Some Windows 10 PCs Could Lose Security Updates

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?