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Long-time Windows users are familiar with the suspense of system startups: Will the computer boot without hiccups today? Even if you were convinced that you hadn’t changed anything, the screen could stay black or be filled with error messages. This often led to desperation, frustration, time-consuming repair attempts, or even a complete reinstallation. Over the years, I had almost forgotten about all that, but now the suspense is back with a vengeance, bearing names like KB5035853 or KB5035849!
IT news outlets have had plenty of material for daily news lately. Headlines like “KB5034441 turns into a disaster” or “KB5032190 with faulty taskbar” sound cryptic but simply describe botched Windows updates and their consequences. Sometimes they won’t install, sometimes hardware doesn’t work as usual, or blue screens drive users to the brink. This has happened before, but the frequency (especially with Windows 11) is astonishing. For some time now, I’ve been double-checking that my backup is up to date before starting an update. And while I used to wait for my system to restart without concern, a slight sense of unease has crept in recently.
And there are consequences: Along with the mounting number of ads in the start menu and mandatory accounts, Windows feels increasingly devalued. On bad days, this venerable operating system feels like a cheap Chinese phone overloaded with bloatware and ads for other services, no longer reliable and no longer enjoyable. It's well-known that Microsoft makes much more money from its Azure and Office 365 services than from Windows itself, but it shouldn’t disregard the roots of its success. When a stock Android 14 installation on my tablet feels more professional than my primary operating system for 37 years, something has gone wrong. But where do these quality issues come from?
On paper, everything looks good. Besides its own testing labs, Microsoft has a widely-adopted early-access program called "Insider Program". Volunteers test updates that go through three so-called rings. “Dev Channel” is the first ring and receives early versions with the explicit warning that things might be less stable, and bugs are to be expected. When errors occur, testers report them, and Microsoft receives crucial error logs. With these insights and new bug fixes, an update then moves to “Beta Channel”, the second ring. It’s not perfect here, but Microsoft has made progress and continues to gather information to improve quality. The third ring is “Release Preview Channel,” where updates scheduled for release can be found. Here, everything important should be in place, with only minor details needing adjustment before the update goes public for all PCs. It sounds like a solid approach!
Spiking heart rate during updates
That there are frequent and severe problems despite the program gives rise to ample speculation. It's often suspected that Microsoft relies too heavily on its Insider Program, potentially cutting costs for extensive internal testing. On the other hand, Windows is becoming more diverse and complex, addressing new interfaces and technologies, with the list of supported hardware growing from version to version–in tandem with potential sources for error. Microsoft also pursues an aggressive update strategy, providing new features and security improvements through rapid release cycles. While this is a valuable service to the customer, it also carries significant risks. There's a probability for human error with every release, and even patches meant to fix errors can sometimes cause additional problems.
When seven updates in three months cause newsworthy issues, you have a major problem. Considering that Microsoft simultaneously wants to move millions of users from the (somewhat more stable) Windows 10 to Windows 11, the situation is doubly perplexing. Even though the days when Windows itself fascinated the masses are over (I used to curiously click myself through the system for hours), its reliability and professionalism must be preserved. Microsoft will officially end support for Windows 10, which still accounts for 67% of all Windows installations, on October 14, 2025. Do they want to welcome these switchers with monthly update dramas? Even though Windows is more of a means to an end today, doesn't it deserve some love and care? Let’s hope Microsoft rediscovers these virtues for its latest operating system!
What I’d like to know: Have you had any issues with Windows updates lately? How do you view the development of Windows?
I have been using computers regularly since the "Kaypro. Learned fortran, RPG etc on room size IBM systems using key punch cards. I have no aversion to new programming systems etc as long as they have useful features that serve a large part of the universe. Relatively recent MS upgrades seem to be targeted to select uses not something benefiting the majority of the everyday user. If money is the object issue customized applications rather than a bloated OS that most users don't care about. Each new version of MS makes me edgy. The bigger it gets the higher probability it it'll never be bug free. Working thru the problems of each new version has been a chore and not an enjoyable experience. I keep my hardware up to date and appreciate the technical side (as well as 3 legacy systems all using MS) . I've finally reached the end of the road. I have Win 10 the way I want it and I don't care how FREE Win 11 is I DON'T want it. When 10 dies I WILL switch to another more stable and user friendly system. My opinion is that the Win versions benefit MS more than the user ie: tracking, data capture, forcing unnecessary compliance, creating expense for software companies to "keep up", etc., etc. SO MS keep creating software the majority doesn't want, has a steeper learning curve and is not useful for the average citizen. MS in decline. Thanks for listening.
Would like to be invited to suggest what I want in a new release re
Windows 12.
Here are some my Windows 12 wishes:
1) Return "Bookmarks" to "Favourites" and relocate to left side (as
in Windows XP.
2) Photos menu: separate "Delete" and "Rename" by a minimum
of three categories.
3) In Photos: when naming photos; remove all symbol
restrictions.
4) For manufacturers to sell computers with all versions on the
one devise. (Why? Different users - different users.
