Microsoft Bundles Downloads - A Growing Trend?
The Problem of Bundled Software in Freeware Downloads
For a considerable period, concerns have been raised regarding the lack of secure platforms for downloading freeware. Often, these downloads include unwanted bundled add-ons that redirect users' browsers to unintended destinations.
Even Microsoft incorporates additional installers within its own download site, potentially redirecting browser activity to Bing unless users actively deselect a specific option.
Acknowledging the Situation
It’s important to state that this critique isn’t necessarily a condemnation of Bing itself. However, usage statistics indicate that only a small percentage – approximately 1.8 percent – of readers arrive via Bing.
Furthermore, the inclusion of these additional programs doesn’t constitute malware or unwanted software. It represents a promotional strategy employed by the product’s developers.
Widespread Practice Among Major Companies
This practice isn't isolated to Microsoft. Oracle has been known to bundle the Ask toolbar with Java installations.
Google has previously engaged in incentivizing the inclusion of Chrome and other products within freeware packages. Similarly, Avast bundles Dropbox with its installer, and numerous other companies employ comparable tactics.
Therefore, the intention isn’t to single out Microsoft unfairly, but to highlight a systemic issue within the Windows freeware environment.
The Core Issue: Opt-Out Bundling and User Behavior
The entire Windows freeware landscape is saturated with bundled software that necessitates deliberate unchecking to avoid installation.
Much of this bundling is strategically designed to capture market share from Google, manifesting as browser hijacking by programs like Trovi (redirecting to Bing), Spigot (redirecting to Yahoo), or the problematic Ask toolbar.
This approach relies on the assumption – a demonstrably accurate one – that a significant portion of users proceed without carefully reading before clicking, effectively constituting a form of deception.
A Disheartening Trend
These tactics are fundamentally undesirable. Observing Microsoft employing such methods raises questions about the potential for improvement within the ecosystem.
Specifically, failing to uncheck a box on a Microsoft download page, followed by inadvertently selecting the incorrect download file, can result in an immediate browser redirection to Bing and MSN, alongside the installation of a Chrome extension altering home page and search settings.
A Concerning Observation
The overall state of the Windows software distribution environment is cause for concern.
Microsoft Integrates Bing and MSN into Download Packages by Default
Visiting the Microsoft download portal to acquire software, such as the PowerPoint viewer, now presents users with a prominent download button. This button initially appears to offer the desired application.
Upon initiating the download, users are directed to a "Microsoft Recommends" screen. Here, the options for MSN and Bing are pre-selected via checkboxes. A lack of careful attention can lead users to inadvertently accept these bundled additions.
It is crucial to exercise caution and thoroughly read all prompts before proceeding with any download, even from trusted sources like Microsoft.
Like many other software installations, the pre-selected checkboxes can be easily overlooked if a user doesn't carefully review the screen. This practice is intentionally designed to encourage acceptance of unwanted software.
While not as aggressively deceptive as some other vendors, the default selection of bundled software is a tactic to increase adoption. Without the pre-selection, the likelihood of users actively choosing these additions would be significantly lower.
Following the initial click, the download process begins. Users employing Google Chrome will encounter an automatic block on downloading multiple files simultaneously. Surprisingly, the first file initiated isn't the requested PowerPoint Viewer.
Instead, a Bing browser redirector is downloaded first. Users must explicitly grant permission to proceed with the actual download of the intended software.
Firefox handles the download process differently, prompting users for each file individually. However, Internet Explorer exhibits unique behavior on this specific site.
After providing the PowerPoint download, Internet Explorer initially blocks the popup requesting permission for the Bing download. Users must select "Allow once" to access the option for the Bing installation.
One might attribute these variations to differing browser functionalities. However, Microsoft possesses substantial resources to ensure consistent performance across all major browsers.
These resources could also be directed towards enhancing the appeal of Bing itself, making it a more desirable product for users.
Changes to Browser Settings?
Upon executing the DefaultPack.exe file, Internet Explorer’s homepage is immediately altered to MSN, and Bing is set as the default search engine. While this outcome isn’t unexpected, the complete absence of any prior notification is concerning.
Users of Google Chrome will encounter a notification when the Bing downloader attempts extension installation, offering a straightforward "Remove from Chrome" option. Even if installation is permitted, Chrome provides subsequent confirmation prompts to ensure the user’s intent.
A significant concern lies within the extension’s permissions list. The necessity for this extension to manage applications, extensions, and themes raises questions.
- Why is such broad access required?
With Firefox, Microsoft appears to exhibit a different approach. Regardless of whether Firefox is designated as the default browser, the homepage and search engine settings remain unchanged.
Interestingly, Firefox receives compensation from Yahoo for utilizing their search engine as the default, and Yahoo essentially operates as a rebranded iteration of Bing.
It's universally acknowledged that users can avoid these changes through careful reading before clicking. However, the question remains: why must this be the case?
A cessation of the ongoing conflict between browser search engines is desired. The freeware sector is unfortunately plagued by deceptive practices and undesirable elements.
The ability to recommend software without the risk of users encountering malicious software that compromises system performance or security is a pressing need.
Furthermore, a pony, some cookies, and the opportunity to advise the Seahawks against a particular pass attempt would also be welcome.