Windows Updates - problems and new Feature Release 1903 due soon.

Since Windows as a Service (SaaS) became the norm with the introduction of Windows 10, Microsoft has been making changes to the way it rolls out updates to end-users to keep the OS up to date.

The update process has not been a smooth one.  Microsoft's VP of Windows last week acknowledged that updating can be "disruptive".  It was in October of 2018 when Microsoft rolled out version 1809 and many users found that their files had been deleted due to a bug.  I'm not sure if the bug was part of the update or the new OS itself but Microsoft halted the update for 6 weeks until the issue had been resolved.

It's not an easy task for Microsoft.  There are over 800 million PCs running Windows 10 worldwide.  Unlike Apple which controls every facet of their products, there are hundreds if not thousands of PC hardware manufacturers.  Since some make only components to be used in a finished PC, this leads to innumerable variations in hardware.  Add to that all the available software that can be installed and user personalization that makes anticipating every outcome difficult if not impossible.

It is important that you update your Windows to ensure that security holes and bugs have been patched.  Not doing so leaves your computer exposed to hackers and criminals who are always evolving as well as the tools they use to attack your system and steal your data.

There is a new feature coming with the next Windows feature release called "SandBox" that will allow your computer to run in a secure lightweight environment to protect your computer from Malware without affecting the normal Windows installation.  Believe me, you will want this.

There are major updates available now for Windows version 1809 and we are on the cusp of the first major Windows feature release of 2019, version 1903 due for release any day now.

https://medium.com/@win10tricks/windows-10-1903-april-2019-update-release-date-new-features-and-improvements-f49953f6f595

If you are unsure which version you are on, execute the command "Winver" in the Search Box

or use run (Win +R), then type Winver.  Your version will appear similar to below;

to read more, check the links below and Thanks for reading!

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-10-updates-why-microsofts-battle-isnt-over-yet/


Microsoft's April Patch Tuesday comes with fixes for two Windows zero-days

https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsofts-april-patch-tuesday-comes-with-fixes-for-two-windows-zero-days/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=2219791


Windows 7 problems: Microsoft blocks April updates to systems at risk of freezing

Microsoft has blocked this week's monthly and security-only Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 updates for Sophos antivirus users after widespread reports that computers failed to boot after installing them. 

The problems are caused by Microsoft's Tuesday Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 monthly rollup and security-only updates KB4493467, KB4493446, KB4493448, KB4493472, KB4493450 and KB4493451. 

https://www.zdnet.com/article/windows-7-problems-microsoft-blocks-april-updates-to-systems-at-risk-of-freezing/?ftag=TRE-03-10aaa6b&bhid=27630927001468733386426006914379

https://www.forbes.com/sites/daveywinder/2019/04/12/microsoft-confirms-latest-updates-are-freezing-windows-heres-how-to-fix-it/#4e025fb84d99

New Intel 8th and 9th Generations Workstations.