Friday, April 5th 2019
Microsoft Reconsiders: No More Forced Updates in Windows 10
One of the big no-nos for some users looking to upgrade do Windows 10 was the fact that Microsoft enforced constant, 6-month update cycles independent of whether users wanted them or not. This move was done to streamline the update process and keep all users at parity when it comes to important security and feature updates that Microsoft considered relevant. However, it seems Microsoft is now abandoning this practice, which means that users that like to know exactly what is being changed in their systems - and at a time of their convenience - now have one less reason to not upgrade.
Not only will Windows no longer push updates inadvertently, now home users will also have the ability to not only pause updates, but also remove them. There's a caveat, though - you won't be able to postpone feature updates forever. As it stands, Microsoft has an 18 month "end of life" period for major Windows 10 versions, which means that after your 18 months of postponing updates are up (and all of the kinks have been ironed out), you PC will still update to the latest version. There are some other details, which I will transcribe from the Microsoft blog post for your perusal.
Sources:
Microsoft Blog, Reddit
Not only will Windows no longer push updates inadvertently, now home users will also have the ability to not only pause updates, but also remove them. There's a caveat, though - you won't be able to postpone feature updates forever. As it stands, Microsoft has an 18 month "end of life" period for major Windows 10 versions, which means that after your 18 months of postponing updates are up (and all of the kinks have been ironed out), you PC will still update to the latest version. There are some other details, which I will transcribe from the Microsoft blog post for your perusal.
Download and install now option provides users a separate control to initiate the installation of a feature update on eligible devices with no known key blocking compatibility issues. Users can still "Check for updates" to get monthly quality and security updates. Windows will automatically initiate a new feature update if the version of Windows 10 is nearing end of support. We may notify you when a feature update is available and ready for your machine. All Windows 10 devices with a supported version will continue to automatically receive the monthly updates. This new "download and install" option will also be available for our most popular versions of Windows 10, versions 1803 and 1809, by late May.
Additional improvements to put users more in control of updates that are being introduced with the May 2019 Update include:
- Extended ability to pause updates for both feature and monthly updates. This extension ability is for all editions of Windows 10, including Home. Based on user feedback we know that any update can come at an inconvenient time, such as when a PC is needed for a big presentation. So, we're making it possible for all users to pause both feature and monthly updates for up to 35 days (seven days at a time, up to five times). Once the 35-day pause period is reached, users will need to update their device before pausing again.
- Intelligent active hours to avoid disruptive update restarts. The active hours feature, introduced in the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, relies on a manually configured time range to avoid automatically installing updates and rebooting. Many users leave the active hours setting at its 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. default. To further enhance active hours, users will now have the option to let Windows Update intelligently adjust active hours based on their device-specific usage patterns.
- Improved update orchestration to improve system responsiveness. This feature will improve system performance by intelligently coordinating Windows updates and Microsoft Store updates, so they occur when users are away from their devices to minimize disruptions.
149 Comments on Microsoft Reconsiders: No More Forced Updates in Windows 10
Microsoft doesnt provide a manual on how to keep a system secure and updated.
Now, MS, please stop fking with skype. The new skype is awful and has this same philosophy of “we own your computer and we will remove YOUR ability to decide when to update and we will fk with the interface and functionality whenever we choose”.
That is if we gave them the benefit of doubt and assumed that that's their only reason for this.Long story. Starts with Nouveau being the default driver that effs everything up, and inability to use the built-in driver switcher because Nvidia (OFAC, actually) deemed my region too barberic to access their repos...
Fun story. (/s for the dense)
With Windows 8.1, 7, and prior versions, you handed over your money and basically had a ten year agreement. Even though bundling distorted the market a lot, when people didn't like what Microsoft was dishing out (e.g. Me, Vista, 8), the long support periods for existing versions of Windows meant customers had plenty of scope to send a strong market signal and trigger a change in Microsoft's direction by withholding their almighty dollar.
How's that supposed to work with Windows 10?
