Microsoft has changed how Windows 10 updates to its operating system and software are delivered and installed. This will be very frustrating to lots of users, one of the reasons we choose Microsoft over Apple is our desire to be more hands-on and less restricted. However, this may be a good thing as regular automated updates should mean smaller, faster and more secure.
What are Windows 10 updates and why do I need them?
Windows is a platform or operating system to make the code that hides behind it appear pretty. Updates to all software will need to happen from time to time. We update Windows to fix bugs or problems, keep security and compatibility up to date and add new features. This makes Windows and our experience smoother and safer. Windows 10 now includes the ability to update all Microsoft products at the same time.
What is Patch Tuesday?
Windows has a habit of releasing security updates on the second Tuesday of each month, which became known in the industry as ‘Patch Tuesday’. The security updates will appear in the Download Centre before they are released to Technet. If you would like to know what Technet is then please click here. As a direct result of Patch Tuesday the term Exploit Wednesday became known.
What is Exploit Wednesday?
There is a window of time where those users who had not installed the security patch released on Tuesday would be vulnerable to attack by those that could see what security detail the patch had resolved and exploit the weakness. This became known as Exploit Wednesday.
As Windows Operating systems are all effectively the same or are part of the NT family. As Microsoft stops supporting older versions such as XP or Vista the same applies. The new security patches released for newer versions can be used to exploit older versions which make them vulnerable to attack. Microsoft currently expects to stop supporting Windows 7 in 2020. This date, however, is subject to change. But this does highlight how important it is to have windows 10 updates
How have Windows 10 Updates changed?
Microsoft has also removed some of the controls we had in the previous versions. Windows updates will now automatically download and install in the background. Smaller security patches and performance related updates released more frequently (most likely on a Tuesday) and larger feature driven updates released twice a year in March and September. This is a general indicator and is subject to change.
Will this affect my internet and computer performance?
If you have an average internet connection speed and your computer performs well under usual conditions, then it is unlikely you will notice the updates. Older computers and people living in areas with very slow internet speeds might notice a slow down during download and install. To check your internet speed click here.
Will the computer restart?
Some updates will require a restart of the computer. You can, however, choose when this will happen by setting the Active Hours to a time when you are not using the computer. If the computer needs to restart and you are using it you will be prompted for confirmation before restarting.
How to Change Windows 10 Updates Active Hours
- Press the Windows key to activate the text box on the taskbar.
- Type Settings in the text box on the taskbar and press Enter
- You will be taken to the settings page, click Update & Security
- You will be taken to the Update Status page (see below) under Update Settings click Change Active Hours
- The Active Hours box will appear, enter the time period where you do not want a restart to take place.
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Click Save.
Windows 10 updates received from other computers and how to disable this feature?
In windows 10 there is also a feature to have your computer send out updates to other computers and download them from other computers on either your own network or via the internet. Having this option selected will speed up the process but here at Techsnail.com we have this option disabled. Follow the below instructions to disable.
- Press the Windows key to activate the text box on the taskbar.
- Type Settings in the text box on the taskbar and press Enter
- You will be taken to the settings page, click Update & Security
- You will be taken to the Update Status page (see below) under Update Settings click Advanced options
- The Advanced Options Box will appear (see below)
- In the advanced options, you will need to click Choose how updates are delivered.
- Select Off to disable or select On and choose where the updates come from.
- Choose either PCs on my local network (Downloads from computers connected to your router) or PCs on my local network and PCs on the Internet (Downloads from anywhere)
How do I check for updates?
As Windows 10 automatically checks for updates you don’t need to check for Windows 10 updates. However, if you would like to check, you can follow the below instructions.
- Click the Start or Windows key
- Type Check for Updates in the search box
- Press Enter
- You will be able to see your Windows 10 update status, any issues and settings related to updates.
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