What is this "Windows new feature update"?

[hvn_nbr_2]

This discussion thread was locked by steve2470 (a host of the Computer Help and Support group).

I've been getting a popup Window from Microsoft wanting me to update now or schedule a new feature update, but it doesn't tell me a thing about it except that it's a most wonderful thing. Not even a link to a site that tells what's in it. Two things worry me about it.

1. In Windows 10, Microsoft never asks me if I want an update. It just installs it. Sometimes it even reboots my computer without warning, throwing away anything I was working on, without even asking. (Unless it asked in the middle of the night when I was sleeping.) So it seems suspicious--either someone spoofing Microsoft or Microsoft wanting to foist something on me that I don't want.

2. Windows 10 Creator seems to be a big item these days, and one really negative thing that I've heard about it is that it won't let you run any software that you didn't download from the Microsoft store. That is something that I really really don't want because it would make thousands of dollars of software unusable and worthless. Apparently it would even refuse to run Java programs that I write for myself unless I put my Java app on the Windows store. So I'm worried that this wonderful "new features update" is really Windows 10 Creator and is going to essentially steal thousands of dollars from me and make most what I do on the computer impossible to do.

Anyone want to talk me down?

[PoliticAverse]

1. 1. You can still control when windows does its updates.

See: Settings -> Updates & Security

2. Even Microsoft isn't that stupid.

[steve2470]

3. I agree, MS is not that stupid

Granted, they've done some bad updates in the past, but nothing that bad. I've never heard of anyone totally losing all their data and programs unless their hard drive got fried somehow.

[steve2470]

2. ok let me address your points

1- You can always go to the Microsoft site to get information, or just use a Google search, or ask us here.

2- Now you can delay updates for a while, at least in Windows 10 Pro, which I have. Do you have Windows 10 Home ?

3- Microsoft is trying to get better about the update thing

4- You are thinking about Windows 10 S ( https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4020089/windows-10-s-faq ), which will run on a laptop similar to a Chromebook. Otherwise, you can run any software you want as long as you have Windows Home, etc.

5- To find out what version you have, do this:

a) Left click the Start button in the lower left of your screen
b) You should see a gearwheel-looking icon on the left hand side. Left click that.
c) That should bring you to the new Settings page.
d) Click the System icon
e) Look down the left hand side of that System page. See "About" ? Click that.
f) On the right hand side of About, it tells you what Windows version you have. It will be under "Windows Specifications".
g) Look to the immediate right of "Edition". It should say Windows 10 Home or something close to that.

Ask any questions you have.

[TreasonousBastard]

4. You can tell Windows when to update...

like at night, when you're asleep

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17154/windows-10-keep-your-pc-up-to-date

You can also get the latest updates "manually"

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/instantanswers/c4a6d3df-d0d4-42b6-0018-ca48577f9909/update-windows-10

Creator apparently doesn't stop you from using your software, just tries to make MS stuff more useful

https://www.wired.com/2017/03/windows-10-creators-update/

Yes, it is annoying to get a BSOD or restart when you're working, but I get popups warning me about an update and giving a choice when to reboot. And I autosave my work as much as possible.

[Control-Z]

5. I'm getting the same notice.

Except mine is warning me to check my private/personal settings before proceeding with the update. I keep clicking "remind me later". Up until now I've been more annoyed than suspicious. Now I'm equally suspicious, thank you very much. Lol.

[steve2470]

6. one last point

It really pays long-term to go to the Settings page and Control Panel ( Windows 10 still has both), and customize all your settings.

You can choose when to update, your privacy settings and a lot of other things. Yes, it's a pain in the arse but you can save your settings in your Microsoft profile account, which are applied after every update.

If you get confused by any particular setting, ask us here.

[still_one]

7. I had to back off the creator update because it would lock up my computer randomly

[regnaD kciN]

8. This is isn't "Creator Update"...

I installed that several months ago. I got another auto-update today; don't know what it's about.