Windows 10 EULA
www.microsoft.com/en-us/Useterms/Retail/Windows/10/UseTerms_Retail_Windows_10_English.htm
4. Transfer. The provisions of this section do not apply if you acquired the software in Germany or in any of the countries listed on this site (aka.ms/transfer), in which case any transfer of the software to a third party, and the right to use it, must comply with applicable law.
a. Software preinstalled on device. If you acquired the software preinstalled on a device (and also if you upgraded from software preinstalled on a device), you may transfer the license to use the software directly to another user, only with the licensed device. The transfer must include the software and, if provided with the device, an authentic Windows label including the product key. Before any permitted transfer, the other party must agree that this agreement applies to the transfer and use of the software.
b. Stand-alone software. If you acquired the software as stand-alone software (and also if you upgraded from software you acquired as stand-alone software), you may transfer the software to another device that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software to a device owned by someone else if (i) you are the first licensed user of the software and (ii) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came on to transfer the software. Every time you transfer the software to a new device, you must remove the software from the prior device. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between devices.
When you buy a "stand alone" copy of Win 10 on newegg it is a stand alone purchase. Nowadays it's made clear , on most sites anyway, that when you buy a "Stand alone" OEM copy there's usually a disclaimer saying "Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. " That disclaimer didn't appear, more often than not, in the early days.
That being said, I have to say .... I have done MoBo and CPU replacements after a MoBo failed and never had an activation issue. If you upgrade from a 2 year old budget MoBo and CPU to a Hi end enthusiast board, the activation will likely fail. But if you go from a MSI Z170 Gaming Pro Carbon to a MSI Z370 Gaming Pro Carbon (assuming they both exist, just pulled name outta you can guess where) as long it can be viewed as a likely warranty replacement, I wouldn't expect activation to fail. I have done it 3 times expectiung each time to have to call and provide proof via a RMA receipt. But all 3 times on line activation happened w/o a hitch ... 2 of the 3 were different generation MoBo / CPU replacements ... the 3rd just MoBo ...all 3 were RMAs. After 6 months, the new pair replace the old pair in the database.After 5 years, Windows 10 finally replaced Windows 7 in November 2018 as the dominant windows version ..... that many people must have a reason. Anyone who manages a network on 5 - 10 PCs spends less time per box on Win 7 than Win 10.... Imagine the chaos when Asus only shops got the pdate that broke systems w/ a selection of Asus Boards
To make 10 acceptable ..... WU needs to be set up to provide options as follows:
A. Security Update Options:
a) Install Upon release
b) Install after 7 days
c) Advise but wait for Admin manual install or, if not done, install after xx days. (xx limited to 30 - 90 days)
B. Feature Update Options:
a) Install Upon release
b) Install after 7 days
c) Advise but wait for Admin manual install or, if not done, install after xx days. (xx limited to 30 days - never)
C. Hardware Driver Update Options:
a) Install Upon release
b) Install after 7 days
c) Advise but wait for Admin manual install or, if not done, install after xx days. (xx limited to 30 days - never)
D. Data Collecti Update Options:
a) Install Upon release
b) Install after 7 days
c) Advise but wait for Admin manual install or, if not done, install after xx days. (xx limited to 30 days - never)It is on all the boxes on our network ... or was ... I renamed them to Machine Alpha, Machine Beta, etc.
There's two types of Windows users just like there's two camps of those watching politics. Those that believe what MS says and those who use common sense. MS believed offering Win 10 for free would result in everyone switching over in the 1st few weeks ... there has never been a case where installing a new OS on old hardware was a good idea. Even if you get the same performance, the loss in time, effort, downtime and refamiliarization never produces a positive ROI. American businesses found that out w/ Win 95 when, according to InfoWorld, businesses invested an average of $2500 - $4500 per seat in hardware, IT time, retraining, etc only to see performance drop by 40%.
MS says it's for our benefit .... geez.... . When my son broughthis car in to get a flat repaired, they said his 3 month old car needed 4 tires, a wheel alignment, wiper blades and brake pads. I built my SOHO network in 1993 using WFWGs for 5 boxes .... had 10 by 1996. So I'd say 230+ machine years and have only seen 1 infection. Rec'd a infected 3.5" floppy, was picked up upon insertion and disinfected before file was copied to HD. I don't see as we need MS "saving us from anything". I have had frantic calls from colleagues and users we support when XP SP3 destroyed AutoCADs licensing ... can't imagine the frustration of having 20 CAD operators sitting at their desks unable to use their software investment of $3500 - $15,000 per seats for 2 days for people who normally billed out at $85 an hour ($25,000+). The day Win10 broke, it broke every SLI system it was installed on.
