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Microsoft's flawed approach to app updates wreaks havoc on Windows PCs

Windows

If you are a user of Windows, you may have noticed that some of your apps are not working as expected after a recent update. This is because Microsoft has a flawed approach to app updates that wreaks havoc on Windows PCs. In this blog post, I will explain what the problem is and how to avoid it.

Windows
Windows

Microsoft's application update system is based on the assumption that all applications are compatible with the latest version of Windows. This means that every time Microsoft releases a new update for Windows, it also releases updates for all applications running on Windows. However, this assumption is often wrong, as many applications are not tested or optimized for the new version of Windows. As a result, some applications may crash, freeze, or malfunction after an update.

This is not only frustrating for users, but also risky for their data and security. Some applications may lose important data or settings after an update or expose users to security vulnerabilities. For example, some users reported that their antivirus software stopped working after a Windows update, leaving their PCs unprotected against malware. Other users reported that their video editing software became unusable after an update, ruining their projects and deadlines.

The solution to this problem is simple: Microsoft should stop forcing app updates on users and let them choose when and how to update them. Users should be able to control which apps they want to update and which they want to keep as is. Users should also be able to revert to previous versions of apps if they encounter any problems with the new ones. This way, users can ensure that their applications are compatible with their version of Windows and that they work as expected.

Microsoft's flawed approach to app updates is not only annoying, but also detrimental to Windows users. It undermines the stability and performance of your PCs and puts your data and security at risk. Microsoft should respect users' choice and preference and let them decide how to manage their app updates.

It is true that many popular applications, including WinRAR, may not have built-in mechanisms for automatic updates. This can potentially leave users vulnerable to security flaws if they are not proactive in updating their software. There are a few reasons why this situation persists:

1. **Development Practices:** Some software developers may not prioritize or invest resources in implementing automatic update features. They may focus on other aspects of the app, assuming users will check for updates manually.

2. **Legacy Systems:** Older applications that have been around for a long time may not have been designed with modern automatic updating mechanisms in mind. Updating such features in existing software can be difficult.

3. **User Control:** Developers may be concerned about user preferences regarding control over updates. Some users prefer to have control over when and how updates are installed, while others prefer the convenience of automatic updates.

4. **Resource Limitations:** Smaller development teams or open source projects may lack the resources to implement and maintain self-updating features. Requires ongoing infrastructure and support.

As for Windows, the operating system provides a platform for automatic updates through the Windows Update service, but this is mainly focused on system updates and security patches. It does not cover third-party applications, leaving the responsibility to developers and users.

To address these issues, several solutions have been proposed or implemented over time, including centralized app stores (such as the Microsoft Store) that can manage updates for installed apps. However, as you mentioned, adoption of these stores has been mixed and many users still rely on downloading software directly from developers' websites.

In the case of critical security vulnerabilities, it is critical that users stay informed about updates and apply them promptly. Security-conscious users often turn to dedicated software updaters or services that can help manage updates for multiple applications in one place.

Developers, on the other hand, increasingly recognize the importance of implementing automatic update mechanisms and secure coding practices to mitigate security risks. It is a continuous process that involves developers and users working together to create a more secure computing environment.