MS-DEFCON 2: Get your machine braced for the Windows and Office patches due tomorrow

It’s that time again.

With a little luck, we’ll have more options by the time the May or June Patch Tuesdays come around, but for now it’s the same-old same-old.

Details in Computerworld Woody on Windows.

MS-DEFCON 2: Make sure your machine’s set to block automatic updates

With Patch Tuesday coming tomorrow, there are all sorts of threatening scenarios at work.

Worst case: Microsoft declares that Win10 version 1903 is ready for distribution. We used to call that “Currrent Branch” and then “Semi-Annual Channel.” Now, I’m not sure what it’s called. Perhaps RTM? I still like the term “Guinea Pig edition.”

Anyway, now’s the time to make sure you’ve gummed up the automatic update works. Full instructions in Computerworld Woody on Windows.

MS-DEFCON 2: It’s time, once again, to make sure Windows Automatic Updating is blocked

Tomorrow’s Patch Tuesday so that means today is… Block Monday. As in blockhead. Don’t be one. Make sure you have Automatic Update well and thoroughly turned off.

Full step-by-step details in Computerworld Woody on Windows.

This bears repeating:

The current beta test version of the next (“19H1” or “1903”) version of Win10 Home includes the ability to Pause updates for seven days. While that’s certainly a step in the right direction, it doesn’t help much in the real world:

• You can only Pause once, and only for seven days
• You can’t Pause again without accepting all backed-up updates in the interim
• You have to know in advance that a bad update is coming down the pike –  there’s no warning

All of which makes Win10 Home “Pause updates” a really nifty marketing setting (“Look! You can pause updates in Win10 Home!”) that’s basically useless. Unless you’re Carnac the Magnificent.

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.