Microsoft is downloading Office web apps on Windows 10 devices without permission

These four apps have started showing up in the Start Menu for some and are also showcased as a recently installed software under ‘Programs and Features' in Microsoft Store.

Microsoft. (REUTERS)

Looks like Microsoft is once again pushing Windows users to become a part of its software ecosystem as it has reportedly started installing Office progressive web apps (PWA's). These are being installed on Windows 10 devices but without the user's consent. The apps include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. 

These four apps have started showing up in the Start Menu for some, as per The Verge and are also showcased as a recently installed software under ‘Programs and Features' in Microsoft Store. What's worse is that Microsoft is said to have restarted some users' systems to install these apps automatically. While this was said to come as a part of Windows Insider only, it seems to now reach non-Windows Insider users as well.

Fortunately, you can uninstall these apps. All you need to do is to navigate to Control Panel > Programs & Features or Settings App > Apps & Features page. However, if case you don't have this and want to use, you can get these from their respective websites.

On the other hand, Microsoft Teams is getting a feature that will make your calling experience even better. The Redmond, Washington-based company is working on a new feature called ‘AI-based noise detection' that will make users' meetings noise free.

This AI-based noise detection feature builds on top of the Teams' existing noise suppression feature and it will enable users to eliminate background noise such as whirling of a fan, keyboard typing noise, mic issues and other disturbing background sounds. The firm has been working on this feature for quite some time now and it has been training its AI using its own internal meetings.