MS-DEFCON 2: Microsoft’s already yanked four patches. Best to verify Auto Update is turned off

The holidays are over, but the Grinch is still on the loose. Make sure your machine is locked down.

Computerworld Woody on Windows.

MS-DEFCON 2: December Patch Tuesday arrives tomorrow; get your machine locked down

My usual monthly admonition applies: Make sure your computer is locked down, to avoid surprises on Patch Tuesday.

I don’t expect a very big Patch Tuesday, frankly, except for those of you on Win10 1809 (who will get to absorb the contents of last week’s non-security cumulative update). Still, even if it’s a rather uneventful Patch Tuesday, you’d be well advised to turn auto updates off.

Computerworld Woody on Windows.

MS-DEFCON 2: Turn off automatic updates, adjust Win10 Pro if you have it, and let’s see what surprises this month’s patching will bring

Tomorrow’s Patch Tuesday, and you know what joy that will bring.

I have a full description of my new recommendations for Win10 Pro update deferrals, and a refresher course on metered connections for Win10 Home, in Computerworld Woody on Windows.

We’re at MS-DEFCON 2: Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don’t do it.

MS-DEFCON 2: Still waiting on results for the Win10 cumulative updates

Patch Lady Susan Bradley says she managed to get all of the October patches installed without incident.

I’m still waiting on reports about the massive Win10 cumulative updates, released last week and this week.

Details on the latest cumulative update, for Win10 version 1803, in Computerworld Woody on Windows.

I’m moving to MS-DEFCON 2: Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don’t do it.

I’m still skeptical, and advise that you hold off on patching for now.

MS-DEFCON 2: Time to make sure Windows Automatic Update’s turned off

Computerworld Woody on Windows.

MS-DEFCON 2: Initial reports on the August 2018 Patch Tuesday crop are hopeful

But it’s still too early to patch. Of course.

As long as you don’t use Internet Explorer or Edge, and stay away from Flash — admonitions you’ve heard here for years — you should be secure while you wait for the all-clear on this month’s patches.

Accordingly, I’m moving us to MS-DEFCON 2: Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don’t do it.

Computerworld Woody on Windows.

MS-DEFCON 2: Get auto update turned off — and watch out for SMBv1 blocking complications this month

Patch Tuesday’s tomorrow. You know what that means.

I’m moving us to MS-DEFCON 2: Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don’t do it.

Computerworld Woody on Windows

Turning the ratchet up to MS-DEFCON 2

I’ll have full instructions on Monday, but most of you know the drill.

I’m changing it now because I suddenly realized that some of you may be running Win10 1709 and clicking on “Check for updates.” (Thx, JL!)

If you did get pushed onto 1803, real quick, roll back to 1709 — Start > Settings > Update & security, on the left choose Recovery, on the right click to Roll back to previous version.

We’re at MS-DEFCON 2: Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don’t do it.