Microsoft: Don't Jump The Gun On Windows 10 Update

Microsoft says most users should hold off getting the next major Windows update until it's automatically installed. The unusual warning is because of some specific hardware compatibility problems that Microsoft is ironing out.

The update has been dubbed the 'Creators Update' and is the second major update Microsoft has issued for Windows 10, though it has been making minor changes and additions since the system was released.

Some but not all users have already received it as an automatic update. That's because Microsoft is deliberately rolling it out in stages and initially targeted people with newer computers. It says this is because they will have "the best possible update experience" -- or to put it another way, they are least likely to have problems.

Bluetooth Connection Causing Problems

The approach also means Microsoft may pick up on problems that didn't show up in the ordinary testing process. It says it takes three approaches to such problems: publishing advice on how to work around the problem; issuing an update to Windows 10 or the relevant drivers; or adding a block filter that mean computers it knows will likely be affected don't get the update until the problem is solved.

It's the last of these options that applies in this case. Microsoft says one reason is that it's found a problem with some computers that use a particular hardware component for connecting to Bluetooth devices.

The warning is for people who don't wait for automatic updates but instead jump the gun through a variety of methods such as visiting Microsoft's site that lets users download Windows 10 complete with the latest updates to create an installation disc.

Only Advanced Users Should Try "Early Update Trick"

According to Microsoft, using such an update method might mean the filter block doesn't kick in, risking users downloading a version that will be problematic on their computer. It says it recommends waiting for the automatic update "unless you're an advanced user who is prepared to work through some issues." (Source: windows.com)

PC World speculates that such warnings might become more common in future. It says Microsoft has cut back on its software testing department and is now relying more on the Windows Insider program (where users volunteer to test updates that still in development) to pick up on problems, something that is leading to more issues not showing up until the official update rollout starts. (Source: pcworld.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Has Microsoft got the right approach to issuing updates? Have you ever been tempted to try to get an update early rather than wait for the automatic download and installation? Should Microsoft go to the extra effort of adding the filter blocks to the installation disc downloads, or should people who try this workaround have to take responsibility for any problems?