The was one reason and one reason only why Windows 10 was free ... MS say that Google had grown into one of America's most affluent companies without selling any products. They signed on with bunches of partners to provide data mining which marketing types and copyright holders froth at the mouth when thinking of getting their hands on it. One of the reasons MS started it's unscrupulous behaviors of sneaking / tricking people into upgrading was to get their partners off their back who had paid for access to amounts of data that wasn't being delivered because of the abysmally low uptake of the new OS.
Win 10 is by no means a terrible OS .... the best think for them to do would be to:
Windows 10 Consumer Edition - Free or a minimal cost and you agree to let MS control what happens on your PC ... when PC gets broken, you lose access ... well it will suck to be you that day.
Windows 10 Professional Edition - Charge $200 or more for people who earn a living with their PCs and then leave us the hell alone. provide a "chinese menu "with access to all features and allow us to check or uncheck a box for things we went and things we don't.
As for the "everybody does it" illusion ... not here ... When i experience a crash in AutoCAD for example .... I get a pop up asking me if I want to send a report. Firefox allows one to control what is and what is not sent. This happens in games too. The OS should allow the option globally. The difference being the user gets to choose what data is sent and if it will be sent. This is akin to having a security system.
Option A - When leaving the house and turning system ON, if an entry alarm is active and not cancelled within xx seconds, the system will auto activate all security cameras.
Option B - Whenever the system operator suspects something may be amiss, the operator can activate all security cameras.
Option C - All data from security cameras will be kept on alarm company servers.
if choosing B or C, you can ask company to call you at work if ya daughter is having sex with her BF in your den after school.
I once read a licensing agreement where the EULA said that all work created with their software became the legal property of the software developer. We have no idea what data their telemetry is collected and we are entitled to have a readable copy of all data transmitted Why not have this data be logged on the PC and produce a popup asking the user for permission to send the log file ? User would have option of reading before being sent or to save to a log file folder which would be emptied of all files more than 30 days old ? Because many of the partners they provide data to don't want the user made aware.
Media services are doing the same thing. We recently received a notice from our cable / internet provider that we had illegally downloaded an HBO movie. I called them and told them that this was ridiculous as we pay them for HBO and could watch the content at any time and had already seen that particular title 2 years back. The customer service rep laughed and said "duh", don't know why they would send you that notice w/o checking your subscription.
One of MS's partners is MarkMonitor / MCAA ... why are they paying MS for access to this data ? Think about that ... all those free upgrades for Win 10 that are even still being offered .... what has replaced that revenue stream ? what could possibly have comparable value ?
And yes, Linux sucks...25 years in making and cant even beat a paid OS for end users.
The money for MS right now is in cloud:
news.microsoft.com/2018/07/19/microsoft-cloud-drives-record-fourth-quarter-results-2/
These two companies are completely not comparable. MS is doing what it has always done best: focus on software with a real purpose; now also 'as a service'.
a) Install Upon release
b) Install after 7 days
c) Advise but wait for Admin manual install or, if not done, install after xx days. (xx limited to 30 - 90 days)
d) Advise but do not install without admin approval
e) Do not advise and do not install(installation is completely manual if desired)
B. Feature Update Options:
a) Install Upon release
b) Install after 7 days
c) Advise but wait for Admin manual install or, if not done, install after xx days. (xx limited to 30 days - never)
d) Advise but do not install without admin approval
e) Do not advise and do not install(installation is completely manual if desired)
C. Hardware Driver Update Options:
a) Install Upon release
b) Install after 7 days
c) Advise but wait for Admin manual install or, if not done, install after xx days. (xx limited to 30 days - never)
d) Advise but do not install without admin approval
e) Do not advise and do not install(installation is completely manual if desired)
D. Data Collection Update Options:
a) Install Upon release
b) Install after 7 days
c) Advise but wait for Admin manual install or, if not done, install after xx days. (xx limited to 30 days - never)
d) Advise but do not install without admin approval
e) Do not advise and do not install(installation is completely manual if desired)
These are options that are actually acceptable.You need to actually tryout Linux for a month or perhaps lay off the drugs. The only area where Windows has the advantage over Linux is gaming. Everything else can be done, and sometimes better, on Linux.That's my point. They're present on the system. Unacceptable. Complete removal needs to be an option WITHOUT all the rigmarole to do it by force..