It seems to be like we’re good to go together with Microsoft’s August Windows and Office patches. The second cumulative replace for Windows 8.1, KB 4578013, throws some Virtual Private Networks out of kilter, and the Win7 patches could knock out your printers (for these of you paying for Win7 Extended Security Updates). But many of the different bugs seem like squashed.And there is a bit of excellent information on the horizon: It seems to be like Microsoft is lastly, lastly looking down the swarm of bugs in its newest Windows launch, model 2004. Even the (undocumented) “Optimize Drives” bug that triggered incessant SSD defrags has been addressed – albeit in an elective, non-security, C/D Week patch that appeared in “E Week.” In my opinion, Windows 10 model 2004 nonetheless isn’t prepared for prime time. But it’s getting shut. If the newest bounty of 70-plus recognized bug fixes goes in with out breaking too many machines, model 2004 would possibly truly stabilize by late this month.But don’t maintain your breath. And don’t set up 2004 till we’ve seen the outcomes from the unpaid beta testers.Here’s the way to get caught up.Make a full backupAs all the time, do a full system picture backup prior to installing the newest patches.There’s a non-zero likelihood that the patches — even the newest, best patches of patches of patches — might 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 not less than two good free ones: Macrium Reflect Free and EaseUS Todo Backup. Install the newest Win10 August Cumulative UpdateIf you haven’t but moved to Win10 model 1909 (within the Windows search field sort 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 change – though, admittedly, there’s nearly nothing worthwhile that’s new in model 1909. I’ve detailed directions for transferring to 1909 right here.If you’re working Win10 model 2004 – 25% of all Win10 customers are already there –  you are on the bleeding edge. Please preserve us apprised of any issues on AskWoody.To get the newest August 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 August Cumulative Update at its personal tempo. If you don’t see a Resume updates field, you have already got the August Cumulative replace and also you’re good to go.If you see a proposal to Download and set up the “Feature update to Windows 10, version 2004,” which you’ll be able to see within the previous screenshot, ignore it. Studiously.If you see a hyperlink to View elective updates, ignore it, too. There aren’t any elective updates obtainable at this level that you just wish to wrangle with. Let the cannon fodder be cannon fodder.Windows Update in model 2004 is having a little bit of an id disaster.  If you are already working 2004, simply keep away from the elective updates till the drama has subsided and Windows Update settles down a bit.Win10 issues you might hit, and the way to deal with themWhen your machine comes again up for air, don’t panic in case your desktop doesn’t look proper, or you’ll be able to’t log in to your normal account. You’ve liekly 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 could go away. We have three separate threads on AskWoody about fixing the issue [1, 2, 3] and when you want extra assist, you’ll be able to all the time put up a query. (Thx @PKCano.)While you’re mucking about with Windows Update, it wouldn’t damage to Pause updates, to take you out of the direct line of fireplace the following 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 October. With a little bit luck that’ll be lengthy sufficient for Microsoft to repair any bugs it introduces in August, so you’ll be able to skip the angst. 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 which may 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, be sure you comply with the entire steps on the backside of KB 4571729, the August 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 August patch will seem. There’s a brand new Servicing Stack Update, however it now seems as when you gained’t want it till the November patches roll out.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 Aug. 11 (the Patch Tuesday patch). No, you don’t need the Preview of Monthly Rollup. And it is best to equally ignore the manual-install-only second cumulative replace, KB 4578013.After you’ve put in the newest Monthly Rollup, when you’re intent on minimizing Microsoft’s snooping, run by way of the steps in AKB 2000007: Turning off the worst Win7 and 8.1 snooping. If you wish 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, best model of the Chrome-based Edge browser onto your machine. The new Microsoft Edge icon (which is a surly-swirly model of the outdated one) exhibits up on the taskbar. Internet Explorer continues to be there, however you may have another looking selection.No, Microsoft isn’t making a gift of free safety patches for Win7. But they’re certain making a gift of free Chrom-edges. 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 4 on the AskWoody Lounge.

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