What exactly does KB2952664 do?

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

I think it doesn't matter anymore if you consider this "answered".  It's been over a month; by now EVERYONE who automatically installs updates has done it, EVERYONE who manually does but generally accepts all has done it, and almost everyone who questions them has either installed it or hidden it.  They have no reason to be more forthcoming, and users likely don't care anymore.

I agree with you. At this point, those with Windows Update set to Automatic (i.e, install updates automatically) have already installed KB2952664 ... regardless of whether they ever intend to upgrade their current computer to Windows 8.x .... and those customers who do not intend to upgrade to Windows 8.x, and examine the monthly fixes in order to manually install those they want/need, have probably hidden KB2952664

I can't resist this (modified) quote from a favorite movie:  "What we have here is failure [on Microsoft's part] to communicate."

Like you, I have my Windows Update setting to check but not automatically install. Unless a fix is meant to address a critical zero-day security issue, I usually delay installing for several weeks ... while I check Google for problems that have come up with any of the monthly fixes .... it's amazing how many serious problems (such as blue screens) turn up in the few weeks after a fix is released (ever get the feeling that you are an unwilling beta tester for Microsoft's fixes). For the cases where customers report serious problems after installing a fix ... unless Microsoft subsequently releases an update to fix the fix ... I just hide it. I do not have the time or desire to be a beta tester for Microsoft's fixes.

Maybe a preemty strike to clear problems for installing Windows 10

Why don't you pre-empt Google OS and load Linux? All that you would have to worry about then is a critical kernel flaw which has been in Linux for the last 15 years..

I have TWICE replied to their feedback form.  Why twice?  Because I don't like that I keep getting the icon telling me that there is an update I need to do, and I wasn't anxious to hide it without know what it was and why microsoft considered it an important update.

I'm glad I finally got the thought to google "microsoft kb 2952664" and found this.  In fact I had to read the original post a few times because it was so much like what I posted I thought all feedback maybe went to this forum and THIS was MY response!  I didn't save a copy but it really sounded exactly like what I posted.

I'm with Langware.  There's a difference with disclosing confidential info and explaining under what circumstances you need this upgrade, and/or what it does.

1. It makes the user more used to some of the changes, so that they are not as upset as... well let's be generous and say "many"... users are going to windows 8.
2. It fixes some flaw(s) in the upgrade process, is too late to get it into the box for Win8 upgrades, and would be too late to make it automatic once you upgrade Win8.
3. It simply does something that makes the upgrade process smoother, no real harm but still would avoid some problems that may be fixable afterwards... or makes the upgrade go faster, etc.

I guess I can see the purpose of the update, and maybe even making it important.  Why?  Because maybe they feel it's not worth the price to reprint Win8 upgrade boxes or to change the actual process on the disks, and if you figure you won't upgrade for a year or so, you'll likely forget if you hide it now.

Still, there is no excuse for their being evasive... unless maybe it's number 1 above.  They want to get you used to those changes, and figure that this will make more users be willing to make the jump.  Other than total arrogance, that's the only reason I can see for them being so evasive.

That really is the reason I am so unwilling to install this update.  I don't want to be stuck getting changes I might not be happy with (and since there is no clue as to what those are, I have to suspect that I might).

BTW, I suspect that they DO occasionally change the box or the disks for the upgrade.  I think NEW upgrades shipped go to Win 8.1... but I guess it's possible that they don't and do it via Windows Update afterwards.  Also there will always be old disks out there whether it be old stock, or someone who bought a PC just before Win8 came out who got a free upgrade disk or something.

Like langware, I do not upgrade Windows; I typically get the latest when I replace my PC, which is generally 3-4 years.  If it hasn't changed, then I still have the same windows, but I think it's always changed.  If I bought one today I'd likely see if I could still get Win7.

Now if I had to buy one today AND couldn't get Win7, AND they fix things in Win9, that might be the first time I ever upgraded Windows on an existing PC.

In any case, I have read enough here that I will hide this update.  I think it's the first "important" update I have not installed and not hidden.  *** Correction, just checked... I also hid the IE10 andd IE11 "important" upgrade so I still have IE9.  But then again I use Firefox most of the time anyway.

OK, so the upDATE to make upGRADE easier, does nothing else.

But what exactly is wrong with the upGRADE process now, and how will it be improved?

Since W8 has been greeted with more than usual criticism, does "easing the UPGRADE" mean, that the operation of Windows 7 will become so painful, that upgrading to 8 will be a relief?

I suspect there is a reason behind all this vagueness.