Windows 10 software condemned by Which?

Microsoft 10

The body said it had received hundreds of complaints about the upgrade, including lost files, emails no longer syncing and broken wi-fi and printing, reports The BBC.

In some cases, it said, users had had to pay for their computer to be repaired.

Microsoft defended its software and highlighted that it provided help online and by phone.

“The Windows 10 upgrade is a choice designed to help people take advantage of the most secure and most productive Windows,” said a spokesman.

“Customers have distinct options. Should a customer need help with the upgrade experience, we have numerous options including free customer support.”

Which? surveyed more than 5,500 of its members in June, and said that 12% of the 2,500 who had upgraded to Windows 10 had later reverted to an earlier version.

The charity said users had complained of feeling “nagged” by regular alerts prompting them to upgrade their system, and, despite declining the notifications, had said Windows 10 had installed itself regardless.

“Once installed, people reported various problems, including printers, wi-fi cards and speakers no longer working with their PC; instances of lost files and email accounts no longer syncing; and, most significantly, their computer encountering such problems that they had to pay someone to repair it,” Which? said.

“There have also been complaints about poor customer service from Microsoft when users contacted the company about the problems they are having.”

Alex Neill, Which? director of campaigns and policy, added: “We rely heavily on our computers to carry out daily activities, so, when they stop working, it is frustrating and stressful.

“Many people are having issues with Windows 10, and we believe Microsoft should be doing more to fix the problem.”