Microsoft is releasing its Windows 10 October 2018 Update again today, after bugs forced the company to pull it offline last month. A number of Windows 10 users reported missing files after the update was released in early October. While Microsoft did re-release the update to beta testers, it has taken the company more than a month to fully test it and release it more generally today.
“In addition to extensive internal validation, we have taken time to closely monitor feedback and diagnostic data from our Windows Insiders and from the millions of devices on the Windows 10 October Update, and we have no further evidence of data loss,” explains Microsoft’s John Cable, director of program management for Windows servicing and delivery.
Microsoft is still taking a cautious approach with this update
Windows 10 October 2018 Update will now hit Windows Update for a small percentage of users today, and people will need to seek it out by checking for updates for it to even be installed. Even then, the update might not appear if there is an app compatibility issue. Microsoft is taking a very cautious approach. “If we detect that your device may have an issue, such as an application incompatibility, we will not install the update until that issue is resolved, even if you ‘Check for updates,’ so you avoid encountering any related problems,” says Cable.
Microsoft has faced a big test of Windows 10 quality in 2018. Earlier this year Microsoft delayed its April 2018 Windows 10 update due to last minute Blue Screen of Death issues, and then had to fix desktop and Chrome freezing issues after it was shipped to more than 600 million machines. Microsoft was then forced to pull this Windows 10 October 2018 update offline after some users complained of missing files.
Microsoft is now responding to the quality issues and promising a renewed focus on ensuring these mistakes don’t happen again. You can read more about Microsoft’s plans here.