The last time I accidentally infected myself, the name of the exploit was Happy99.exe. So I'm not especially worried for my own sake. But you're right about what's likely to happen in many other cases. Microsoft should have thought of this scenario when they decided to abuse their update service for marketing purposes. We're all at greater risk because of their actions.
People with your point of view should also consider the ramifications when you (implicitly or otherwise) condone Microsoft's behavior in threads like this.
Nobody is condoning Microsoft's behaviour by saying you should apply the security fixes. If anything, you are condoning their behaviour by continuing to use their products. The rest of the Internet shouldn't have to deal with malware-ridden devices just because their owners choose to use an OS but then refuse to install its security fixes.
If anything, you are condoning their behaviour by continuing to use their products. The rest of the Internet shouldn't have to deal with malware-ridden devices just because their owners choose to use an OS but then refuse to install its security fixes.
You're definitely not wrong about any of that, unfortunately. This, on the other hand...
Nobody is condoning Microsoft's behaviour by saying you should apply the security fixes.
.... I'm not buying. The fact is that Windows Update is no longer any more trustworthy than SourceForge or any other infamous source of unsolicited bundled adware. Another, related fact is that I can't be bothered to do the necessary research to tell what is a genuine security fix versus yet another "mistake" that results in Windows 10 ads (if not the OS itself) appearing on my PC the next morning.
For some reason I don't understand, Nadella is getting away with doing things with Windows that would have gotten Gates or Ballmer crucified. Every knowledgeable user who doesn't condemn them vociferously for attempting to use an important security update service to force-feed a major OS upgrade is part of this particular problem.
For literally decades, the best practice has been, "Never upgrade an existing Windows installation. Always do a clean install." There were many very good reasons for this advice to be given to nontechnical users. Now, all of a sudden, this advice is apparently obsolete because... because it's inconvenient for Microsoft's marketing efforts?!
Sorry, no. Not buying it. Microsoft is no longer allowed to exploit my machine at will, under the guise of security or any other motivation. Believe me, if I could afford to ditch them entirely without cutting my own throat, I would. That part is my responsibility.
People with your point of view should also consider the ramifications when you (implicitly or otherwise) condone Microsoft's behavior in threads like this.