows 10 Pro</a>. The successor (追記ここまで) of (削除) iOS as a jail (削除ここまで) (追記) Windows
10 S (追記ここまで) is (削除) any indication, (削除ここまで) (追記) a special configuration of (追記ここまで) Windows 10 (削除) J
will be no better.</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) called <a
href="https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-and-windows-11-in-s-mode-faq-851057d6-1ee9-b9e5-c30b-93baebeebc85">
S mode</a>. The major difference with Windows 10 S is that there is
an easy way to switch out of S mode.</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
(削除) <li><p><a href="http://www.itworld.com/operating-systems/301057/microsoft-metro-app-store-lockdown"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201210080">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2012-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a
href="https://web.archive.org/web/20190917162027/https://www.itworld.com/article/2832657/microsoft-metro-app-store-lock-down.html"> (追記ここまで)
Windows 8 on “mobile devices” (削除) is (削除ここまで) (追記) (now defunct) was (追記ここまで) a (削除) jail</a>: it censors the
user's choice of application programs.</p></li> (削除ここまで)
(追記) jail</a>.</p>
</li> (追記ここまで)
</ul>
<h3 (削除) id="tyrants">Microsoft Tyrants</h3>
<ul>
<li> (削除ここまで) (追記) id="tyrants">Tyrants</h3>
<p>Tyrants are systems that reject any operating system not
“authorized” by the manufacturer.</p>
<ul class="blurbs">
<!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201607150">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2016-07</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" --> (追記ここまで)
<p>Microsoft accidentally left a way for users
to install GNU/Linux on Windows RT tablets, but now it has <a
(削除) href="http://www.securitynewspaper.com/2016/07/15/microsoft-silently-kills-dev-backdoor-boots-linux-locked-windows-rt-slabs/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="https://www.securitynewspaper.com/2016/07/15/microsoft-silently-kills-dev-backdoor-boots-linux-locked-windows-rt-slabs/"> (追記ここまで)
“fixed” the “error”</a>. They have the gall
to call this “protecting” the users. The article talks
of installing “Linux”, but the context shows it is really
<a href="/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html">GNU/Linux</a> that users
(削除) install.
</p> (削除ここまで) (追記) install.</p> (追記ここまで)
</li>
(削除) <li><p><a href="http://fsf.org/campaigns/secure-boot-vs-restricted-boot/"> (削除ここまで)
(追記) <!-- Copied from workshop/mal.rec. Do not edit in malware-microsoft.html. -->
<li id="M201110110">
<!--#set var="DATE" value='<small class="date-tag">2011-10</small>'
--><!--#echo encoding="none" var="DATE" -->
<p><a href="https://www.fsf.org/campaigns/secure-boot-vs-restricted-boot/"> (追記ここまで)
Mobile devices that come with Windows 8 are (削除) tyrants</a>: they block
users from installing other or modified operating systems.</p></li> (削除ここまで) (追記) tyrants</a>.</p>
</li> (追記ここまで)
</ul>
(追記) <div class="column-limit"></div> (追記ここまで)
<p>As this page shows, if you do want to clean your computer of malware,
the first software to delete is Windows.</p>
(削除) </div><!-- for id="content", starts in the include above (削除ここまで)
(追記) </div>
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<div class="unprintable">
<p>Please send general FSF & GNU inquiries to
<a href="mailto:gnu@gnu.org"><gnu@gnu.org></a>.
There are also <a href="/contact/">other ways to contact</a>
the FSF. Broken links and other corrections or suggestions can be sent
to <a href="mailto:webmasters@gnu.org"><webmasters@gnu.org></a>.</p>
<p><!-- TRANSLATORS: Ignore the original text in this paragraph,
replace it with the translation of these two:
We work hard and do our best to provide accurate, good quality
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Please send your comments and general suggestions in this regard
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<!-- Regarding copyright, in general, standalone pages (as opposed to
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<p>Copyright © (削除) 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 (削除ここまで) (追記) 2014-2025 (追記ここまで) Free Software Foundation, Inc.</p>
<p>This page is licensed under a <a rel="license"
(削除) href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/">Creative (削除ここまで)
(追記) href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">Creative (追記ここまで)
Commons (削除) Attribution-NoDerivatives (削除ここまで) (追記) Attribution (追記ここまで) 4.0 International License</a>.</p>
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