Windows 10 Update: A Comprehensive Guide

Managing Windows Updates on Metered Connections

Windows is designed not to download updates automatically when connected to networks designated as "metered." This feature is in place to conserve data usage, particularly important for limited data plans like those used with mobile hotspots or tethering.

By preventing automatic downloads on metered connections, Windows avoids consuming valuable data on updates that can be deferred until a stable, unmetered Wi-Fi network is available.

Setting a Connection as Metered

To control update downloads on a specific connection, begin by connecting to the Wi-Fi network in question.

Access the Wi-Fi settings panel. This can be done by selecting "Network settings" or navigating through the Settings app to "Network & Internet."

Within the list of Wi-Fi networks, locate and select "Advanced options" for the desired network.

Enable the "Set as metered connection" toggle. This setting will only apply to the currently selected Wi-Fi network.

Windows will retain this setting for that particular network for future connections, ensuring consistent data management.

This allows users to maintain control over their data usage and prioritize essential online activities.

Windows 10 Professional Offers Control Over Feature Update Timing

Windows 10’s Professional editions provide a distinct advantage regarding feature updates compared to the Home versions.

Unlike Home users who receive updates immediately, Professional edition users have access to a "Defer upgrades" setting within the Advanced options.

Deferring Feature Updates: Maintaining Stability

Enabling this option doesn't halt security updates; these continue to be applied automatically. Instead, the rollout of substantial feature updates is postponed.

This delay allows several months for thorough testing on devices running the Home edition before being offered to Professional users.

Benefits for Businesses and Advanced Users

The primary intention behind this feature is to enhance the stability of business computers. It grants system administrators the opportunity to evaluate new features.

Testing can occur within a controlled environment before deployment to the wider user base. Users who upgrade to Windows 10 Professional can independently activate this deferral option.

It’s important to note that deferral doesn’t eliminate feature updates entirely; it simply schedules their arrival for a later date, typically a few months after initial release.

Related: Considerations when choosing between Windows 10 Home and Professional editions.

Controlling Windows Reboot Times

Within the Windows Update settings, accessing "Advanced options" reveals two primary methods for managing update installations. These options dictate how your system handles the reboot process following updates.

The "Automatic" setting, which is enabled by default, allows Windows to download and install updates autonomously. A reboot is then scheduled during periods of inactivity to minimize disruption.

Update Installation Choices

Alternatively, selecting "Notify to schedule restart" prevents automatic reboots. Instead, you will be prompted to approve a restart time, giving you greater control over when your PC restarts.

Regardless of the chosen method, updates are still downloaded and installed automatically in the background. The difference lies solely in the timing of the reboot.

Windows 10 Update Delivery Optimization Explained

The Windows operating system now leverages peer-to-peer technology to accelerate the update process. This means that multiple devices don't always need to download the same updates individually from Microsoft's servers.

Instead, a device that has already downloaded an update can share it with other devices on the same network.

Controlling Peer-to-Peer Update Sharing

You have the ability to manage how updates are delivered through the "Choose how updates are delivered" settings, accessible within the Advanced options section.

By default, Windows 10 is configured to utilize peer-to-peer sharing not only within your local network but also across the internet.

This internet sharing utilizes a portion of your device’s upload bandwidth to distribute Windows updates to other users.

To restrict sharing to only devices on your local network, you can adjust the settings accordingly.

Impact of Disk Cleanup on Update Sharing

Performing Disk Cleanup and removing Windows Update files can disable your device’s ability to participate in peer-to-peer sharing.

This is because the necessary update files will no longer be locally available for distribution.

Therefore, if you wish to contribute to the peer-to-peer network, avoid deleting these update files.