Windows 10 now gets updated with new features at least once a year, but you shouldn’t rush to force the install. Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft offers its operating system as a service (Windows as a Service (WaaS)). This means that instead of waiting around three years for a new version, we get smaller incremental updates every 6-12 months.
In theory this is a great approach, as users can get their hands on new features faster than ever before. The problem is that during the development of a new update, Microsoft needs to restructure and make other changes to the operating system to integrate new features and improvements, which often times results in unpredictable behavior — even in the final release.
I’m actually referring to bugs and things not working correctly, as it’s a very complex task to design an operating system that works flawlessly across thousands of hardware configurations.
Windows 10 update rollout problems
Take the Windows 10 Anniversary Update as an example. During the initial rollout many users have reported a large number of issues with the update. Some of which included installation failure, Windows 10 freezing issues, problems with software and Windows components, webcams not working, and many others.
Microsoft knows about possible hiccups, which is one of the reasons major updates roll out slowly to devices. Usually, the company pushes out a new versions of Windows to its Surface line, followed by devices that came originally with Windows 10, and then the rest.
Just wait, don’t force it
In addition, on every rollout, Microsoft also checks whether the new release will work with your hardware configuration. If the new version is not optimized for your device, the update won’t download until tweaks and improvements are made. This is one of the main reasons why it takes too long for certain devices to get a big update.
This pops another problem, as many users who don’t see new versions downloading right away quickly want to manually force the installation. And this isn’t a good thing, as many users aren’t aware that chances are the new update isn’t ready for their system configuration, and then we start to see the complaints.
If you’re not getting the new version of Windows 10, such as the Anniversary Update, there is a good chance the operating system is not fully compatible for your device.
While you can manually download and install new versions of Windows 10 on your computer, if you’re not ready to deal with possible issues, you shouldn’t force the install, you’ll eventually get the new version in due time.
Things to consider before installing a new update
Here are a few things you should do before installing a new major release of Windows 10:
- Be patient and wait until it’s your turn.
- Research the Microsoft forums and on the internet to see if other people are having issues, especially with your hardware configuration.
- Check your computer manufacturer support website to see if your device is known to support the new release.
- Wait for the follow up update. After a new version of Windows 10 comes out, Microsoft always releases a follow up update within days to fix bugs. However, sometimes it takes 2 or 3 cumulative updates to address most of the issues.
In my opinion, even if the update is available for download on your device as soon as it releases, you should defer Windows 10 upgrades anyway at least for a couple months until you know for sure the operating system is rock solid.
If after 3-4 months your device still didn’t get the new feature update, then you should be thinking in forcing the install.
Whatever you choose, always remember to make a full backup before making any significant modifications to your system.
If you really can’t wait and you’re a tech-savvy user ready for the unpredictable, you can force a new Windows 10 update in a number of ways.
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].