We’re going to provide you several techniques on how to prevent Windows 10 Update issues that many seem to experience. First, let’s explain how the newest operating system from Microsoft works and how it differs from previous software.

Windows 10 was launched to the public on July 25th, 2015.  Microsoft (kindly) provided anyone running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8.1 a free upgrade within the first year.  Many people have wondered, why would Microsoft provide a free upgrade?  Here’s 4 reasons why we think they did:

  1.  No-cost software testing for Microsoft
  2.  Microsoft’s apology for Windows 8
  3.  Shift loyal users from Windows 7 (our all-time favorite operating system — read: coming to an end)
  4.  To begin a subscription-based model for feature upgrades

.. And within the 1 year free upgrade period, Microsoft reeled in many users.

In past operating systems, Microsoft would diligently work on an internal basis (and external if you’re subscribed to MSDN – Microsoft Developer Network) only with their next Windows releases. These releases would go through Alpha, Beta, and completed as software labeled “RTM – Release to Manufacturing”.  Once it reached RTM stage, it began shipping worldwide via all outlets such as box stores and online retailers.

Microsoft would then provide the usual Critical Updates and Recommended Updates as needed. Once a year (or so), they would begin to provide large cumulative updates called “Service Packs” with acronym’s such as “SP1” or “SP5” to their core operating system and sometimes contained added features.

Although, rarely would these updates cause system issues like Windows 10 Feature Updates.  One main reason why we believe Windows 10 Feature Updates cause more issues than its’ predecessors is simple:  significantly increased amount of new hardware devices and software to support and a completely re-developed operating system.

Windows 10 is built on what Microsoft calls “Windows as a Service” which will receive Feature Update’s twice a year.  Here are a few steps to ensure successful delivery of your Windows 10 Feature Updates.

 

Steps to Prevent Windows 10 Update Issues

Step 1:  Check the Windows 10 compatibility list for your computer before performing the upgrade.  On this list, you must determine your computer manufacturer and click on the appropriate link within that page to visit their website to verify.  If your manufacturer states your computer is not compatible, read our article Windows 10: How To Disable Feature Update.

Step 2:  Make sure you always use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Battery Backup for your computer.  This eliminates the possibly of your computer shutting down due to a power outage or sag while an upgrade is taking place.

Step 3:  Disconnect or unplug any USB peripherals other than your keyboard and mouse

  1. Printers
  2. Card Readers
  3. USB Flash Drives
  4. Headsets / Speakers
  5. External Hard Drives

Step 4:  Turn off any power saving related settings in Control Panel

  1.  Right-click on Windows Icon -> System -> Power & sleep (Left Menu)
  2.  Under “Related Settings” click on “Additional power savings” and select “High performance”
  3.  Click on “Change plan settings” to the right of that.
  4.  Select “Put the computer to sleep” option to “Never”
  5.  Click on “Change advanced power settings” link at bottom
  6.  Double-click on “Hard Disk” -> “Turn off hard disk after” set this to 0 minutes which will disable
  7.  (If you use WiFi) — double-click on “Wireless Adapter Settings”
  8.  Under “Power Saving Mode” change the setting to “Maximum Performance”
  9.  Scroll down and double-click on “USB Settings”
  10.  Double-click on “USB selective suspend setting” change the setting to “Disabled”
  11.  Scroll down and double-click on “PCI Express”
  12.  Double-click on “Link State Power Management” change the setting to “Off”
  13.  Close window

Step 5:  Close any 3rd party (non-Microsoft) Anti-Virus, Anti-Malware (such as Malwarebytes), Firewall, or any running software that can potentially interfere with the update.

Step 6:  Verify that your computer’s time is correct.  If not, follow steps below:

  1. Locate your time/date in the bottom right corner of your screen.
  2. Right-click on the time/date and click on “Adjust Date/Time”
  3. Enable “Set time automatically”
  4. Disable “Set time zone automatically”
  5. Under “Time zone”, ensure your correct Time zone is selected.  If not, click the drop-down and select your correct zone.
  6. Close window

Step 7:  Do not perform any disk cleanup operations either with Windows built-in Disk Cleanup or any 3rd party software such as CCleaner.

Following these steps should ensure successful grounds to begin installing your Windows 10 Feature Update.  If you’ve followed all of these steps and are still experiencing issues installing the update, be sure to read our article Windows 10: How To Disable Feature Update or feel free to contact us and we’ll get it installed for you.