Windows 10 Home edition users will now have more freedom to choose when to have updates installed to their computers, according to Microsoft.
The upcoming May 2019 update to the operating system, codenamed "19H1", promises to give users better control over than ever before.
Instead of having to install new updates once they become available, PC owners can whether add them to their computers or stay on their existing version.
The Windows 10 also has a few nifty features in store, such as support for Kaomoji and Windows sandbox, as well as a new light them for the OS. The update also effectively separates Windows search from the system's voice-activated personal assistant Cortana.
"Today we are excited to announce significant changes in the Windows update process, changes designed to improve the experience, put the user in more control, and improve the quality of Windows updates," said Mike Fortin, Microsoft's corporate vice president.
Installing Windows 10 Updates
Ever since the launch of Microsoft's Windows 10 OS, the software company has been pushing for users to install system updates whenever they come out. The philosophy is that it helps to make sure that all devices running on the OS are up-to-date.
However, having to install new OS updates regularly has never been a good experience to Windows 10 users. Most of the complaints involved computers unexpectedly restarting on their own, especially during installation of Microsoft's twice-annual updates that are necessary for the company's model of "Windows as a service."
Microsoft was even forced to recall its Windows 10 October 2018 update only a few days after it had become available due to several bugs. It took the company another six weeks to fully address the issues and have the update available for download again.
Following the incident, Microsoft promised users that it will overhaul its OS updating system to avoid similar issues moving forward. It appears the May 2019 update for Windows 10 is the start of these changes.
What's New With Windows 10 May 2019 Update
The Windows 10 May 2019 update will effectively eliminate the need to install updates as soon as they come out.
Users can now choose to actually pause the process for up to 35 days, instead of only being able to snooze updates or set a specific time for installation like before. This is to prevent computers from installing updates automatically during inopportune times.
Windows 10 will also now factor in when users usually work on their computers to avoid scheduling update installations when it is inconvenient for them.
Microsoft's twice-annual updates will now have a Download and Install Now option, which will be different from the current Check for Updates tool. The company will also send notifications to users to let them choose whether they would like to install a particular update immediately or to stave it off in the meantime.
While the May 2019 update allows users to postpone installation, it is still advised to have the updates added to the OS later on for security purposes.
Operating systems that are about to enter their end-of-service date will automatically install a newer version of the OS. This is to make sure that computers receive important security updates from Microsoft.
