14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has already launched Windows 8.1 Update, so in order to move all customers to the new OS version, the company is now making it a mandatory update, which means that everyone running Windows 8.1 needs to install it as soon as possible in order to receive future patches and security fixes.
The company recently announced that Windows 8.1 adopters can deploy Windows 8.1 Update until May 13, which is actually the next Patch Tuesday, if they want to receive more fixes via Windows Update, but it appears that businesses have more time to install this new OS version.
In a blog post today, Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc says that businesses running Windows 8.1 can deploy the new update until August 12, which means that they can do this any time in the next 120 days.
“We’ve been actively discussing this new approach to servicing with enterprise customers and listening to their feedback regarding managing the deployment timeline. As a result, we’ve decided to extend the timeframe for enterprise customers to deploy these new product updates from 30 to 120 days,” LeBlanc explained.
“In order to receive future updates, all customers managing updates using WSUS, Windows Intune, or System Center Configuration Manager have until August 12th to apply the new updates. For those that decide to defer installation, separate security updates will be published during the 120-day window.”
Windows 8.1 users who won’t deploy the new 8.1 Update won’t get any other fixes and patches via Windows Update starting May 13, the company explained. When the new Patch Tuesday bulletins are prepared to be shipped to users, those running Windows 8.1 will only see the 8.1 Update in Windows Update until they install it. If they do decide to deploy it, all patches shall then show up in Windows Update.
“No new updates will be visible to them until they install the Windows 8.1 Update. For customers on metered networks, they will get the same experience until they install the Windows 8.1 Update,” LeBlanc explained.
This decision, however, causes more frustration among customers who have tried to deploy Windows 8.1 Update but got stuck with some weird errors that prevented the new OS version for being installed. It appears that Microsoft is working to address these bugs as we speak, so it remains to be seen if the Windows 8.1 Update installation would be possible for everyone running Windows 8.1 right now on desktop PCs and tablets.