I am 86 years old and remember IBM computers with tubes in a room humidity and temp controlled only technicians were allowed inside we could watch through windows in the front of the room from the hallway. At my age i cannot remember today what I did yesterday and when Microsoft updates something usually happens. Right now when i shut down the system it says One launch is still running even though i have never used it. I mainly use the office to keep up with maintenance on family cars. the family members call me give me their millage and i tell them what needs to be serviced. I taught 2 sons auto mechanics and now one of my youngest grandsons at 18 is taking care of his sisters car needs. I think i started working on cars at 12 or 13 and at 15 got a job in a gas station working on car and running service calls.At an accident scene a police officer couldn't believe i was 15 and turning a car over off its roof to the side and finally onto all four wheels.
I am done with MS Widows. I am transitioning to Linux Zorin. I have 2 desktops and 1 Dell Laptop. I am retired and do not need latest and greatest. and i do not have the money for a new computer. I have tried several LINUX versions including Mint. The best experience has been with Zorin. It installs easily "out of the box" including connecting with my network and internet. The default desktop is very similar to Windows so the learning curve is not difficult. There are a number of choices to available including one that is similar to Apple Macs. I installed Zorin on a 10 year old 1st gen i3. It runs fine. Bye Bye M$ Window$....
Okl, so I am a thousand years old (Over 80). Still using my good ole desktop that I assembled in 2012 (3.4 ghz, 4 core, multiple drives etc. No problems with the thing. Deciding what to do with it when Win 10 explodes next year.
Anyway, I noticed the thing was taking too long to boot for the past number of weeks but didn't feel like chasing a ghost and let it go. Then I discovered what was up. It started to BSOD on boot up, then restarts on its own, done. Up and running. I think it has been doing this for months but rebooting before the monitor heated up so I didn't have the full story. Bottom line, right now, it starts sometimes normally, sometimes with a delay as indicated above.
I tried tracking it down, explored the appropriate logs and aggravated myself a bit. In the end it appears there is a problem with a Windows update that i have no intention of wasting time trying to solve. There was apparently one update that is hosed and is causing this. Sooooo, waste time chasing this foolishness or ignore it as long as I can? I elect the latter. Why? I ain't gettin any younger you know and wasting what time I have left on this foolishness is nuts. On the other hand experience tells me this may tank the entire OS before its done. Sheesh.
Last bit of rambling here. This same computer had Win7 on it for many years. Basically it was flawless. Just booted, did what I wanted and minded its own business. Win10? Just too many problems right along. Go to Win 11? TPM in my box is too old and wrong processor.
I hoy an email about boot issues, no buy product link; or even mention of a product, What gives?
Have had a start up problem as described for about 2 weeks, although some improvement today, but loss of some files has occurred, stating corrupted etc. they were saved as per normal, and when i try to recover windows Recovery, which is hopeless compared to the past when it was easy to revert back to a previous date. Files, could they be lost due to an Update?!!!
I thought it was Hardware, or a Storm. Approx 4 months ago, Turn on - Nothing, Won't Boot. First thought - Bios Corrupt. PANIC !! !! Through much disparagement, i finally booted with DVD, did System Restore, 3 Times i think it took, Then it would Boot. Still don't know what or why, but it done it again short time after, and i waited Minutes with blinking black screen, and it came on on it's own. This Background FORCED Update has been the Biggest Negative to Windows since Millenium Edition and 'no Hardware Working' Fiasco (I Bought New Hardware, still not blaming MS). Any rate, I have been uneasy about the Reboot issues for maybe 3-4 months. First 3 - i Wouldn't Turn it Off - Thinking that, if Motherboard lost Power, it would hang again. Since then, i have been Shutting Down, Turning On, and Booting Without Issue. I, Like most people, 'just want it to work'. Aside from the Security 'Scare' forcing change, update carries no weight with me. Allowing Turning OFF Completely (you're on your own) Updates would be the Biggest FEATURE they could EVER make in their History since Windows 7. My Strategy with EVERY PC, and i've had many more than most, is/Was to Turn OFF UPDATES, it would check, have lists of potentials, but i NEVER installed ANY updates. If the Damn thing doesn't work the way they made it, whatever version OS is it/Was, then it doesn't work. It Always Did - And for Year After Year. Of course the difference being, we didn't Stay on the Internet 24/7 like these do now. Good AV software seems essential, but that another story you could write a book on. I still say, Check Box - Turn Off Automatic Updates. They don't want you doing that, because when you turn if back on the PC will get blasted with 150 updates, all coming, Out of ORDER, one fixes the other that broke the first one, ... you get the idea. I would be even take the Ability to Turn off Updates with the stipulation, it Can't be Turned Back On (like changing from Windows 'S' mode). After a year or 2,if so desired, I would/Could build/buy another PC, with 'newer' 'Feature Full' OS, with these 'updates'. Thank goodness, Android hasn't forced auto updates for all the app,(That will be Next). I turn Them OFF without Fail on every new phone. If it doesn't work like they sold it - I'll buy a different one that Does. I'm not going through this neverending disaster the PC does (or phone if you let it), of spending more time updating than it does running. Enough Said (for now) ! !
I pause all updates for 4 weeks and, to date, I've had no problems. I always backup before updating - I used to update a virtual version of WIN11 first to see if there were any problems but haven't done it for a while.
