Windows 10 update confusion

I'm not tech savvy at all, so I don't know why the Windows updates won't work on my computer. Each time I try to install the updates, a message comes up on the screen saying that doing the update may cause some of my audio and video files to not work correctly. Is it necessary to do the Windows update? I'm not sure what audio or video files would not work. I have mp3 music files on my computer and a few videos taken with my phone and/or digital camera. If I install the update, those files will not work?

Also, the last few times I clicked to shut down my computer it has an option of "update and shut down." I select the "update and shutdown" each time I turn off my computer, but nothing happens.

I'm very confused. Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you.

ChristineL said:

I'm very confused...

I'm not surprised. Microsoft use the word 'update' for two very different things. There are two types of Windows 10 updates, security and bug-fix updates, and Features Updates. The security/bug fixes just patch a few of the files on your system - mostly these are the monthly 'Cumulative Updates'.

A 'Features Update' is actually a full upgrade, replacing your Windows 10 with a complete new system with new and updated features. There have been two Features Updates so far, 1511 (the Fall Update) and 1607 (the Anniversary Update).

To see what type of 'update' may be giving you problems, can you first tell us the current version of your Windows 10? Run Winver to find out, you can find it by typing Winver in the Cortana/Search box next to Start. Mine says: Version 1607 (OS Build 14393.693). What does yours say?

Thank you for your reply, Bree. I checked to see which version of Windows I have. It says I have Version 1511 (OS Build 10586.753)

ChristineL said:

It says I have Version 1511 (OS Build 10586.753)

You have the latest updates for version 1511. The January cumulative update took the build number up to 10586.753. The update that is causing you grief is almost certainly the 'Features update to Windows 10, version 1607' otherwise known as the Anniversary Update. This, as I said, is really a full upgrade and can take up to an hour to complete. That's why you are offer the two shutdown options: 'shutdown' or 'shutdown and update'. From what you say the update isn't working as it should.

Look at Settings > Update & security > Windows Update, click on Update history. Does it show a failed update or an update waiting to install? If so, can you post a screenshot.

Screenshot - Take in Windows 10
Screenshots and Files - Upload and Post in Ten Forums

I checked my update history. Here's a screenshot of what it said in my history. It looks like the update failed on January 9th.

That confirms that it's just the Anniversary Update that won't install. At least you now know that you are completely up to date for all the security updates, the new features in 1607 are not necessary for your security.

It's getting late here, so I'll look at this some more tomorrow, but one thought before I leave. Do you have any 3rd-party antivirus installed? Avast, amongst others, has been known to cause problems installing the Anniversary Update.

"I'm not sure what audio or video files would not work. I have mp3 music files on my computer and a few videos taken with my phone and/or digital camera. If I install the update, those files will not work?"

An Update would not affect mp3 or video files unless you are using Windows 10 apps to play but you could always find a 3rd party software to use instead. But you should ALWAYS have these files backed up REGULARLY somewhere, like and external drive, so they are not lost in case of an update or device failure.

ChristineL said:

...a message comes up on the screen saying that doing the update may cause some of my audio and video files to not work correctly...

mrgeek said:

An Update would not affect mp3 or video files...

As @ChristineL describes herself as "...not tech savy at all..." I read this as possibly being a message about the audio/video drivers rather that the file types supported. Your point about regular backups is well made though. You can never have enough backups.

@ChristineL, your system specs say you have a Dell Inspiron M531R 5535, is that correct? According to Dell this was originally supplied with Windows 8 and that Dell has tested this product to confirm that it can upgrade to Windows 10. However, it doesn't seem to be listed under Dell's list of Computers tested for upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update which may explain the message, its a precautionary warning.

Having said that, neither of my laptops are even on their respective manufacturer's list of 'supported for Windows 10' and they both run the Anniversary Update flawlessly. I suspect yours will too (a Google search cannot find anyone reporting problems for this model) but in the event that it causes problems you would have 10 days from a successful update to the AU (1607) in which you can undo the upgrade and go back to your current version 1511.

You don't need the AU to continue using your laptop. You will continue to get all the security and bug-fix updates for your current version. The features updated in the AU include an updated layout for the Start Menu and the ability for Edge to use extensions, the Settings app has been extended and now includes more settings that were previously in the control panel. All are 'nice to have' but not strictly essential.

There's no rush to get the AU installed, we can take our time and investigate why it isn't installing for you. There are alternative ways to apply the Anniversary Update we could try.

Yes, I have a Dell Inspiron M531R-5535. When I bought my computer it was before Windows 10 was on the market. Last year I decided to update to Windows 10 on my computer.

I used to have Avast on my computer, but I removed it when I installed Kaspersky anti-virus. Would Kaspersky affect the update not working?

ChristineL said:

I used to have Avast on my computer, but I removed it when I installed Kaspersky anti-virus. Would Kaspersky affect the update not working?

One simple reason for the Anniversary Update not being able to install may be not enough free disk space. How much do you have? At least 20GB free space is normally needed. This is required to save your old system in case you need to go back to your previous version.

How did you remove Avast? Like most AVs, just uninstalling it can sometimes leave bits behind. And like most others, Avast provide a clean-up tool. Avast Uninstall Utility | Download aswClear for Avast Removal This should be safe to run, even if you have already uninstalled Avast. The update may then be able to install.

I haven't found many reports on the forum of Kaspersky affecting the update, but there were reports of the update affecting Kaspersky. Anniversary update vs virus protection software

Check you have the latest updates and read Kaspersky's FAQ: Upgrade to Windows 10 Anniversary Update If after reading that you feel you'd like to uninstall Kaspersky, they too have a removal tool. But if yours is a paid-for version, note that...

When you remove a product using the kavremover tool, license information is also removed. Make sure you have the license key or the activation code stored elsewhere so that you can use it again later.

http://support.kaspersky.com/common/...e.aspx?el=1464


There was just one forum post I found where an older version of Kaspersky was preventing the update.
Anniversary Update won't install because "Name not available" app can'