Further simplifying servicing models for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 – Windows for IT Pros
Even though the information is provided by the Windows for IT Pros blog, the changes do, of course, apply to consumers. Snippets quoted from the referenced article below:
What does this mean to consumers with Windows 7 and/or Windows 8.1 devices? Following is information I have gathered from various sources:
1. All security and non-security fixes (reliability updates) will be in one cumulative update -- no choices!
2. It won't be possible to uninstall one troublesome update, rather the entire cumulative update will need to be removed.
3. Updates for the Microsoft Office, Servicing Stack and Adobe Flash won't be included in the rollups.
4. Each monthly rollup will supersede the previous month's rollup. (Thus a computer not powered on in October will get the October updates included in the November update.)
5. As illustrated in the Windows 10 update history, documentation will be consolidated release notes with the rollups for all supported versions of Windows.
Comments:
1. Without a doubt, be more proactive in maintaining system backups.
2. Ensure you have a recent System Restore point.
3. No, do NOT disable Windows Update as missing critical security updates could indeed have serious repercussions. That said, at this point, it is unknown what changes may be made to WU options or whether the option to "Download updates, but let me choose whether or not to install them" option will be available if you wish to delay updates a couple of days beyond the first Tuesday of the month.
4. I personally prefer to obtain device drivers directly from the manufacturer. To change the driver update setting, see How to stop Windows 7 automatically installing drivers which also works on Windows 8.1.
Even though the information is provided by the Windows for IT Pros blog, the changes do, of course, apply to consumers. Snippets quoted from the referenced article below:
What does this mean to consumers with Windows 7 and/or Windows 8.1 devices? Following is information I have gathered from various sources:
1. All security and non-security fixes (reliability updates) will be in one cumulative update -- no choices!
2. It won't be possible to uninstall one troublesome update, rather the entire cumulative update will need to be removed.
3. Updates for the Microsoft Office, Servicing Stack and Adobe Flash won't be included in the rollups.
4. Each monthly rollup will supersede the previous month's rollup. (Thus a computer not powered on in October will get the October updates included in the November update.)
5. As illustrated in the Windows 10 update history, documentation will be consolidated release notes with the rollups for all supported versions of Windows.
Comments:
1. Without a doubt, be more proactive in maintaining system backups.
2. Ensure you have a recent System Restore point.
3. No, do NOT disable Windows Update as missing critical security updates could indeed have serious repercussions. That said, at this point, it is unknown what changes may be made to WU options or whether the option to "Download updates, but let me choose whether or not to install them" option will be available if you wish to delay updates a couple of days beyond the first Tuesday of the month.
4. I personally prefer to obtain device drivers directly from the manufacturer. To change the driver update setting, see How to stop Windows 7 automatically installing drivers which also works on Windows 8.1.