Microsoft Makes Windows 10 Updates Optional

Microsoft is going back to its old policy of letting users choose what Windows updates they get and when they get them, albeit with some restrictions. It's also going to put updates through more testing before rolling them out.

One of the biggest change (and perhaps most controversial) with Windows 10 was the abandonment of the old policy by which users could take a case-by-case approach to downloading updates. The default in Windows 10 for home users has been that everything downloads and installs automatically, though exactly when this happens varies from device to device.

That's partly because of the switch to Windows 10 having "continued updates," rather than having a few major Service Packs released every few years before a completely new version of Windows was released.

Feature Updates Now Optional

With the next big update, due May 2019, security and feature updates will be treated separately. Security updates will continue to go out automatically. With feature updates, the user will get a notification that an update is available.

The user will have the option to download the update but then delayed installation for seven days. They can repeat this process five times, but at the 35-day mark it will install automatically. It wouldn't be surprising if some users chose to delay updates to see if any significant problems become apparent when they start being used by the general public. (Source: zdnet.com)

Testing Program Beefed Up

If the user chooses not to download the update, nothing will happen. The exception will be if their device is approaching the point where Microsoft stops updating it because it's no longer considered powerful enough to cope with the evolving demands of Windows 10 (for example). In this situation, the computer will automatically get what will be its last ever update. (Source: windows.com)

There will also be some changes to the testing process for updates. They will spend longer in the "Release Preview" phase where real-world users can test the updates, then notify Microsoft if something might go wrong. Microsoft is also going to work more closely with computer makers and software developers to get feedback on specific compatibility problems and bugs with an update.

What's Your Opinion?

Is Microsoft right to change the updates process in this way? Do you plan to delay installing future feature updates or even avoid them completely? Do you pay much attention to updates or would you prefer everything to happen automatically?