Samsung confirms fixes for Windows Update disabled issue affecting some computers

After it was revealed that a Samsung application called Disable_Windowsupdate.exe blocked Windows Updates on some computers without notifying users, the South Korea-based manufacturer has not only acknowledged the problem but confirmed that a fix is on the way.

According to a PCWorld report, which quotes a company spokesperson, Samsung will issue security patches via the Samsung Software Update notification.

These security patches, post installation, would restore Windows Update Settings back to "recommended," which by default is set to run automatic OS updates.

Microsoft engineer Patrick Barker first reported the problem in some Samsung laptops running Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8/8.1. He documented his discovery in an official blog post, and said the disabled Windows Updates was leaving these computers vulnerable to hacks.

The Microsoft MVP identified the application responsible for disabling Windows Update as Disable_Windowsupdate.exe, which lodges while installing a minor application, without users being notified.

This application is part of the SW update that users generally download regularly to keep their OEM drivers updated.

The MVP further said that Disable_Windowsupdate.exe does not come pre-installed on the system from Samsung, but downloads in the background and disables the Windows Update.

According to Barker, only select Samsung Windows desktops and laptops were affected by the Windows Update disabler. The Microsoft engineer recommended that users completely remove the Samsung SW Update feature with the help of Windows' Add/Remove Programs.

Samsung had earlier confirmed about working with Microsoft to fix the issue.