Microsoft's tactic of aggressively pushing its Windows 10 update to its user base has somewhat backfired, as the company ended up paying a relatively small fine to a California woman, whose work computer became unusable due to an unauthorized Windows 10 update. What's particularly ironic was the fact that the unauthorized update happened even before the tech giant became far too aggressive in pushing its new operating system to the public.

The woman, Teri Goldstein, runs a travel agency business. Just a few days after Microsoft released the new operating system to the public last year, her work computer, which she had been using for a while began to download and install the Windows 10 update. According to Goldstein, the Windows 10 update was not authorized.

What's worse, her computer was not compatible with the new OS at all. Eventually, the Windows 10 installation failed, and her computer reverted back to its old operating system. After this, however, her computer did not behave the same, as it would constantly crash and be unusable for days at a time.

"I had never heard of Windows 10. Nobody ever asked me if I wanted to update," she said.

Goldstein immediately contacted Microsoft's customer service, but they were ultimately unable to help her. Such aggravation proved enough for the travel agency owner to take the tech giant to court. In her lawsuit, Goldstein demanded compensation for lost income as well as the cost of a new computer.

The judge presiding over the case ultimately decided in her favor, fining Microsoft $10,000 for the woman's troubles. Though the amount is notably minuscule for the tech giant, it was nonetheless a significant victory for Goldstein, who, to this day, asserts that the case was founded on the simple notion of Microsoft tampering with her computer without her permission.

Microsoft, however, still denies any wrongdoing. According to a spokesperson, the tech firm paid the fine simply to avoid more expenses if the case had continued.

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Microsoft, Windows 10