Why are we forced to update to 8.1?

Insofar as I know NO ONE is FORCED to upgrade to anything. As Andre da Costa very properly told all of you just click this link: http://www.askvg.com/how-to-disable-update-to-windows-8-1-for-free-notification-in-windows-8-store/ for more information.

Having said that, I must add that I have been using 8.1 for six months or so now and am delighted with it. Of course, I took the precaution of purchasing a new computer that came with 8.1 already installed.

I always do that when changing Operating Systems. It eliminates a good many problems right out of the gate.

But you could still be using Windows 3.0 if you liked. I'm sure no one at Microsoft would care.

Heck, you can still use a Remington Portable Typewriter and a Pocket Calculator if you want.

It's a free Cosmos.

It's become abundantly clear by now that the upgrade is being forced.  There are too many reports--all telling the same story--for it to be otherwise.  Why MS has been completely silent on this issue is anyone's guess, but it's a little bit late to claim that it's not happening.

Sounds like a metered connection. Mari might find this article useful:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/metered-internet-connections-frequently-asked-questions

Insofar as I know NO ONE is FORCED to upgrade to anything. As Andre da Costa very properly told all of you just click this link: http://www.askvg.com/how-to-disable-update-to-windows-8-1-for-free-notification-in-windows-8-store/ for more information.

Having said that, I must add that I have been using 8.1 for six months or so now and am delighted with it. Of course, I took the precaution of purchasing a new computer that came with 8.1 already installed.

I always do that when changing Operating Systems. It eliminates a good many problems right out of the gate.

But you could still be using Windows 3.0 if you liked. I'm sure no one at Microsoft would care.

Heck, you can still use a Remington Portable Typewriter and a Pocket Calculator if you want.

It's a free Cosmos.

I have since managed to look at the data usage record and found 2824MB data used on 5 December and 2828MB data used on 17 December, among other large amounts. I thought the upgrade required about 3GB data so am at a loss as to where this amount of data has been used.

1GB = 1024 Mb so 2824 Mb is just over 2.75GB.

I am not sure why your internet service provider is giving you such a low data usage limit. It almost sounds like your using the same internet as your cell phone provider. Where I live, our cable internet provider provides us with about 150GB of data usage per month so an update like this would go unnoticed. If you are getting charged $120 in fees for getting to 3GB, you need to find a better Internet Service Provider immediately.

I too am troubled by this. I am assuming that the settings when I bought my computer allowed for 'install important updates' and hence the reminders to update. The big problem I have with this, beyond not being able to control if I install 8.1 or not (I have since read the advice below about turning the option to update off) is the COST.

Windows say it is free to install. However, it has cost me close to $120.00 in broadband fees. This is unacceptable. I only realised Windows had decided to install Windows 8.1 when I discovered my data usage going through the roof. I have since managed to look at the data usage record and found 2824MB data used on 5 December and 2828MB data used on 17 December, among other large amounts. I thought the upgrade required about 3GB data so am at a loss as to where this amount of data has been used.

I know my usage is generally very low so having to pay this much for an upgrade which I didn't really need is VERY ANNOYING! There should be more information provided to consumers and other options for upgrades given. Appropriating my computer AND my broadband usage without adequate warning - there were no more reminders given, I just found I was being upgraded on the 17th of December - is akin to Windows barging into your house, tinkering with your computer, and pulling some cash (it will vary depending on what you are charged by your internet provider) out of your wallet!

I have now set my laptop to not automatically install updates - which I note Windows do not recommend.