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Windows updates

September 10th, 2009

I am forced to use a Windows based laptop in work and one of the more frustrating features is the updates that get pushed out by the IT ‘services’ group. Of course, updates are a good thing, but we do them during downtime when it won’t disrupt actual work. Here are the things I most hate about these Windows updates:

Do it now, or else.

There are updates available for your computer. You can install them now or they will automatically be installed in 15 minutes. After installation your computer will be restarted.

I’m sorry, were you busy?

As if point 1 didn’t irritate me enough (which is most certainly does), updates frequently occur right in the middle of a large task. Copying a large file or set of files is doomed to failure. In other cases the updates will simply interrupt anything you happened to be doing, forcing you to break your concentration.

Update Dependencies

OK, I’ll install your updates already! Tick, tick, tick… *reboot*
Your updates have been installed. There are new updates to install.

Yes, some updates rely on the presence of previous updates so it takes a couple of runs to get them all installed. which also means a couple of reboots; a couple more minutes of your precious day.

And one of my personal favourites: The “Your computer must be restarted dialog” which always stays on top of other windows. In case you forget.

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  1. September 18th, 2009 at 13:50 | #1

    The magic incantation is: net stop wuauserv

    Byebye to both updates and the annoying Restart Later dialogue.

  2. Max J.
    November 17th, 2009 at 00:48 | #2

    There is one thing about Windows Update I hate even more: The sudden popup of “Restart now or postpone” with the restart preselected. Whenever this dialog appears, I am usually typing away – hitting spacebar however restarts the computer without the opportunity to save anything :-(

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