Windows 10 will include a new option to allow users to download updates from other PCs and not just from Microsoft’s secure servers.
A new preview version of Windows 10 (build 10036) leaked onto the internet during the weekend, unveiling a number of new features that apparently will be part of the of the operating system very soon.
Although, this new build does not include Project Spartan, it does show an updated “Update & recovery” page in Settings app. The Advanced options page now includes a “Choose how you download updates”.
Inside the page users get the option to enable if they want to download apps and operating system updates from multiple sources to get them more quickly. If the options is enable, then the user can select to download Windows 10 and apps from Microsoft’s servers and from “PCs on my local network” or from “PCs on my local network, and PCs on the internet”.
Today updates for Windows, Office, and other products from Microsoft are downloaded directly from the company’s secure servers. However, we have seen that Microsoft is not very efficient when it comes to download bursts, when new updates become available. We’ve seen such problem, when the company released Windows 8.1, where users reported very slow download speeds and various other issues.
The fact is that Windows will keep expanding and more devices will require updates constantly. So, it seems that Microsoft is planning for the future by introducing a peer-to-peer like solution to off load the work from its servers and let users get updated more quickly.
The new P2P solution the software giant is putting on the table will let users download Windows 10 updates as well as updates for apps, but of course, we assume that it will be only for apps acquired from the Windows Store.
Now, let’s talk about the elephant on the room, the new peer-to-peer option brings up the concern about security. Microsoft hasn’t officially talked about the new feature, but certainly it’s a concern that they must be aware of and all the potential risks involved. It is likely that the company is working to ensure updates and other data users will receive from other multiple untrusted sources will be safe and secure.
The unofficial ISO files of Windows 10 Technical Preview leaked on file sharing and torrent sites a few days back. Among other changes, build 10036 brings a transparency to the Start menu, new fly out menu for Wi-Fi connections, improved Task View, update system tray, and a lot more.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].