Microsoft Relaxes Windows 10 'Mandatory Updates'

Microsoft has confirmed that Windows 10 users will be able to block or undo some updates to the system. It's a minor exception to the recently-instated policy that all updates are mandatory. In previous editions of Windows, users have always had the choice of whether or not to download a new feature or security update, including whether or not it was installed automatically, or manually.

Last month Microsoft raised eyebrows when a page on its site revealed that users of the Home edition -- the one aimed at the general consumer market -- will have all updates downloaded automatically. The only real choice is whether to have the updates installed right away, or delayed until the next time the computer reboots.

Users of the Professional and Enterprise editions will continue to have the option to install updates as they see fit, something that is considered to be a 'must-have' feature for those running office networks. (Source: cnet.com)

Updates No Longer On Fixed Schedule

The change to how Windows is updated is likely because Microsoft has switched its philosophy.

In the past, it's mainly been security updates that come out regularly. New features and improvements come less frequently and, after a few years, an entirely new operating system was released.

With Windows 10, that's all changed. Because many of the features slated for the next release of Windows were often outdated by the time they hit store shelves, Microsoft now wants to release new features as and when they are ready. And with Windows 10 planned to be the final completely new edition, the updates could keep being released for many years to come.

When the news of the change first emerged, tech experts pointed out that mandatory updates could be a big problem if they conflicted with drivers. Those are the small pieces of software that act almost as an interpreter between Windows and a hardware device or component such as a mouse or sound card. In theory, users might wind up with an update stopping such a device from working, but be unable to do anything about it.

Troubleshooter Is Complex Workaround

Microsoft's now released a "troubleshooter" tool that lets users block a particular update from running if it is causing problem. It's somewhat fiddly, as users can't simply stop the update from being downloaded. Instead, users need to manually uninstall the update, then use the tool to block the update from being reinstalled. (Source: zdnet.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Should Microsoft force users to have all updates installed automatically? Does giving people manual control over updates risk computers being at greater security risk and potentially passing on viruses? Or should it be up to users which updates they do and don't want, particularly if they could negatively affect performance?