Why do Windows 10 updates take so long?

[Joey Shabadoo]

I got a Surface Pro 3 last week with Windows 10 installed. The wife, a computer geek, refuses to let me connect it to our home network as it harvests data from every other pc on the network apparently

 

[PeteXXX]

Every time M $ updates W10, I have to delete Zune and few other programs that want to take over my preset choices...

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

I've let my work PC know my location. It's still on the desk where I left it yesterday.

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

Then there's the Windows 10 update that makes all PDF files printed from Adobe Reader smear as if the printer is faulty.

 

[mybike]

I'm trying to persuade a Win 7 VM to update. So far it's been running overnight and is showing no indication of getting anywhere. I may have restricted access today.

OK, so now I have the message "New updates are available" but it's still searching. This machine may be left on overnight again!

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

OK, so now I have the message "New updates are available" but it's still searching. This machine may be left on overnight again!

To be honest Windows 7 updates can be catastrophically slow. It's having to check dependencies and versions on thousands of files at times to see what fits. As a general rule I'll start setting up a new machine in the offices a week ahead, disable any auto power off settings and let them churn away.
It is possible for Windows Update to corrupt itself or die entirely. There's Microsoft instructions on doing a reset. In the end it just takes time.
Just in case it all comes together and you get a big list, only allow it to install 10 at a time. It gives Windows less ammunition for a major screw up, and makes things easier traceable when an update gets naughty.

 

[mybike]

To be honest Windows 7 updates can be catastrophically slow. It's having to check dependencies and versions on thousands of files at times to see what fits. As a general rule I'll start setting up a new machine in the offices a week ahead, disable any auto power off settings and let them churn away.
It is possible for Windows Update to corrupt itself or die entirely. There's Microsoft instructions on doing a reset. In the end it just takes time.
Just in case it all comes together and you get a big list, only allow it to install 10 at a time. It gives Windows less ammunition for a major screw up, and makes things easier traceable when an update gets naughty.

It eventually worked. I'd had to run the repair utility multiple times but I cam down this morning to a restarted VM. A couple of hours later all was up and running with all the important updates installed.

I understand they are doing a sort of rollup of all updates and eventually it'll be just one big blob, no optionals.

 

[SteCenturion]

Is it only the updates to Win10 from say 7 that are a nightmare or is Win10 just a PITA anyway ?

My 'very' old laptop runs on Windows-Coal/Home Premium & I CBA doing an update as it is an old wreck anyway.

I have been thinking of buying a new laptop for the sake of our Jr & sanity but if it is so bad ...

Questions.
What is the life expectancy of Win10 ?
Is a new OS imminent from M$ ?
What is the general cycle of M$ new Windows roll outs ?

I would hate to go out & buy a Win10 laptop, complete with issues, only to find Win11/XX/Hyper-Sooper-Dooper to be rolled out 6 months later.

 

[mybike]

Is it only the updates to Win10 from say 7 that are a nightmare or is Win10 just a PITA anyway ?

My 'very' old laptop runs on Windows-Coal/Home Premium & I CBA doing an update as it is an old wreck anyway.

I have been thinking of buying a new laptop for the sake of our Jr & sanity but if it is so bad ...

Questions.
What is the life expectancy of Win10 ?
Is a new OS imminent from M$ ?
What is the general cycle of M$ new Windows roll outs ?

I would hate to go out & buy a Win10 laptop, complete with issues, only to find Win11/XX/Hyper-Sooper-Dooper to be rolled out 6 months later.

My understanding is that Win10 is the last instance, that is, they will update the OS but not issue a new version. How that will work out we must wait & see.