Every six months Microsoft releases a major update to the Windows 10 platform and inevitably, there are issues. The October release, is no exception.
If you follow tech blogs and forums, you may already know that some people have completed the update only to find that some of their files went missing. Another more recent Intel audio update was released which stopped the audio from working. Even Microsoft itself has advised: “While we encourage you to wait until the update is offered to your device, if you’re an advanced user on an actively serviced version of Windows 10 and would like to install the Windows 10 update now, you can do so by manually checking for updates.” This has prompted me to write about updates and what I think is the best way to install them.
When it comes to Windows 10 updates, we have been resigned to the fact that Microsoft has taken away our ability to control what to update and what not to (sigh). And, with each major update, another assortment of compatibility issues arise. It doesn’t give you a lot of faith in their quality assurance processes.
It is always around this time that I receive an influx of calls from people experiencing a myriad of unexplained phenomena with their Windows 10 computers.
Whenever you accept an update, many people wonder if it’s safe to do so, and wonder what it is that they are actually updating.
So here are a few handy hints on what to look out for when it comes to updates. Firstly, from the horse’s mouth, Microsoft: DON’T check for updates in the Windows update section of your computer if you’re a novice. Wait for it to prompt you.
This will help to avoid any undue updates that may not be ready for download on to your computer.
Secondly, there are many supposed update apps that claim to check all your software and get the latest updates. My experience with these is that they tend to do more harm than good. Many install adware, keyloggers or malicious software that slows your computer down.
If you find that you have a driver that no longer works, or you want to check if you need driver updates for your computer, then go directly to the manufacturer’s website and check your make and model. Some manufacturers even have system checkers that will do the hard work for you, such as HP. It will scan through your HP computer and check that you have the latest drivers.
A lot of these updates are generally for security purposes, for compatibility between your computer and the Windows operating system, or for bug fixes. If you are not sure whether to update your computer and it gives you an option not to update, then I would choose not to update.
If you find that you have an update installed and your computer has gone a bit glitchy, then it may be time to call your tech, because it either didn’t install correctly, its conflicting with other software on your computer, or it is buggy”.
In any case, rolling back the update may require a bit more expertise.