Microsoft has caused an uproar among Windows 10 users when it all of a sudden decided to stop allowing them to download the latest version of Windows 10 using the media creation tool, which Microsoft earlier encouraged users to use if they can't wait for Windows Update to bring them the latest version of Windows 10.
The Redmond-based software company has confirmed to ZDNet's Ed Bott, who first reported the sudden change, that it has indeed pulled out the ISO files for Windows 10 Version 1511, otherwise known as Build 10586. However, Microsoft makes a poor job of explaining why.
"The November update was originally available via the MCT tool, but we've decided that future installs should be through Windows Update," says Microsoft. "People can still download Windows 10 using the MCT tool if they wish. The November update will be delivered via Windows Update."
To be clear, the downloadable version Microsoft refers to is Build 10240, an older version that does not yet include the new improvements available in Version 1511. For users, this means they will no longer be able to get the latest version of Windows 10 using the MCT if they are upgrading from Windows 7 or Windows 8.1.
What's worse, users will have to wait an entire month before they will be able to receive the update to Build 10586. Microsoft says this will give users 31 days to evaluate Windows 10, allowing them to revert to older Windows versions without issues if they decide they don't like the new OS. The November update will automatically download via Windows Update only after 31 days.
Also, more advanced users will no longer be able to make a clean install if they are coming from older Windows editions if they weren't able to download the MCT soon enough. However, the ISO files are still available from an unpublished Microsoft page discovered by Bott. It won't likely be long until Microsoft discovers this page, so users keen on downloading the latest Windows 10 version via MCT should move fast.
Microsoft's latest move is highly confusing, since Gabe Aul, the company's chief of its Insider program, previously encouraged users to use the MCT to get the latest Windows 10 build instead of waiting for it to roll out via Windows Update.
@barbbowman @Giffdev If you want it now go here: https://t.co/IgG0SVXGVG
— Gabriel Aul (@GabeAul) November 12, 2015
It is also annoying for many users, who are now forced to wait for the Windows Update to bring the latest Windows 10 versions to their PCs.
Microsoft also denies reports that it has pulled out Version 1511 from Windows Update as well. The firm says the newest version of Windows 10 will roll out to users in phases, so people who are not getting the upgrade now are bound to get it sooner or later.
