Microsoft wants to ensure that its users are always running the latest version of Windows and are up to date with any security patches. In previous versions of Windows, this has proved to be an issue as many users have historically opted to disable Windows Update or to continuously postpone installations.
From Windows 10, this will no longer be possible. The Register reports that a clause in the Windows 10 End User Licensing Agreement states: “By accepting this agreement [indicated by continued usage of the OS], you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice.”
The “automatic updates” mentioned refer to critical security patches and future Windows upgrades that will add new features, such as the “Redstone” update next year. It appears as though users will have to install these to continue to use Windows, something that is integral to Microsoft’s new “Windows as a Service” concept.
By pursuing this policy, Microsoft can be confident that its users are always protected from threats online. Rather than dragging along a mixed user base of people spread across several different versions, the company will be able to continually keep everybody up to date once they have upgraded to Windows 10.
Developers will also be able to have increased confidence that they can use the latest Windows features in their apps without preventing large swathes of potential users from enjoying their product. In the long run, this will probably turn out to be a good move on Microsoft’s part but it may not please users in the short term.
There are many reasons why a person — or company — may choose to postpone a Windows update. Some historic updates have led to computer instability or have even prevented machines from starting.
Others occasionally break drivers for connected peripherals so extra hardware may suddenly stop running. By forcing all of its users to install every update, Microsoft has forced itself into being extra vigilant when debugging every released update. Microsoft has claimed that it wants 1 billion devices running Windows 10 in the next two years but it wouldn’t sound so good if they all ran into problems with one failed Windows update.
Users of Windows 10 Pro will not be forced into immediately installing updates. They will be able to postpone for up to eight months. Enterprise customers will retain control over which updates are deployed and when.
Microsoft wants to finally rid itself of casual consumer users who may have inadvertently disabled Windows Update, or prevented critical security patches from installing themselves. The easiest way to go about this is radical but effective: force installation of every update, with no button to say no.
