Microsoft Abandons Windows 10’s Constant Updates - even for Home

dalchina · 04 Apr 2019

https://www.howtogeek.com/410183/mic...orced-updates/

Hadn't heard of this until now.. but gives choice at last even to Home users.

At last a rational decision on this...

Microsoft has a major announcement today: Windows 10 will no longer automatically install those big feature updates every six months. Home users can pause smaller updates, too. In fact, Windows will even let you pause updates after checking for them!

This is huge. It’s Microsoft’s biggest change in Windows strategy since the company released Windows 10. Microsoft is giving up on “Windows as a service” that is automatically updated outside of your control.

Brink · 04 Apr 2019

More: Windows 10 May 2019 Update rollout approach - Windows 10 Forums

alphanumeric · 04 Apr 2019

You mean they finally actually listened to the "users'? IMHO, they have been for the most part, ignoring the consumer side of Windows users. Corporate customers seem to get what they want in short order but consumers seem to get the "take it or leave it", end of the stick. I've been saying "driver" updates should be optional for a long long time, seems to fall on deaf ears though. But hey, this is a step in the right direction so thats good.

Helmut · 04 Apr 2019

Not that huge, a minor increase of options. Even Home users have several options which people don't use(Advanced options), but just do the anti MS bit before bothering to look.

alphanumeric · 04 Apr 2019

I'm spoiled, I can run any edition I want. Only ever run Home to test something out. Usually its Pro, Pro Workstation, or Enterprise. Mainly so I don't have to deal with the restrictions imposed by running Home. To be honest I'm less and less inspired by what Microsoft does these days. Its been like this ever since they threw the consumer MVP's under the Bus. Sour grapes I know, just being honest though.

jimbo45 · 05 Apr 2019

Hi there
I've never understood why Windows doesn't offer a "LTS" or Long term release solutions like some Linux systems especially designed for enterprise systems.

Windows does have a problem though that most enterprises don't -- a lot of gamers and obviously people add new and quite sophisticated hardware quite frequently.

Then in My view windows could then make the "release rings" more sensible -- those that want latest updates , hardware and leading edge stuff could be offered a "Windows Rolling release" while the LTS version would only supply minor (if any) changes and security fixes only. - All versions would of course offer timely security updates - that's no hassle these days and takes just seconds if updating WD etc.

Seems logical enough to me and I'm sure it would be far easier (and cheaper) to manage as well.

Cheers
jimbo

alphanumeric · 05 Apr 2019

There is a Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC, Long Term Servicing Channel Edition.

Bree · 05 Apr 2019

jimbo45 said:

I've never understood why Windows doesn't offer a "LTS" or Long term release solutions...

They do. 1809 is the latest available LTSC (formerly known as LTSB) build. The first LTSB was 10240, released in 2015. Even that one is still in support.

Windows 10 version history	Date of availability	Mainstream support end date	Extended support end date
Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019	November 13, 2018	January 9, 2024	January 9, 2029
Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2016 LTSB	August 2, 2016	October 12, 2021	October 13, 2026
Windows 10 Enterprise 2015 LTSB Windows 10 IoT Enterprise 2015 LTSB	July 29, 2015	October 13, 2020	October 14, 2025

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...cle-fact-sheet

Seems logical enough to me and I'm sure it would be far easier (and cheaper) to manage as well.

Yes, Micorosoft agree with you. LTSB/LTSC is available to all their Enterprise customers.

jimbo45 · 05 Apr 2019

Bree said:

They do. 1809 is the latest available LTSC (formerly known as LTSB) build. The first LTSB was 10240, released in 2015. Even that one is still in support.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...cle-fact-sheet

Yes, Micorosoft agree with you. LTSB/LTSC is available to all their Enterprise customers.

Hi there

@Bree
@alphanumeric

They need to roll something like this out to Home / Consumers as well or say individual professional IT consultants etc. The problem with the current model is that the fees are quite expensive for service -- should be made available down "the chain" to non enterprise as a "non service" deal - so you can use free but you don't get Ms support -- same as people using the Linux LTS builds without service contracts -- updates available but you don't get support. There's always plenty of Forums etc to get help anyway at the individual level for these types of builds -- and they rarely go wrong in any case.

Cheers
jimbo

Tkaya · 05 Apr 2019

Bree said:

They do. 1809 is the latest available LTSC (formerly known as LTSB) build. The first LTSB was 10240, released in 2015. Even that one is still in support.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...cle-fact-sheet

Yes, Micorosoft agree with you. LTSB/LTSC is available to all their Enterprise customers.

LTSC is not like LTS that many Linux distros have. LTSC is not a mainstream build that is available generally and it comes with many caveats. Microsoft does not recommend or support its use and actively works against users from using LTSC builds.

Which is a shame, as LTSB was how I was finally happy using Windows 10. But with the further crippling techniques used with LTSC it is no longer an option to even consider.