9. Where are all the usual system settings?
QI have just installed Windows 10 Pro on my laptop which was previously happily running Windows 7 Ultimate. I’ve struggled to find some tools I like, such as ‘Backup and Restore’ and Windows Update. Also, I like to know what Microsoft is trying to install on my PCS, so I can let it download, but then decide when to install. This option is hard to find. Can you help?
Rod Theobald
ALet’s start with the good news. Most of the system settings are still there, and you don’t actually have to look that hard for them. Rightclick on the Start button, select Control Panel, and you’ll find that the good old Control Panel is still there, ready for duty. Microsoft doesn’t really want you to use ‘Backup and Restore’ anymore because it thinks Windows 10’s File History feature and the System Restore options are better.
However, if you disagree then you’ll find ‘Backup and Restore’ in the Control Panel, under ‘System and Security’, along with a lot of the other system tools that Windows 10 has hidden away.
Windows Update is a different story. Controversially, Microsoft will install updates whether you like it or not, but you can – to some degree – decide when they happen. In both the Home or Pro versions of Windows 10, click Start, Settings, Update & Security, then click Windows Update on the left-hand side. You’ll see available updates listed, and an option to let Windows restart and install the update at a later time when it thinks you’re not busy. But this only delays the update.
However, as a Pro user you also get the option to postpone updates until they’ve been tried and tested for a month or so. This doesn’t give you control of exactly what updates install and when, but it should protect you if Microsoft releases a dodgy, poorly tested patch. To do this, click the ‘Advanced options’ link at the bottom of the page, then tick the ‘Defer upgrades’ option (see screenshot). It’s one of the benefits Microsoft hopes will persuade users to pay for the Pro version.
Some Windows users regard Microsoft’s policy on updates in Windows 10 dictatorial, and have accused Microsoft of exerting too much control. However previously many people failed to install updates, leaving their PC insecure – which is good news only for hackers. At least Microsoft is trying to keep its users safe. It just needs to make sure its updates install more smoothly than they have recently.