Windows 10 Update Sizes Are Shrinking

Still avoiding Windows 10 because it seems like such a hassle to manage the ongoing, bandwidth-clogging updates? Here’s some news that may put a spring in your step.

The Unified Update Platform, an emerging Microsoft technology in testing now with Windows Insider Program members and soon to hit general release, is expected to reduce Windows 10 update sizes by a about third.

According to Microsoft, the Unified Update Platform can potentially reduce Windows 10 download sizes by “approximately 35 percent when going from one major update of Windows to another.”

The new technology should be especially beneficial to mobile device users, as it will enable them to upgrade to the latest Windows 10 release all at once, instead of in small increments. The amount of processing time on devices is also expected to decrease with the new technology.

As you may know, Windows 10 updates are released via cumulative monthly updates, which means that each new update contains all past updates. That can add up to a lot of gigabytes pretty fast, putting a drag on an organization’s network and posing problems for mobile devices that may be short on storage.

The update size issue is being addressed partly by “differential download package” technology, which just delivers any new changes to the platform rather than the full operating system each time.

It’s great news for organizations that have already taken the Windows 10 leap, but may also be comforting for those still gearing up to migrate.

Here’s a little more encouragement: Microsoft has a bevy of other tools either recently released or coming soon to help on the systems management side of things:

  • Delivery Optimization is a peer-to-peer client update scheme that downloads updated data from PCs and from Microsoft’s datacenters to help manage bandwidth when those monthly Windows 10 updates arrive.
  • Client Peer Cache is an alternative to Delivery Optimization for System Center Configuration Manager users.
  • BranchCache is another system, designed especially for organizations with geographically widespread operations, to help manage bandwidth issues.

Intrigued? Watch our recorded webcast, “Migrating to Windows 10: Starting fast, finishing strong” to come up to speed on the latest migration trends, get ideas for developing your own migration plan (one that’s low on complexity and disruption), and learn about endpoint systems management solutions to help ease the process.

Then check out “Windows Migrations: Are you ready?” for tips to help you prepare for a successful Windows 10 migration — and avoid common pitfalls.

Watch Webcast

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