MS installs “Photos Media Engine Add-on” WITHOUT your permission !!

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On the Win 10 Pro 64-bit machine in my law firm, I just got a bottom-right tray “notification” that MS has installed “Photos Media Engine Add-on”.

I don’t know what this does — apparently nobody does — and there are a gazillion 1-star comments in MS Store that this has been installed without anyone’s knowledge or permission.  Commentators are furious.

Has this happened to you?

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Lars220

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What does the Photos Media Engine Add-on do?

Newer builds of the Microsoft Photo App automatically install the PhotosMedia Engine Add-on, itself an app available in the Microsoft App Store. The description reads: “This add-on activates advanced search capabilities in Microsoft Photos and subsequently helps users find their photos by people, places, or things.”..

https://winbuzzer.com/2019/07/19/microsoft-releases-windows-10-photos-media-engine-add-on-to-improve-search-functionality-xcxwbn/

I don’t have Photo app as I have uninstalled all Microsoft store apps except for Microsoft Store app.

You should also know that by default, Windows Store apps are set to update automatically

HOW-TO How to Disable Automatic Updates for Windows 10 Store Apps

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Lars220

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Indeed many site do not explain anything except that it is supposed to enhance searching inside the Photos application. Some suggest maybe this extension adding an unwanted online presence to the Photos program.

Without help yes this malicious activity will happen. You can use O&O Software’s Shutup10 to stop the automatic installation of Microsoft Store applications and extensions.

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glnz wrote:

this has been installed without anyone’s knowledge or permission.  Commentators are furious. Has this happened to you?

Sharing some information, I have had my Microsoft Store App updated to the latest version, similar to NEW Store app on Windows 11. I am using Windows 10 Pro version 21H2 1348 updated thru November CU. I have no Microsoft Account, only using a Local Account, and rarely use Store Apps, but now the NEW MS Store has changed with icons down left side, and the old 3 dots for settings in the top right disappeared. Now need to click Profile icon then App Settings to Disable Automatic Store Updates. This is a fairly recent change, and this link has pictures and explanation for Win11 and it works on my Windows 10. Read notes on Attached pictures .jpg for my latest anger at Microsoft.
How to Enable or Disable Automatic Update of Microsoft Store Apps on Windows 11
Posted On October 26, 2021 By Pammi Singh

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