
Let the other tens of millions of guinea pigs test things first. Sometimes the patches change settings or completely wipe out some features.Īs detailed in The case against Windows Automatic Update, if you’re moderately conversant with Windows, and you’re willing to stay diligent, delaying automatic updates can save you all sorts of headaches. Microsoft’s own hardware and software aren’t immune, as any Surface Pro or Dynamics CRM user can attest. Hiccups can range from minor to devastating, depending on what hardware and software you’re using.

Frequently, the patches do more harm than good. They get installed, your machine reboots and (fingers crossed) you suddenly have a new build.

Most Windows 10 users get their patches applied automatically: Once or twice - or three or four times - a month, Microsoft rolls new patches out the Automatic Update chute. If you’re ready to take command of your own Win10 destiny, at least a little bit, sidestepping Microsoft's Automatic Update and patching like a pro shouldn’t give you any heartburn.
