Microsoft removes the ability to defer feature updates by up to a year from its business versions of Windows 10.
From Windows 10 2004 the automatic installation of major updates for Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise and Education can be delayed for up to 35 days, as is the case for the Home version of the operating system. Previously, business users could postpone the updates for up to a year.
The specialized blog WindowsTimes noted that Microsoft documentation of Windows 10 2004 silently adjusted to indicate the change:
“Last year, we changed the update policy for Windows 10 to only target devices with a version nearing end of support. As a result, many devices update only one peer per year. To ensure that all devices can get the most out of this policy change, and to avoid confusion, we removed the suspensions from the “Advanced options” page in the Windows Update settings from Windows 10 version 2004. “
Control to the user
To understand exactly what this means, we have to go back to last year. Simultaneously with the launch of Windows 10 1903, Microsoft decided to be update policy to throw. Until then, the six-monthly feature updates were automatically installed on compatible devices as soon as they became available, which frustrated many users. They were therefore given the option to postpone automatic updates on Windows 10 Home for up to 35 days, and on corporate Windows 10 variants for up to a year.
However, in May last year, Microsoft decided to give users more control again. Since then, new feature updates are no longer automatically installed, but users are notified when the update is available for their device, and then start the update manually at a time of their choosing. Only when the end of support period of their current Windows version comes close, Microsoft will proceed with a forced automatic installation.
No longer delay
In that new reality, it’s unwise to postpone automatic updates for another year. After all, when a feature update occurs automatically, it means that your current version will almost no longer be supported by Microsoft. If you continue to work on the current version, you will no longer receive security updates. Therefore, the option to defer automatic updates is also reduced to 35 days on the business versions of Windows 10.
So Microsoft’s decision is basically for the better. At the time of automatic installation, the new update is typically several months old, which usually fixes most bugs. Companies that want to maintain a longer grace period for compatibility reasons can still adjust it through their local Group Policy.
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