Microsoft has made a major shift in its Windows update strategy, which allows users who have been waiting for large service packs to say goodbye to the past.
Behind the abandonment of service packages
The direct reason for Microsoft abandoning the service pack strategy is that the market performance of Windows 8.1 has not met expectations. After the system was released in October 2013, user acceptance has not been high. Entering mid-2014, its global market share has slowed down. This has caused Microsoft to invest a lot of resources in developing SP2 and the gains outweigh the losses.
At the same time, the development of the next-generation operating system Windows 9 is almost completed and is expected to be launched in 2015. Focusing development efforts on new systems in the future, rather than producing large update packages for an unpopular system, is a more reasonable decision from a business perspective. This symbolizes a fundamental change in Microsoft's outlook on updates.
Monthly updates become the new normal
Implicit in the new "monthly updates" strategy is that feature improvements will be released as regularly as security patches. These updates will not only include bug fixes, but may also include new features or user interface adjustments. They are pushed through the WSUS server on "Patch Tuesday", and the frequency with which users get updates will be significantly increased.
This model allows Microsoft to respond to user feedback and market demands more flexibly and quickly. It breaks the previous rhythm of having to wait one or two years for a major upgrade, making the operating system more like a continuously updated service rather than an immutable product.
Impact on Windows 7 users
For those users who are still using Windows 7, the announcement made by Microsoft means that Service Pack 2 will never appear. Prior to this, both the community and some media had always had various speculations and expectations about SP2. However, Microsoft had never given a formal commitment.
Main support for Windows 7 ended in January 2015, and subsequent support for extensions also stopped. Microsoft's focus has long since shifted to updating the series of platforms. Users waiting for SP2 will have to accept the reality and consider upgrading their systems or taking other security measures to protect their old computers.
The final chapter of Windows 8.1
The update in August became the last feature update with iconic characteristics of Windows 8.1. The update covered some improvements to the start screen, search and touch experience, and tried to solve some problems that were criticized by users when the system reached the end of its life.
Even so, it failed to reverse the overall gradual decline of Windows 8.1. As a transitional product between Windows 8 and Windows 10, its historical mission has basically been completed. Microsoft used monthly updates to put the finishing touches on it, and then went all out to develop the next generation.
Foreshadowing update mode for Windows 10
This strategic adjustment clearly shows in advance the update method that Windows 10 and even subsequent systems will adopt. After Windows 10 was launched in 2015, it did use a continuous update model called "Windows as a Service", and will regularly release large-scale feature updates such as "November Update", "Anniversary Update" and so on.
This transformation from "big version release" to "continuous delivery" has become the foundation of Microsoft's modern software development. It is not only used on Windows, but also has an impact on the development progress of products such as Office 365.
Advice for ordinary users
Helping ordinary computer users better manage their own devices requires understanding this change. This change means that you need to enable system updates to get timely functional improvements and security protections, rather than looking forward to a legendary major version.
If your computer is still running an extremely old operating system, such as Windows 7, you should carefully evaluate the need for an upgrade. If you stay on an old system, you will most likely face security risks and application compatibility related issues. Consider upgrading to a supported system, which is a safer and more secure option.
What do you think of Microsoft's strategy of moving from large service packs to continuous monthly updates? What impact does it have on your management of your own computer? You are welcome to share your opinions in the comment area. If you feel that this article is helpful, please like it to support it.
