Windows 10 updates offer  nothing but frustration lately

Recent Windows 10 updates have been giving the company's user base heartburn lately, with their tendency to delete files and cause at least as many problems as they solve.  If you're among the frustrated ranks, good news is on the horizon.

The company is currently readying an update that will allow you to pause the update function so that they no longer occur automatically.

Do understand that updates are required, but...

To be sure, automatic updates are a good idea in principle, ensuring that your system is as safe and as protected as it can be.  The sad reality is that in the absence of automatic updates, a significant percentage of the user base would either update very sporadically or not at all, which would expose them to a whole raft of dangers.

On the flip side, the recent spate of update troubles that Windows 10 users have been experiencing have left some users terrified of system updates and the prospect of lost data or other bugs.

Enterprise users have long had an option to delay automatic updates for up to 35 days, which is a window that gives business owners and the IT professionals working for the time to assess the potential impact of an update before it is applied across the corporate network. However, home users have been left out of the equation.

In a soon to be released update (19H1), however, that will be changing.  The update is scheduled for release in April of this year and will allow users to delay updates for up to seven days.  It's a feature that Windows Insiders can already take advantage of.  If you're in the program and want to check it out, simply go to:

Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Update

Once there, you'll find an option not to pause the updates for up to seven days.

Our perspective

Kudos to Microsoft for making the feature available to home users.


The author

Thanks for reading this short post. For more tips on thriving with small business technology, check out the other blog posts at DWPia Blogs. I am also available at dwpia on LinkedIn, at dwpia on Facebook, and @dwpia on Twitter.

Cybersecurity Expert, Small Business Technology Consultant, Managed Services Provider, Managed IT Support

Denis S Wilson

I am President and Principal Consultant for DWP Information Architects: specializing in managed IT support for smaller healthcare practices, clinics, insurance companies, law firms, and construction companies in Ventura County and San Fernando Valley. And have created cost-effective IT solutions, for over 20 years, specializing in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.

I am also a published author and speaker, working extensively with organizations that include: the State of California, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, Women's Business Centers, and Small Business Development Centers. As well as providing small business technology education programs through business and professional associations.

Contact me if you would like me to speak at your meeting.

Meanwhile, check out this report

Executive Report: 10 Hidden IT Risks That Might Threaten Your Business