The of us at Microsoft have just about exterminated the bugs they launched in July’s patches. The Outlook-killing bug bought mounted by an emergency replace to Microsoft’s personal servers. The Win7 .NET patch was mounted and re-released 9 days after paying Win7 Extended Security prospects began bellyaching.  The odd downside this month comes within the type of “optional, non-security, C/D Week” preview patches, which set up in odd and inconsistent methods. You don’t need the Previews. But avoiding them isn’t as straightforward appropriately.Microsoft nonetheless hasn’t mounted the reboot race situation that results in “missing” knowledge (which isn’t actually lacking in any respect, simply relocated to a very inscrutable location), however that downside is effectively understood now. It’s only a ache.Here’s how one can get caught up.Make a full backupMake a full system picture backup prior to installing the most recent patches.There’s a non-zero likelihood that the patches – even the most recent, biggest patches of patches of patches — can hose your machine. So it is best to have a backup that you would be able to reinstall even when your machine refuses besides. This is along with the same old want for System Restore factors.There are loads of full-image backup merchandise, together with at the very least two good free ones: Macrium Reflect Free and EaseUS Todo Backup. Install the most recent Win10 June Cumulative UpdateIf you haven’t but moved to Win10 model 1909 (within the Windows search field kind winver and hit Enter), I like to recommend you achieve this. The bugs in model 1903 are largely replicated in 1909 and vice-versa, so there’s little or no cause to carry off on making the swap – though, admittedly, there’s nearly nothing worthwhile that’s new in model 1909. I’ve detailed directions for shifting to 1909 right here.If you’re operating Win10 model 2004, bless yer coronary heart and thanks for becoming a member of the ranks of the unpaid beta testers. Please hold us apprised of any issues on AskWoody.To get the most recent July Cumulative Update put in, click on Start > Settings > Update & Security. If you see a Resume updates field (see screenshot), click on on it.MicrosoftThat’s all you have to do. Windows, in its infinite knowledge, will set up the July Cumulative Update at its personal tempo. If you don’t see a Resume updates field, you have already got the July Cumulative replace and also you’re good to go.If you see a suggestion to Download and set up the “Feature update to Windows 10, version 2004” (see previous screenshot), ignore it. Studiously.Somewhat warning: If you’re operating Win10 1903 or 1909, had Updates paused and clicked on Resume updates, you’ll additionally set up a Potentially Unwanted Program referred to as KB 4562900, the July 21, 2020 Cumulative Update Previews for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8. You can see it, after Windows Update is finished rebooting, by going into the Update History pane (Start > Settings > Update & Security > View replace historical past) as proven within the subsequent screenshot. MicrosoftAs of this second, I haven’t seen any complaints of bugs in that .NET Framework Preview, so it appears to be like such as you’ll be OK putting in it. Avoiding that exact Preview is extra bother than it is value.Susan Bradley ran into an surprising scenario, the place a Win10 model 1903 machine provided the .NET Framework Preview, with a Download button (screenshot under). If you see that Download button, breathe a sigh of aid, and don’t click on Download. MicrosoftBlame all of it on Windows Update’s bifurcated mess. Stick to those directions, although, and your machine ought to end up OK, with or with out an undesirable .NET Preview.Win10 issues you could hit, and how one can deal with themWhen your machine comes again up for air, don’t panic in case your desktop doesn’t look proper, or you may’t log in to your standard account. You’ve been bit by the “temporary profile” bug, which we’ve identified about – and complained about – for months. Try restarting your machine 4 or 5 occasions; the bug might go away. We have three separate threads on AskWoody about fixing the issue [1, 2, 3] and when you want extra assist, you may all the time publish a query. (Thx @PKCano.)If you have got a USB-attached printer and Windows can’t see it, take a look at Knowledge Base article 4566779: “If you connect a USB printer to Windows 10 version 1903 or later, then shut down Windows and disconnect or shut off the printer, when you start Windows again the USB printer port will not be available in the list of printer ports.” The resolution? Turn on the printer earlier than you energy up Windows.While you’re mucking about with Windows Update, it wouldn’t damage to Pause updates, to take you out of the direct line of fireside the subsequent time Microsoft releases a buggy bunch of patches. Click Start > Settings > Update & Security. Click “Pause updates for 7 days.” Next, click on on the newly revealed hyperlink, which says “Pause updates for 7 more days,” 4 extra occasions. That pauses all updates for 35 days, till early September. With just a little luck that’ll be lengthy sufficient for Microsoft to repair any bugs it introduces in August, so you may skip the drama. Patch Win7, Win8.1, or related ServersIf you’ve paid for Win7 Extended Security Updates and also you’re having bother getting them put in, Microsoft has an article referred to as Troubleshoot points in Extended Security Updates that could be of assist. We’re additionally fielding questions on AskWoody. If you’ve paid Microsoft for Extended Security Updates and may’t get them to put in, ensure you comply with the entire steps on the backside of KB 4561643, the May Monthly Rollup Knowledge Base article. In specific, you have to set up all excellent updates, then get the Servicing Stack Update put in (anticipate a brand new Servicing Stack each month), earlier than the July patch will seem. Microsoft simply launched a brand new Servicing Stack Update, but it surely now seems as when you gained’t want it till the November patches roll out.If you’ve paid and had issues putting in the July .NET patch KB 4565636, strive, strive once more. Microsoft re-released the patch and it appears to be putting in accurately.Windows 8.1 continues to be essentially the most steady model of Windows round. To get this month’s puny Monthly Rollup put in, comply with AKB 2000004: How to use the Win7 and 8.1 Monthly Rollups. You ought to have one Windows patch, dated July 14 (the Patch Tuesday patch). No, you don’t need the Preview of Monthly Rollup.After you’ve put in the most recent Monthly Rollup, when you’re intent on minimizing Microsoft’s snooping, run by means of the steps in AKB 2000007: Turning off the worst Win7 and 8.1 snooping. If you need to totally minimize out the telemetry, see @abbodi86’s detailed directions in AKB 2000012: How To Neutralize Telemetry and Sustain Windows 7 and 8.1 Monthly Rollup Model.Whether you’ve paid for Extended Security Updates or not, when you connect with Windows Update in Win7 or Win8.1, Microsoft’s going to push its newest, biggest model of the Chrome-based Edge browser onto your machine. The new Microsoft Edge icon (which is a surly-swirly model of the previous one) reveals up on the taskbar. Internet Explorer remains to be there, however you have got another alternative.No, Microsoft isn’t giving freely free safety patches for Win7. But they’re certain giving freely free Chredges. Thanks to the handfuls of volunteers on AskWoody who contribute mightily, particularly @sb, @PKCano, @abbodi86 and lots of others.We’ve moved to MS-DEFCON 3 on the AskWoody Lounge.

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