What exactly does KB2952664 do?

KB2952664 was released on April 22, 2014 ... that's over 2 years ago.

I found it interesting to re-read the first few pages of this long thread and see what people were first saying about this update. We had no idea what Microsoft was up to, but it was clear (even 2 years ago) that Microsoft was up to something.

The initial (vague) description of KB2952664 stated:

"This update helps Microsoft make improvements to the current operating system in order to ease the upgrade experience to the latest version of Windows."

Now (two years after the update was first released), it has become abundantly clear that the purpose of this (and several other) update(s) was to coerce people into installing Windows 10. That was Microsoft's strategy two years ago, and still remains their strategy today. Rather than making a new version of Windows that is so technically compelling that customers line up for it, Microsoft's strategy is apparently to just try and coerce customers into installing the new version ... a strategy that totally disrespects their customers!

I wonder what new forms of coercion Microsoft will use after July 29, 2016? We may be in for some unpleasant surprises.

I noticed that Windows Update showed KB3035583 (fir the tenth time) - no reboot needed.  Also new KB3173040, which a quick Google search showed as final Win 10 nagware (I hid this one).

It is intentional!  Microsoft sees itself as providing Windows as a service, not as updates to products.  Windows 10 does not have a user process for updating.  It all takes place under the covers and without any control on your part.  Microsoft sees Windows as a continuously changing platform that it can and will change and configure to its best interests (read profit).

Read Woody Leonhard and you will read more about the Windows Update process and what it is becoming.

KB2852664 re-appeared today in Windows Update - 26th time.  Is this the version that reverts the upper-right "X" to its normal meeting?    Also KB3170735 appeared, but I could not find anything online (except for one blog site in German), so I did not install it.  Is it too much trouble for Microsoft to release a KB article/documentation BEFORE the patch is released?

Finally!