Samsung Caught Blocking Windows Security Updates Turns out you may be at risk if you're running Windows 8.1 on a Samsung computer.

You may be at risk if you're running Windows 8.1 on a Samsung computer. A bizarre bit of software spotted by Microsoft exec Patrick Barker blocks Windows updates from installing automatically, including security patches.

The bug doesn't kill Windows Update entirely. Instead, it simply switches from automatic downloads to manual controls. As a result, you're less likely to get these updates when you need them.

This kind of thing isn't unprecedented, but usually it's caused by malware rather than extra software added in by the computer manufacturer. However, Samsung claims it just wants to give people as much choice as possible.

"It is not true that we are blocking a Windows 8.1 operating system update on our computers," Samsung told BBC in a statement. "As part of our commitment to consumer satisfaction, we are providing our users with the option to choose if and when they want to update the Windows software on their products."

Barker also notes that Samsung appears to have added this tweak after it already sold the devices, and without asking first. Even worse, it can't be uninstalled. In an official statement, Microsoft reiterated the importance of Windows Update and said it's already in contact with Samsung. Hopefully this can be sorted out quickly.