Microsoft wants to use the Windows Update to find out how many users are still using an old Office. Specifically, it is about the versions 2013, 2010 and 2007. The latter two are no longer supported, the former will be from April.
In the information about Update KB5021751 Microsoft only states that Windows will run it once in the background without user intervention. Furthermore, it shouldn’t leave any traces on the computers and shouldn’t install anything – but there are no more details to check. Accordingly, it remains unclear whether and how it can be prevented. There is also no information on the scope and any anonymization of the data collected.
Microsoft is also silent on the support page about the reasons for the update and the Office count. At least with Windows itself, the group pushed its users to switch – and instead of the classic Office, the Redmond-based company is also pushing its cloud version 365 along with a subscription.
(fo)
