What exactly does KB2952664 do?

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).

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.

Hello,

Thank you for posting your question on Microsoft community forum.

I appreciate your concern about KB2952664 update.

This update is only related to ease the upgrade from Windows 7 to newer operating system like Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.

Please refer this article:

Compatibility update for upgrading Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2952664

However, Microsoft recommends installing all the important updates as it keeps your computer up to date and prevents it from being vulnerable to any security issues. It also helps in various bug fixes.

I hope this information helps.

Please do let us know if you need any further assistance.

Thank you

WHY IS THIS POPPING UP ON MY pc NOW? DOES IT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH UPGRADING FROM WINDOWS 10 TO THE NEW ANNIVERSARY VERSION? SHOULD I DOWNLOAD IT OR NOT? WHY IS IT LISTED AS 'UNSPECIFIED'? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? DO I NEED IT OR NOT? I AM ALREADY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE NEW 10, I DON'T NEED ANY MORE. I HAVE HAD TO BACK-UP AND RESTORE 3X'S THIS WEEK!!

You are posting on a very old thread. 

Do you have Windows 10 installed?  If you do, you are in the wrong forum.  If you do not, I could offer suggestions.

Please do not use all capital letters.  It feels like you are yelling at me.

This is my list of updates to be aware of.   This information was collected from this thread and other sources:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/2505438

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/2952664

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/2976978

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/2977759

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/2990214

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/2999226

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3004394

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3021917

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3022345

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3035583

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3044374

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3050265

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3058168

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3064683

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3068708

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3072318

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3075249

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3075851

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3080149

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3083324

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3083710

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3083711

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3090045

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3112336

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3112343

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3115445

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3118401

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3123862

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3135445

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3138612

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3138615

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3146449

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3150513

https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/kb/3173040

This one was released today, and I am still not sure about it.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3177467

This one was also released today, and "removes" 7 of the above updates (in BOLD above).

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3184143

It says "Remove software related to the Windows 10 free upgrade offer".  That is a good start.  But, it does not remove any of the other updates in the list above.

Doc