Microsoft has just released a massive Windows 7 patch in a bid to end the updating pain experienced by users still running the older operating systems.
While keen to push Windows 10 as the way forward, the Redmond-based firm has also spared a thought for Windows 7 and 8.1 adherents, unveiling a mega “convenience rollup” covering up to five years of fixes on its TechNet blog – the last major Windows 7 service pack was released all the way back in 2011.
Bundling in hundreds of updates, the optional patch addresses numerous stability, security and usability issues. The only real bummer – other than the fact that it’s taken this long to arrive – is that you’ll have to install it manually. You’ll also need to have downloaded last year’s Windows servicing stack update.
In the future, Microsoft has said it will be providing monthly Windows 7 and 8.1 updates through Windows Update for non-security issues, while security-related fixes will continue to be issued as and when they’re needed.
You can download the bulk Windows 7/8.1 update here, or watch the video below to see why you might want to just jump to Windows 10 instead.
Watch Now: What’s new in Windows 10?
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.