Microsoft Releases New Windows 10 Update; Improvements Address Upgrading Problems and Software Issues of Windows 7, 8.1 Users

Dec 03, 2015 03:05 PM EST

Microsoft is again addressing the Windows 10 upgrade problems that users have reported. The latest improvements aim to smoothen the process of installing small updates for Windows 7 and 8.1 users.

Released this week, the updates contain improvements to the software that users have reported when trying to upgrade to Windows 10. Microsoft launched the Windows 10 this summer for free. However, there are rumors that say the company will stop the free upgrade next year.

In the tenth edition of Windows, Microsoft brought back the Start Menu with upgraded Cortana voice assistant and smoother layout design to encourage people to move in Windows 10.

 The rate of users that upgrade to Windows 10 appears to have slowed since the system's debut on July 29, according to statistics from Web tracker NetMarketShare.

Microsoft has been pushing users to transfer in Windows 10. Windows 7 and 8.1 users have frequent pop-up reminders that say the upgrade is "optional", but next year the company will change that to "recommend."

The Tuesday's updates, listed as KB3112343 for Windows 7 and KB3112336 for Windows 8.1, will help users to upgrade easily.

"This update enables support for additional upgrade scenarios from Windows 7 [or 8.1] to Windows 10 and provides a smoother experience when you have to retry an operating system upgrade because of certain failure conditions. This update also improves the ability of Microsoft to monitor the quality of the upgrade experience," update description wrote.

In a published report from Computer World, estimates show that the Windows 10 free upgrade offer's impact has been minimal when compared to the downloads of Windows 7 in its first 123 days, a span spread over late 2009 and early 2010.

Windows 10's largest downloads came during the first month of its launch, since then, the growth has noticeably sluggish. The company hopes the latest upgrade will increase the rate of users who will install Windows 10.

In addition to the smooth transition to new Windows system, Microsoft has amazing improvements for Cortana, which acts as user's personal assistant. Now she can send text messages when paired with Microsoft phone and call a cab via Uber service.

"The bottom line is that Windows 10 is a great operating system," a published review from PC Advisor wrote. The review noted there would undoubtedly be bugs that have to address, so users have to expect more improvements and patches very soon.

Some tech experts said Microsoft will have next major update to Windows 10. Codenamed Redstone, allegedly, this update will arrive in 2016 and include big changes for users that have more than one device running Windows 10. However, there is still no official word from the company yet.