Windows 10 October 2018 Update Re-Released As Microsoft Promises Big Changes
Microsoft is re-releasing its Windows 10 October 2018 update for all users following the limited rollout to Windows Insiders last month. The re-release fixes what Microsoft calls a "small but serious" problem that had resulted in some users losing files after updating their system. Last month, the company detailed the source of that problem and now it is back with a vow to do better in the future.
The initial Windows 10 October 2018 update was paused after a small number of users reported missing files after updating. Soon after, Microsoft explained that new code designed to remove duplicate folders if a certain Windows 10 feature was enabled had caused the problem. The fixed update was later released to Windows Insiders for extra testing.
Microsoft has re-released that initial — and now fixed — update for all Windows 10 users. The company is being transparent about how it tests updates for potential problems before releasing them, including internal testing, external testing labs, the Windows Insider program, careful rollouts, and more.
The company points out the vast size of the Windows 10 ecosystem and acknowledges that its existing processes still may miss an issue. Microsoft says that it focuses on detecting and then fixing issues quickly when they appear, but that going forward it will also increase its focus on communicating with its users and being transparent.
"We will up our effort to improve our ability to prevent issues and our ability to respond quickly and openly when issues do arise," Microsoft's Windows Corporate VP Michael Fortin said on the company's Windows blog. The company indicates that it will have additional future updates detailing its anticipated future quality-related innovations at a later date.
The update will first be available by either manually checking for updates or via media. Microsoft will expand the availability in phases over "coming weeks and months" while monitoring for any additional signs of problems.