Microsoft releases Windows 10 tool to hide/block updates

[Ironbuket]

Yes, RIGHT NOW, updates have a great ability to break things. Buy why? Because we've all got different versions, different patch levels, different service packs, different drivers, etc, and it's simply impossible for MS, or anyone else, to test the millions of combinations any patch, update or driver will encounter out there in the wild. And the lower level any 'drivers' out there work at, the greater the potential for trouble.

How many PC owners have had to run an old version of a device driver because the newer one made things worse? I can think of multiple instances where I have run old drivers for devices permanently because the manufacturer churns out a newer driver that sucks and then abandons support. Does M$ seriously think it is going to be able to force every manufacturer to provide perfect drivers from now on? I'm talking about obscure tech here like display panels on cases not mainstream stuff like graphics cards.

I completely agree with the statement 'it's simply impossible for M$, or anyone else, to test the millions of combinations'. That is what we do for them and (IMHO) is part of what it means to own a PC. Take that away and our hardware addon choices are reduced and we all gravitate towards the same type of hardware. More stable, yes, but boring and less diverse.

What happens in an instance where someone creates a non official driver that fixes issues for example? If we install it will M$ just replace it at next reboot with the broken manufacturer one?

It's my PC, if I want to fill it with security breaching hacked drivers I should be able to

[Saracen]

How many PC owners have had to run an old version of a device driver because the newer one made things worse? I can think of multiple instances where I have run old drivers for devices permanently because the manufacturer churns out a newer driver that sucks and then abandons support. Does M$ seriously think it is going to be able to force every manufacturer to provide perfect drivers from now on? I'm talking about obscure tech here like display panels on cases not mainstream stuff like graphics cards.

I completely agree with the statement 'it's simply impossible for M$, or anyone else, to test the millions of combinations'. That is what we do for them and (IMHO) is part of what it means to own a PC. Take that away and our hardware addon choices are reduced and we all gravitate towards the same type of hardware. More stable, yes, but boring and less diverse.

What happens in an instance where someone creates a non official driver that fixes issues for example? If we install it will M$ just replace it at next reboot with the broken manufacturer one?

It's my PC, if I want to fill it with security breaching hacked drivers I should be able to

I entirely ageee with you.

My point, however, was that there is an upside to stability for most users in having a common, consistent stable base to work from.

My view, however, is that my computer is MY computer, and I object to the notion that MS get to decide when, and indeed if, things are "upgraded", especially when it comes to slipstreaming new or changed features.

I do agree that there are occasions when people want, and indeed need, to run older drivers. But I'm more concerned about things like the complete change in emphasis in the UI in Win8, and I refused to move to Win8 because of it. I opted to stay with Win7. But if MS can simply install those changes at whim, with no ability for me to reject it, then MS are taking control over how my PC works, and that's not acceptable.

So I can see an upside for having that "consistency" but the price is too high for me.