Windows 10 automatic updates will be impossible to avoid

There are number of schools of thought when it comes to Windows automatic updates, many of which involve procrastinating and putting off updates or otherwise avoiding them altogether.

Why users avoid updates is up to them; as far as Microsoft is concerned, however, they’re a must.

Microsoft is planning on keeping Windows 10 around for some time, having designed it to evolve as they release new updates rather than just releasing a new OS in a couple years.

If they are to achieve that desirable effect, we can imagine that Windows 10 updates will be necessary, especially if they want to keep all devices on an even keel and continuously connected.

This won’t happen if each platform is running a different version of Windows 10.

ZDNet’s inspection of Windows 10’s licensing terms has found reference to automatic updates:

The software periodically checks for system and app updates, and downloads and installs them for you. … By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice.”

You will not even be given the option to selectively delay or reject particular updates. They’re installing when they damn well please.

This new and improved experience was always going to have a few niggles.

That’s going to frustrate a great many, particularly those who are trying to save bandwidth or avoid restarting their PC at any one moment for whatever reason.

To address that, Microsoft has sent the following statement to PCMag:

With Windows 10, updates will be automatically downloaded and installed. Customers will be prompted when a restart is required, and will have options to manage at what time they would like to restart their device. Not all updates require a restart, and many can be installed seamlessly while the device is in use. Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Education, and Windows 10 Enterprise customers have additional update management options and controls, including the option to use the new Windows Update for Business.”

So in spite of having no choice whether to download an update or not, at least we will not have to continually restart and will be given the option to delay a restart when required.

That said, we’re a little concerned it’s going to mean introducing a lot of bloatware onto our systems, and we’ll have little say in the matter.

At least for us gamers, it looks like Windows 10 is fairly compatible with most games right out of the gate.