Windows 10’s October Update Returns, Promises Not to Delete Your Files

Microsoft has finally re-released Windows 10’s October 2018 Update—in mid-November. All those file deletion bugs should be fixed, and Windows Update will soon automatically install it on your PC.

How to Install the October 2018 Update Now

Now that the update has been released publicly once again, Windows Update will eventually download it on your PC after a slow roll-out process that ensures it’s compatible with your PC’s hardware. Microsoft says the “Check for Updates” button won’t install it immediately.

We will offer the October Update to users via Windows Update when data shows your device is ready and you will have a great experience. If we detect that your device may have an issue, such as an application incompatibility, we will not install the update until that issue is resolved, even if you “Check for updates,” so you avoid encountering any known problems.

To get the update now, you can download Microsoft’s Update Assistant tool. Run the downloaded tool and it will automatically upgrade your PC to the October 2018 Update. However, Microsoft recommends you avoid the tool and wait until the data “shows your device is ready and you will have a great experience.”

If you want to delay the update for even longer, you’ll need Windows 10 Professional. It lets you delay big updates like this for months, if you like—just like business PCs would.

Microsoft Promises More Transparency

While Microsoft isn’t explaining exactly what went wrong with the October 2018 Update, Microsoft did put up a detailed blog post that explains how Windows updates are tested before release.

Microsoft says this is just the first in a series of blog posts about Windows 10’s quality assurance process, and promises to be more transparent in the future:

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