Windows 10 Updates Could Get Big Change

Microsoft may be planning to change the way it issues updates for Windows 10. It could help break the cycle of updates fixing previous problems and introducing new ones.

Windows 10 represents a shift in the way that Windows Updates are applied. In addition to frequent updates to fix bugs and add features, the biggest changes are saved for two major updates each year. The idea is that Windows 10 will be updated indefinitely, rather than introducing a totally new edition.

This replaced the previous model of each edition of Windows getting a "Service Pack" of updates every year or two and then eventually being phased out as a completely new Windows was released.

Windows 10 Updates Problematic

It's fair to say the new system hasn't always gone smoothly, particularly with how updates are tested before they are rolled out to the public. This is particularly an issue with multiple versions of Windows 10 in use, often on overlapping schedules.

That's been blamed for the almost comical situation where each new update aims to fix a problem created by the last, only to bring its own new problems. In turn, it makes it difficult to get around major bugs by simply rolling back to a previous update.

New Features Could Be Optional Download

While it's totally speculation at the point, analysts believe it's a sign Microsoft is splitting the development process so that updates to the basic code of Windows itself are treated separately to the addition of new features.

That could mean Windows Update is used simply to deliver the code updates and plug any security bugs. Meanwhile new features would instead be downloaded individually, perhaps in a similar way to installing applications. (Source: techradar.com)

Windows Could Become "Freemium" Product

The most immediate effect would be that it would be easier to set a computer to automatically run the latest Windows code, which would ideally have any known problems or security plugs fixed, without automatically getting extra features that might introduce compatibility problems.

More cynical analysts suggest it could also pave the way for a new pricing structure in which "Windows 10" itself always remained free to keep up-to-date but new features could carry a fee.

What's Your Opinion?

Does this sound like a smart move from Microsoft? Would you use a "system updates" only setting if it was available and then decide manually about new features? Do you trust Microsoft to introduce these changes without further disruption?