Some Windows 10 PCs Could Lose Security Updates

John Lister's picture

Some computers only a few years old are reporting that they not longer support Windows 10. It's a badly-worded blunder for now, but could be the sign of a major security problem down the line.

The problem is occurring when some computers try to install the Creators Update, the most recent widely-distributed major update to Windows 10. The message received is worded: "Windows 10 is no longer supported on this PC. Uninstall this app now because it isn't compatible with Windows 10." (Source: pcworld.com)

That's an extremely confusing and misleading message in several ways: Windows 10 is still supported on the PCs in question, and to make it worse - there's not an app to uninstall in order to fix the issue.

Clover Trail Atom Chips Affected

The problem is in fact an incompatibility with a specific set of processors made by Intel under the name "Clover Trail" - specifically CPU models Atom Z2520, 72560, Z2760 and Z2580.

These CPUs are most commonly used in 2-in-1 devices, meaning machines that could work as both a laptop and a touchscreen tablet. Such devices were often marketed as a cheap way to get Windows 8, which was designed very much with touch screens in mind.

Such devices were able to upgrade to Windows 10 free of charge, passing compatibility checks. However, the Creators Update isn't compatible with devices using these specific processors, with Microsoft noting that installing it would mean "Icons and/or text throughout the Windows interface may not appear at all, or may appear as solid color blocks on some devices."

No Immediate Action Needed

For now there's not much that can be done if your PC is affected. Windows 10 will continue working, but it won't install any further software updates until the bug has been resolved.

As such, the potential problem has to do with security patches. With Windows 10, Microsoft uses "major releases" as its timetable for guaranteeing cumulative security patches, with the patches going for at least 18 months (approximately) for each major Windows 10 release.

The last major release before the Creators Update was the Anniversary Update. That came out in August last year, which means the currently affected devices could stop getting security patches next February, unless the compatibility issue is sorted out. (Source: zdnet.com)

What's Your Opinion?

Have you or anyone you know come across the message? Should Microsoft have worded it more clearly? Does Microsoft need to rethink its policy on providing security updates?

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Average: 4.9 (9 votes)

Comments

Dennis Faas's picture

Some may not like it, but the cumulative updates are really the only way to guarantee everyone stays up to date with the latest edition of Windows 10.

Previously users would either not install Windows Updates at all, or cherry-pick certain updates that they only thought were necessary. The result is that you have an eco system of computers running various editions of Windows which are not patched at all, partially patched, or fully patched.

From a technical perspective this can be a nightmare to sort out, especially if you are dealing with software incompatibilities with certain programs. It's far better to have everyone on the same page, so to speak, in order to keep improving the operating system and compatibility as a whole.

Unfortunately things like the Intel Atom CPU being incompatible with the Creators Update will happen, though I'm certain Microsoft will figure out a way around that well before the deadline.

trbruce_9594's picture

Bought my wife an HP last year and was able to update to Win 10 and now getting that message, it wants me to delete and update the BIOS, no way I am deleting BIOS without knowing what is going on. HP says there are no updates available, so presume it is a Microsoft problem, as usual.

Dennis Faas's picture

You would not delete the BIOS (that is not possible) - you would go to the manufacturer's website, search for the product my model # or serial # and then see if there are BIOS updates available. If so, download CPU-Z and install it and it will tell you which BIOS version you are currently running on the 'mainboard' tab. If you find one that is newer on the manufacturer's website, then download and install the BIOS update - but ONLY if it is necessary (as with your case), because there is always a chance a bad BIOS flash can brick the device. That is true for any device unless you have BIOS backup chip installed. I just purchased a new motherboard for the MSI Mortar B350 that runs the Ryzen 7 chipset and I have to continually update it because of a video card issue I'm having (which still hasn't been fixed).

gi7omy's picture

Most of the complaints are nothing to do with 'updates' but to do with 'upgrades' (not patching but a complete new OS)

I would agree though that MS should continue to supply updates for the Atom series CPUs (well at least for the nomal life cycle).

One problem with the upgrades, since the Creators Edition, is that MS has changed from MBR booting to EFI booting, This isn't a problem if it's done as an upgrade, but trying a clean install means chenging the BIOS boot settings. I run a multi-boot system (XP, 7, 8.1, 10 and Linux) and changing over to EFI would cause problems.

Bruce, you should flash update your BIOS anyway to the latest version. It's nothing to do with Windows and all to do with optimising the system itself.

trbruce_9594's picture

HP reports that there are no updates available for the laptop.