Microsoft is releasing a new iOS-like Tips app to make it easier for users to learn more about the new features in an update…
The Tips app will highlight all the major changes in the next feature update after that update is installed. People with this preview build will see a new Tips app that shows “some of the most recent new features from the latest Insider Preview builds in the Dev Channel”.
WSUS Offline Update 11.9 Free Download – FreewareFiles.com
WSUS stands for Windows Server Update Service, and the WSUS Offline (portable app) will help you patch your computer without connecting to the Internet. Of course, you will first of all need to download the required patches from a computer with Internet access.
Source: WSUS Offline Update 11.9 Free Download – FreewareFiles.com – Desktop Category
Learning How To Pause Windows 10 Updates At Home
For people at home, Microsoft Windows 10 (Home Edition) has an advanced built-in feature that allows you to “temporarily” delay or pause Windows updates for up to 35 days. For your IT Network Managers in the business world, you are most likely running Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, etc…; and, in those instances, updates can be delayed up to a year.
Microsoft Windows is an extremely complex operating system, the target of the criminal enterprise, and as a result, updates are necessary in order to maintain the integrity of the operating system. Often though, these updates run into compatibility issues or the coding of the update may be off just enough that it causes widespread problems. As a result, a good strategy here is to delay the updates; especially if you know beforehand the update is one that is a major OS “feature” update where potential stability problems often occur.
So, how do you delay the updates? I found a good tutorial on this, which is a quick read, and for you folks at home, you will learn where and how to pause updates in a matter of minutes. There are also instructions included for anyone else who has the higher Windows 10 version options.
I do want to add that it is vitally important to allow updates to eventually take hold in order to protect your data and the integrity of the operating system.
How to delay Windows 10 updates, like the November 2019 Update
Do you want to stop Windows 10 November 2019 Update (version 1909) from downloading and installing on your computers and other similar devices? The good news is that, if you have Windows 10 Pro or a superior edition such as Enterprise, you can postpone updates for up to an entire year. Even if you only have Windows 10 Home, you can still change some settings and make it delay updates for up to 35 days. Here is how to postpone Windows 10 updates such as November 2019 Update.
Continue Reading @ Digital Citizen
Quick Tip: The Different Types of Windows 10 Updates
by Mayank Parmar @ Bleeping Computer
Most folks at home that own Windows-based computers typically learn about Windows updates early on in the ownership of their computers. The update process, most of the time is transparent to the user; but, there are the times when they are very evident to user, such as when Windows 10 performs a feature update (which is actually an upgrade in my opinion) where the update process can consume a lot of time before completion. I know myself, I keep my fingers crossed when updates roll out. In this article, at Bleeping Computer, I encourage you to read so that you will quickly learn about Windows updates and the different type of updates. Yes, there is more than one type of update… Rick @ What’s On My PC
Microsoft pushes out a variety of monthly updates that fix bugs, compatibility issues, performance enhancements, and security updates. Windows 10 is also updated twice a year with new “Feature Updates” that aim to modify the Windows 10 experience in a significant way.
Learn More @ Bleeping Computer
More “Quick Tips”
Microsoft Patches Two Critical Windows 10 Security Flaws | Digital Trends
If you’re running any version of Windows 10, you should update your computer as soon as possible. Microsoft recently alerted users that it patched two critical remote code execution (RCE) “wormable” vulnerabilities, which could have allowed hackers to spread malware to both your — and others — PCs without your knowledge or any interaction.
Source: Microsoft Patches Two Critical Windows 10 Security Flaws | Digital Trends
Systems administrators: You need to know about this Windows 10 1903 patching change | ZDNet
Those using System Center Configuration Manager or Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to patch their systems need to make a one-time change to the settings around getting updates and patches for Windows 10 1903 and Server 1903 or later, as Microsoft noted in its blog post today.
Tech News: Microsoft Makes Major Changes to Windows 10 Updating – Thurrott.com
When this kicks in (most likely in May), Windows 10 user’s at home will be able to manage when updates are installed. Windows updates, especially major version updates, have a bad rep of causing potential problems to end-users (until the bugs are worked out). I know as a former IT Manager, I would cringe when updates were released and would wait to unleash them (then pray).
Beginning with Windows 10 version 1903—the feature update for which Microsoft is now calling the May 2019 Update—the software giant will actually allow its customers to decide when updates are installed.
Source: Microsoft Makes Major Changes to Windows 10 Updating – Thurrott.com
Windows 10 Update v1903 New Features List
The Windows 10 v1903 update will be rolling out soon (April 2019). Instead of using the word “update”, I like to use the word “upgrade” due that this is more than the typical Windows 10 “update”. So; you folks there at home, be ready for some change coming your way.
Typically, at home, sit back and wait for the update to come to you (via the Windows updates). If you can’t wait to get the update, follow the instructions HERE to get the update by using the Windows 10 Update Assistant. I highly recommend that you wait in case there are some bugs that Microsoft may need to work out.
Here is the list followed by complete details of Windows 10 v1903 features, as provided by “The Windows Club”. You can visit the site (see source link below) to learn more about each feature:
Blurred Background on Login Screen
Search, and Cortana are no longer together
Sleeker Start Menu & Start Menu Service
Action Center & Quick Buttons changes
Light Theme for those who dont like too much black.
Improved Storage settings.
Search changes & details
Voice Activation settings
Windows Update Feature with auto-rollback
Reserved Storage
Automatic Troubleshooting
Windows Sandbox
Windows Security
Linux on Windows enhancements
Other features.
Windows 10: “We removed some recently installed updates to recover your device from a startup failure.”
Why were recently installed updates removed?
Windows 10 has the ability to detect when a Windows 10 update is not playing well and will automatically remove the update. When these updates are removed and fail to install, this is an indication of an incompatibility issue and may end up requiring troubleshooting on your part (or could actually be a bad update from Microsoft).
From what I understand, the update that was removed will not try to reinstall for 30 days. This window of time gives Microsoft and their partners the opportunity to fix the update if it is, in fact, a problem created on their end.
You can read more about this at the source link below.
If you are “Still Using Windows 7? Microsoft’s Next Update Is Critical” | PCMag
There are still many folks out there standing by Windows 7… If you are one of those people, it is important (actually critical) that you get the next Windows 7 update. Also, as a further note, support for Windows 7 is set to end on Jan 14. 2020
If you want to continue receiving Windows updates, then the next Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 update is critical as it adds support for SHA-2 encryption. Without it, future updates can’t be downloaded.
Source: Still Using Windows 7? Microsoft’s Next Update Is Critical
