If you’ve ever used a computer that constantly asks you to install updates, you’ve probably seen Windows Update. This is the automatic download and installation of new versions of Microsoft software on your computer. Automatic updates are usually released every day, and they’re the worst kind of updates. Feature updates, on the other hand, are more beneficial because they improve system compatibility. Typically, these updates are released once a year. So what’s the difference between security updates and feature updates?
Automatic Updates checks the Windows Update servers once a day
To make the computer check for updates automatically, you can configure the program to do so every day. The Windows Update server connects to the specified intranet Microsoft update service or to an alternative download server, without having to pass through your firewall. Then you can select the time you want Automatic Updates to check for updates. If you choose not to automatically check for updates, Windows Update will include updates tagged as Drivers.
The Windows update notification appears when the administrator logs into the computer. If an update is available, the administrator can choose whether to install it or wait until the next scheduled time. After five minutes, the update installation process begins and the user may have to restart the computer to finish the process. To ensure that the update installs correctly, Automatic Updates checks the Windows Update servers once a day. Once the updates have been installed, Automatic Updates will check the server again at the next scheduled time.
Security updates are the worst type of updates
The most common reason for users to ignore security and update messages is that they are busy performing some important activity on their computer. They simply do not have the time to stop their work to install the update. Researchers found that the worst reasons for people to ignore security and update messages were closing windows, typing, watching videos, and transferring information. These activities are all potentially dangerous. Users who ignore security warnings simply choose to ignore the risks that come along with them.
Windows updates are designed to fix the vulnerabilities found in outdated software and security loopholes in the Operating System code. Without security and update windows, hackers may gain access to your computer and steal data or shut down the affected software. While you may be tempted to ignore the updates, it’s best to take the precautionary approach and install them regularly. While this may seem like a hassle, the benefits far outweigh the downsides.
Feature updates improve system compatibility
Microsoft provides Windows feature updates twice a year, bringing new capabilities and security improvements. Drexel IT manages these updates for university-owned computers. You may also have problems upgrading if the feature update is outdated or has known issues. Feature updates can be huge files, however. To prevent unnecessary failures, Microsoft blocks updates that are known to have compatibility issues. Microsoft doesn’t publicly disclose information about which updates are currently blocked.
Many of the Windows Feature Updates address a single problem, such as a blue screen when printing to certain printers. Others address a range of security issues. For example, updating from Windows 10 version 1809 to a later version may delete system certificates. Microsoft’s Security Update Guide explains the changes to Windows updates. It’s best to follow the guide, as there are some details you may not be aware of.
Feature updates are released once a year
Microsoft introduced a semiannual feature update in its Windows 10 era. Previously, these updates were referred to as Creators Updates, and the company released them every few years. Since Windows 10 came out, Microsoft has stopped releasing distinct versions, instead releasing feature updates once a year and a service pack every few years. Currently, there is no new Windows version, but Microsoft has been delaying the release of Windows 11.
Microsoft has a new model for providing feature updates to Windows 10 users. Instead of releasing two or three feature updates each year, the company will now release them only once per year. Microsoft calls these updates “servicing options,” and deems them as a part of the platform. This new approach is called the General Availability Channel. However, the previous method is being retired and replaced with the new approach.