Microsoft Forces Windows 10 Updates For Home And Pro Users

Microsoft has changed the terms and conditions of the Home and Pro versions of Windows 10 so that users cannot stop automatic updates.

The Register has discovered that the release to manufacturing (RTM) build of Windows 10 changes the terms to say: "By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice." This means that users will receive both security and feature updates. Microsoft is aiming for Windows to be considered as a service in future, so these patches will keep the system up-to-date with the latest features.

The exception to this is the Enterprise edition, which provides users with the the option to switch to what's known as the Long Term Service Branch (LTSB). This will act more like older versions of Windows: updated every two to three years, long support times (up to ten years), but with the downside that unless the business subscribes to Software Assurance, the system will lose access to the next LTSB upgrade.

Business users not installing Enterprise will have a tool available to them that groups together updates and specifies when they will download. This will help avoid any catastrophes on mission-critical systems where an unexpected update changes system functions.

Enterprise customers will have the option between LTSB or Current Branch updates. A third option, available to everyone except Home edition users, is Current Branch for Business.