MS (and Google) roll-out "improvements" that no one seems to want or care about instead of concentrating on getting their OS sorted out.
I have found Microsoft's treatment of Windoze since version 8.1 to be reprehensible in its' dependability and reliability. I keep several PCs loaded with versions 95, 7, XP, 2000, and 10. I have the early versions all 'offline' and as standalone systems to run legacy software that I prefer over much of the 'new' garbage that has been chummed out to their users (like MS does with it's pathetic Windoze). I only use Win 10 when I encounter an account site that has issues with my 'Chromebook' for interaction, other than that for virtually all my online interactions I use a Chromebook. Even the dependability of the Chrome OS computers has degraded over the years, as my first one lasted (and is still running fairly well) has lasted since 2013. Subsequent Chromebooks / Chromeboxes that I've purchased (for my wife and myself) have lasted in the neighborhood of 3.5-4 years before they've developed serious operational defects and have become unreliable. Even considering their reduced lifespan, I still find them more economical and reliable than the 'new' Windoze PCs considering the minor tradeoffs, as Google offers essentially everything I need on the Chrome OS in comparison to what the MS OS has to offer today. I can find no compelling reason to continue to support MS considering their inability to make a 'solid, reliable, dependable, efficient' version of what used to be a great OS. I find that they are the perfect example of the faulty thinking that "Good enough, is never Good enough", they should have stuck with building a solid OS and let all the "options" be separate installations by their own offers and those of other developers, instead of trying to be everything to everybody. Doing that, they have become a complete failure, and a terrific pain.
I have standard Win 11 Pro on my desktop, and Windows 11 Pro Dev Channel on my laptop. I can only remember one BSOD on my desktop, maybe a month or two ago. On my laptop with the most prone insider program, I can't remember any BSOD's. Very occasionally on my desktop I get one white pixel on startup, but I think this is more of a function of the bios and bootloader.
I reboot my machine every night and I still wait to make sure it doesn't hang or blue or black screen.
I have been uneasy about the issues mentioned here for about a year. One day I looked objectively and asked myself" Why is a company with a long experience with this system, creating so many errors?" The "rings" sound nice, but then they generate the obvious question 'Why the rings?" Are they really testing their programs before they release to the general public?" Last time I checked the "rings" do not get paid to fix their problems it is gratis work, so ergo, the general public. This topic has bothered me for a while, and with all the issues with W11, I am on W10, has made me very uneasy with Microsoft and Windows 11 and beyond. With this in mind I am seriously looking at Linux Mint. While it would be a pain converting, afterwords I would not be concerned with finding out about things happening in Windows that may affect me, or dreading another Patch Tuesday and finding out what Windows was letting through the gate. My 2 cents.
A long time ago I switched to this strategy on my Windows machines: I do updates once a month. At the beginning of the month. This makes me process the updates from patch Tuesday of last month. Automatic updates are disabled via policy. Daily defender updates are ensured via scheduled script. Before going to Settings and checking for updates, I'll check first what's in the queue using Microsoft's "hide updates" utility. Anything "preview" is discarded. Weird stuff is being checked using the KB number and the internet. Since the updates I am installing are around 3 weeks old, the internet will have reports if they are crap. Unremovable stuff like "Windows Backup" is removed via brute force. My servers and secodary workstations are running Linux anyway and I would love to use Linux as my main workstation OS but I can't for 2 reasons: (1) I need Teams (another piece of art!) for work and the Linux audio system is overly complicated and causes more headache than it's worth.
Since Windows 12 in in the works and not knowing when and if this will be a money grab or a free update we are at their mercy. However I have had no blues greens. And I am running 6 systems. 3 win 10 and 3 win 11. Depending on what self made issues users are doing to themselves might cause update issues. What is your company aiming to find out? Just my normal curiosity! Thank you for asking the public... llansky@msn.com
This blog is my personal opinion and if something moves me or I find something interesting, I just write it here. Our support team gets so much feedback that we are already aware of everything that Microsoft is doing. :)
I don't update my windows anymore
If Microsoft treated Windows as an operating system and not bloated application software chock full of toys it would be a lot more stable. I'm still running Windows 10 and I'm not going to upgrade to Windows 11 until I'm dragged into it. Maybe by that time it will have stabilized.
This all goes back to Windows (MSDOS) being a clapped out 40 yr old operating system which is like a 40 yr old bike tire which has more patches than original rubber and still leaks. Just type cmd into the search you get MSDOS, type ver and you see you are using dos 10.*****. I have a MSDOS 5 users manual which came with my last non windows computer, it has all the user commands in it and surprise surprise many off them still work. The worst being that I have bought 2 new PCs this year both with WIN 11 because in Australia it is almost impossible to buy one without windows installed, unless you buy a custom machine at custom price, which you would think is against all monopoly and consumer laws. When I bought my old Toshiba laptop It had WIN 8 installed, which I didn't want, I voided the warranty by replacing the hard drive and installing Linux, size and the amount of integration makes this much harder on current laptops.
Phil
p.s. The Toshiba is still working, a little slow and few of the keys are dodgy.