Microsoft’s update policies for Windows 10 Home have often induced anger in users, but it seems many people are also confused by the company’s methods. A study from a collective of UK-based researchers points to this confusion as customers believe Microsoft could do more.
Windows 10 users have often complained about security and feature updates. Microsoft rolls out two feature updates each year alongside monthly security and stability patches. These updates are downloaded and installed automatically.
Microsoft has received criticism for this approach as PCs can randomly reboot and update, disrupting work. Windows 10 Home is particularly frustrating as it lacks options for deferring updates.
The company has been continuously tweaking its model with features such as Active Hours and making update notifications more visible. However, a study titled “In Control with No Control: Perceptions and Reality of Windows 10 Home Edition Update Features” shows users remain confused.
The study was presented at the Workshop on Usable Security (USEC) conference in San Diego. Researcher from the University College London created a model of Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update) and studied 93 Windows 10 Home users.
Researchers say the current model is too complicated for 97 percent of their subjects. Only 28 percent knew about Active Hours, while the Windows 10 Home update window of between 8am and 5pm is not necessarily ideal for home users. Indeed, only three people reported using their device within those hours.
Not All Bad
Results show respondents Windows 10 does provide an improved update experience over previous Windows versions, which would not be designed as an “a service” platform. 53 percent say updating Win10 is simpler, while 8 percent say it is more complicated.
43 percent say Windows 10 updates cause less interruptions than previous versions, although 21 percent disagreed with this assumption.
