Microsoft recently made available Windows 10 version 1511 to everyone, but in the same way with the previous release, the company is rolling out the new version in phases, meaning that not everyone will get it the same day.
Alternatively, the software giant also made available the November update through the Media Creation Tool (MCT). The tool allows you to download the latest installation files to perform an in-place upgrade or create an ISO file that you can use to do a clean install of Windows 10 version 1511 skipping the Windows Update line.
However, the company has pulled the plug on this option even after Microsoft officials recommended users to go ahead and use the offline installation files to upgrade if they didn’t receive the upgrade from Windows Update and they wanted to move to the new operating system immediately.
While early on you could download Windows 10 build 10596 using the Media Creation Tool or the ISO files from the Windows 10 Tech Bench Upgrade Program web page, today it’s no longer the case. If you try to download Windows 10 from Microsoft’s servers, you will only get build 10240, which is the version the company originally made available back in July.
You can still go to the Windows 10 ISO download web page, but you will notice a message that reads: “These downloads cannot be used to update Windows 10 PCs to the November update (Version 1511).”
After the sudden decision of removing the option to upgrade using the ISO file, Microsoft released an official statement on the matter:
“The November update was originally available via the MCT tool, but we’ve decided that future installs should be through Windows Update. People can still download Windows 10 using the MCT tool if they wish. The November update will be delivered via Windows Update.”
Microsoft response is hard to accept, which really makes you think what’s really going on. If the future is to upgrade using Windows Update, why the company made available the installation files, offered it as an alternative, and then removed it without explanation?
It’s worth noting that MSDN subscribers can still download the Windows 10 version 1511 ISO files.
If you’re looking to upgrade to version 1511 of the operating system from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 using the Media Creation Tool, your computer will only get upgraded to the original version of Windows 10 (build 10240).
In addition, there has been rumors circulating the internet that Microsoft has also halted the roll out of Windows 10 version 1511, 10586, through the Windows Update, as many users have been reporting that they have been unable to update their computers. However, the software giant says that this is a common misunderstanding: “We are rolling out the November update over time – if you don’t see it in Windows Update, you will see it soon.”
Perhaps the worse side effect of the new change is that those not being able to download the Windows 10 version 1511 ISO file means that you’re still stuck in the old upgrade process. In the new version of Windows 10, Microsoft added a new capability that allows you to do a clean install of Windows 10 using your Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 product key, but now it’s no longer the case if you can’t get the correct installation files. Instead, you’ll now have to upgrade to Windows 10 first, before you can perform a clean install of the operating system.
What do you think about Microsoft decision to stop offering the Windows 10 version 1511 ISO files? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Source ZDNet
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 14 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 20 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].