Why is Microsoft Update not on by default?

What is the reason that you still have to manually "download" Microsoft Update in Windows 7?

Just what is the point? Why not having it on by default? MU completely supersedes WU and looks pretty much the same, so always changing WU to MU on new computers is a totally dopey task.

Has it something to do with the anti-trust regulations?

Probably anti-trust, or fear of people whinging at least.

Yep.

??? Mine is automatic if they are important updates. Not everyone wants to install optional updates. Just recently, I actually removed .Net4.0 on my friend's Vista because it wasn't able to patch the security updates. If .Net4.0 is automatically installed again, it will be extremely annoying.

@magicalclick: They're talking about Microsoft Update (which has updates for Office and other stuff), rather than Windows Update. Windows Update is enabled by default, Microsoft Update is not.

I think they just need to make all updates mandatory unless you opt out. Even when updates are enabled, most people are so stupid that they end up with a crap ton of updates that never get installed. I'm almost thinking that the good thing would be to follow the Apple model. Throw up a dialog that says "We know what's good for you, click ok".

@Sven Groot:

LOLz, I see. My bad.

It really depends, I actually don't feel like install some of the MS updates.