Why You Should Stop Using “Check for updates” in Windows 10

Interesting post. In the past, I have "checked for updates" periodically and have noted that some of the updates appeared to have little or no bearing on my situation. I plan to stop doing that now. I did check for updates a couple of days ago on my two W10 Pro desktops and found a couple of updates plus the 1809 Upgrade pending. The machines had checked for updates within a day or so of my manual check so I'm curious as to whether my manual check prompted the 1809 availability. I did go ahead with the 1809 upgrade and have noted no problems other than the need to change screen resolution on one of the monitors on one of the units.

Appreciate this note. I have generally followed this guideline but often wondered if it was a safe way to proceed.

Thanks Arie - I learn something new on this site every day.

 

I wonder is that is not just another poorly written blog lacking any fact checking? I think it is (who is going to fact check a MS VP?).

There is nothing in the actual blog that defines what an "advanced user" is. I don't believe Microsoft is assuming you must be an advanced user if you manually check for updates.

Instead, note that blog is found under "Windows Insider Program > Windows 10 Tips > Mixed Reality".

And if you do follow the blogger's link, Windows approach to quality, we see it is all about Windows Insiders - people who would be considered "advanced users" and who have already agreed to act, more or less, as beta testers for such releases.

Since it is not uncommon for a "normal" user's computer to be off-line or turned off for a couple weeks (vacation, illness, business trip, etc.), it is not uncommon to manually check for updates when it comes back on line. In fact, it is a widely accepted first troubleshooting step to make sure the OS is fully updated. And I see no reason to deviate from that troubleshooting process.

So I personally am not going to change my own personal procedures, nor am I going to stop recommending users of all skillsets from manually checking for updates.

 

Right. I noted it was written by a VP - and therefore, likely not bounced off fact checkers or a technical editor before posting.

 

I am not saying he doesn't.

What I am saying is the blog article should have explained exactly what he meant by "advanced user". And since that was posted in the "Windows Insider" section, the blog article should have made clear whether these updates affect only "advanced" users in the "Windows Insider Program", or if it affects all users.

 

I am not trying to argue with you Arie.

Yes, if you read the article, that is the conclusion you might come to. And that's the problem!

I am just saying the article should have made it perfectly clear - without having to "assume" anything - (1) what an advanced user is and (2) if it applies to Windows Insiders or everyone.

 

It knows if you are a Windows Insider or not. And that is my point.

Since it is quite clear to you, please explain what Microsoft means when they say "advanced user".

It seems you are the one making the assumption to me. I don't see where it takes being an advanced user to check for updates since that is a common task for just about any program any user might use on their computers.

 

Okay, Arie. If you feel that blog post adequately explains what an "advanced user" is, and if you feel the fact the author posting his blog in the Windows Insider section and cites another Windows Insider blog article totally explains everything - to include how this change WILL affect every "normal user" to the point you recommend all "normal users" need to go digging around inside and making changes in the Registry, then I guess we are at an impasse.

Me? Since Windows Update problems are a much much smaller problem affecting much fewer people than many bashers, including many in the IT press and those who automatically parrot them, want us to believe, and because keeping our systems current has a proven history of being one of the best steps "normal users" can take to keep their systems secure, and running smoothly, I will continue to recommend normal users stick with the defaults - at least until they become smarter and more knowledgeable about the inner workings of the Windows OS than the developers at Microsoft. And until they are disciplined enough to know they need to backup their data, and the Registry, before making changes to it.

 

I am not mistaken. And I never said anything about any 3rd party blog so I have no clue where you got that from.

Please look at what you posted. Look in the black banner bar at top and you will see it is posted under the Windows Insider section.

Then look where that VP said,

Follow his link and you will see it too is in the Windows Insider section.

Windows Insiders are NOT normal users. Instead, they are people who consider themselves advanced and have voluntarily opted in to get preview versions of features and updates before they are released to the general public or "normal" user.

You may be 100% right! But I am not going to assume, one way or the other.

What I am saying is he needs to define exactly what an advanced user is, and exactly who this affects since his blogs are clearly posted in the Windows Insider section and those of us in the Windows Insider program have installed (by our own choice) preview versions Windows 10.

 

I think it is important to note that this is how things go viral and get blown way out of proportion - like the number of users affected by WU getting blown way out of proportion leading many to repeat it and repeat it, until a tiny snowball turns into an avalanche. That link just parrots that same unclear VP's Windows Insiders blog. No doubts more and more will repeat it again and again.

A drunk might hop the curb and slam into my front door. We all know this has happened before. But does it mean you should never stand on your front porch?

It is possible you might get trapped in a burning car because you cannot get your seatbelt unfastened. That has happened. But does that mean everyone should stop wearing their seatbelts?

I am not afraid of the developers at Microsoft. I honestly believe they are top notch. It is the marketing weenies and executive policy decisions that scare me and give Windows a bad rap. I think we should hold off making judgement to see how this new policy pans out.

 

Arie, using your suggestion, on an update is further tested and proved safe, what procedure do I use to update that Windows update..