Windows 10 Update Gives Surface Book 2 The Gift Of BSOD

Another Windows 10 update, another report of system-breaking bugs. Microsoft has just rolled out a cumulative update on top of the already bug-ridden October update. While the bugs that followed after that may have been relatively minor, this latest one is delivering the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). And while it may not be widespread, it embarrassingly affects the Surface Book 2, one of Microsoft's own flagship PCs.

To its credit, Microsoft has at least started coming clean with issues affecting their updates. Often, however, this only happens after they've already done damage. Prevention is better than cure, they say, and that definitely applies here.

Owners of the latest Surface Book 2 have reported receiving blue (or black) screen errors with the ominous and completely useless "System thread exception not handled." message. Fortunately, there is a way to roll back and update the troublesome update. Microsoft has already blocked the update from even installing on Surface Book 2 units and promises a fix coming in the December 2018 security update.

What makes this latest blunder worse is the fact that it happens not on any partner OEM hardware but on Microsoft's own Surface Book 2. Launched just last year, the 2-in-1 laptop hybrid still forms part of its flagship line. You'd think the company would take greater care to ensure that updates work properly on its own devices.

There have been no small amount of calls for Microsoft to rethink its update strategy and process. While few will argue that being able to roll out updates and fixes fast is a good thing, there is a general feeling of haste coming from Redmond. And haste not only makes waste, it can also become grounds for class action lawsuits.