If you have charted the history of Windows 10 since its 2015 launch, you will know this is important. The way the platform updates is undoubtedly the most complained about aspect of Windows 10. Microsoft decided to make updates automatic. This essentially means that they can happen at any time and without much of a warning. Users are given a distinct lack of control over update timing. The results of this policy have been amusing, but have also been annoying. So much so that Microsoft was forced to change up its policy after several court cases were filed. Lumping an update on users is not something that appeals to the majority, some of whom may not even want to update, for whatever reason. Microsoft has been tweaking this experience through Windows 10 Anniversary Update, allowing users to defer installation of updates and to even pause them. The Windows 10 Creators Update will further this user-friendly approach and consolidate the features into the Settings app. The interface for the new settings is available in Windows Insider preview build 15042. Needless to say, this interface does not function for Insiders. The purpose of the program is to download updates to provide feedback, not delay them with the new controls.
Windows 10 Creators Update Settings
Users can at least check out what is available by heading to Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update> Advanced Options. The interface includes an ability to choose servicing branch. Windows 10 is default on Current Branch, which will simply push out the updates as soon as Microsoft releases them. Current Branch for Business allows the update to be delayed until Microsoft greenlights them for business customers. If you think this is similar to the Defer Feature Updates checkbox in version 1607 then you are correct. Microsoft has simply made it easier to understand and use. Some users may want more control over updates. A second option gives customers the ability to set the amount of days they want to delay the update after it is released to the chosen branch. The top limit is 30 days for cumulative updates, while it is possible to set all future updates to be delayed by a set amount of days. Feature updates (like the Windows 10 Creators Update) can be delayed by up to 365 days. It is worth noting that these new controls come at a price. Microsoft will only make them available to customers with Enterprise/Education/Pro editions of the platform. Windows 10 Home users will be left with the frustrating system of updating without much warning.
