Should I install Windows 10 Creators Updates on my aging Desktop PC?

Gaz1701 · 10 Nov 2017

I know it's a bit of an odd question to ask - and it's not exactly an objective question either (and that it's not really a "problem" per se), but I've been intentionally avoiding it for a long while now after hearing all the complaints about their computers slowing down to a crawl - plus other problems.

And as my computer is now 10 years old, could it have a bigger effect on it, or is it just going to be like changing from Windows 7 to Windows 10 (I never got 8 on my PC), or like having a Service Pack?

But now that there's been 2 Creators Updates to it (without having to look through the forum for all the info), do you think it's stable enough to try to install them?

Also, if I start getting the problems like other people have been having, is it possible to revert back/uninstall the Creators Update, or would I have to reinstall Windows again? My guess would be a "no" without having to reinstall.

Ps. I've been saving up for a new [hopefully gaming] computer, so is it worth doing it now, or should I just wait a bit longer until I get a new PC?

My thought on it is a "if it isn't broke, don't fix it" mindset (ie. if it's running smoothly, don't install something that could mess it up)

Caledon Ken · 10 Nov 2017

Hi Gaz1701.

Is your build number correct in your specs. If so you must be off support (security patches) and that would concern me.

I have a laptop circa 2007 with 4GB and it runs V1709. Now I did put in an SSD which makes it more responsive. Will yours work, that I don't think anyone can say 100%. I have another laptop around that age and it works too with a spinner. Lots of variables with actual guts. You may need to hunt down some drivers.

Not sure if you are 32 or 64 bits. Make sure you know what you have.

As to recovering, the good news is there is a free tool to image your device and its reliable. You will need media to backup to.

Backup and Restore with Macrium Reflect

If you were to buy a new HDD / SDD then you could clean install with your other disk disconnect. Windows will activate on its own since you had 10 previously.

Clean Install Windows 10

Then the fallback plan would be disconnect and reconnect old drive. Assuming it works you could then copy data to new drive. There are other alternatives.

Of course you could do an in place upgrade.

Repair Install Windows 10 with an In-place Upgrade

Backup your data. You want easy access to it even with an image.

Other members will have other experiences and recommendations.

Ken

xXWhackerXx · 10 Nov 2017

simply put if you can run this "Windows 10 Home 64-bit (10.0, Build 10240)" you can run 1709 aka 16299.19 aka rs3. i personally suggest you do a proper wipe of your drive and a fresh install if you do decide to upgrade.

Gaz1701 · 10 Nov 2017

Oops, sorry, I hadn't updated my Windows build. It's now actually [Win 10.0 still] build 14393

Bree · 10 Nov 2017

My test machine is very low spec (see my System Two in 'My computers' below). It was an OEM Win7 machine, but all version of Win10 run equally well on it, including Fall Creators Update.

Steve C · 11 Nov 2017

Backup up your existing installation (e.g. using Macrium Reflect Free) so you have a fallback if something goes wrong.

You just need to create USB/DVD installation media using the Media Creation Tool and install the latest FCU. There are other versions available using this tool https://heidoc.net/joomla/technology...-download-tool

A SSD would speed up your PC significantly.

Gaz1701 · 12 Nov 2017

I've already got a Repair Install DVD of Windows 10, but would that include all the updates from Windows Update*?

I mean, seeing as the Creators Update are updates from Windows Update, how would I install all the updates (eg. security patches etc.) but not the Creators Update - if it does makes my computer worse? Or does it* already include all the latest updates to it, and it's not the vanilla Windows 10 I'm installing?

Ps. On a separate note, I recently sent my [Win 10] laptop in to Curry's (an electrical store in the UK for you Americans) to replace my damaged monitor screen, and they had to do a reinstall of Windows... but when I used Windows Update and didn't find any new updates, I don't know if that's because I set it as a metered connection (so it wouldn't install the Creators Update/CU); but the CU isn't installed on it - which I thought would be part of downloading all the latest updates to Windows. So I don't know if it's actually all up to date, or setting it as a metered connection just made it seem like it's up to date.

Does any of this make sense?

As you can see, I can't seem to figure out if Windows differentiates between regular updates, and the CU.

Caledon Ken · 12 Nov 2017

Hi Gaz1701.

Not sure where you got the Repair Install DVD but it will not include all the updates and it may or may not include the base code for 1703 or 1709.

The easiest thing to do is use the Media Creation Tool and create a USB key. From this key you can upgrade by navigating the key and executing setup.exe. If you want to clean install you boot from the USB.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-ca/soft...load/windows10

Previously I supplied links for both an upgrade or a clean install.

If you do update or clean install it will still ask and will retrieve updates. It is never ending with more this Tuesday. (2nd Tuesday of the month)

Re your laptop. Windows key + R, type winver, enter.

This article shows you the latest version and build for each level. Machines at 1607 should have updated to 1703 by now but this is still happening, saw two in the last month.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4018124

If you are on 1607, I think metered connections only applies to Wifi unless you messed with registry. Start > Settings > Network and Internet . Wifi > click on you SSID > click on manage > check or change metered connection.

Check your laptop to see updates are not failing Start > Settings > Update and Security >click on "View installed update history"

Now if you created a USB key with the Media creation tool and you want to force the issue, place the key in your laptop, navigate to setup.exe and double click. I think I would let MS manage the updates to the laptop but you can force it. A lot of us have.

Ken

Bree · 12 Nov 2017

Gaz1701 said:

...I can't seem to figure out if Windows differentiates between regular updates, and the CU.

There are two quite different sorts of 'updates' - Cumulative Updates and Features Updates. Both can be delivered through windows update, checking for updates may find either or both types. A metered connection will stop the updates being downloaded, but it doesn't stop windows update checking for updates.

A cumulative update contains the latest security patches and bug fixes. Theses are generally issued monthly and there's one for each version of Windows 10. They provide updated versions of individual files in the windows system, patching your existing system to keep it up to date.

A features update would be more accurately be described as an upgrade. It is a complete new operating system to replace your existing one. It will introduce new features and apps. Installing it upgrades your system to a new version, keeping your old system in a windows.old folder for 10 days in case you have problems and want to go back to it, after which it is automatically deleted.

A cumulative update will be installed immediately, often needing a restart to complete the update. A features update can take a long time, it is after all installing a whole new OS. When a features update has been downloaded and is ready to install the Start menu's power button has four new options instead of 'Shut down' and 'Restart' - 'Restart with updates',
'Restart without updates', 'Shutdown with updates' and 'Shutdown without updates'. This is so you have a choice about when you run the upgrade, it can take an hour or so to complete.