Windows 10 November Update mysteriously pulled, as concerns about bugs grow

Found on Ars Technica on Tuesday, 24 November 2015
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Systems can still be upgraded to the November update, but direct installation is no longer possible. Instead, the original RTM version must be installed, and the upgrade to 1511 performed through Windows Update.

Others are reporting all manner of bugs, such as machines that instantly wake after sleeping, excessive processor usage by the Mail app, the lock screen failing to hide the full desktop, and more besides. Given that Microsoft is still pushing 1511 out through Windows Update, none of these issues would appear to be fatal, showstopper issues, but clearly this release is not without its problems.

The way Windows is developed has changed radically as a result of two things: laying off large numbers of dedicated software testers, and shipping regularly both to members of the Insider program using pre-releases, and to mainstream users with monthly updates and twice-yearly larger upgrades (of which the November release was the first).

MS has always been behind in the development, and right now it seems to have adopted the earlier Facebook motto of "Move Fast and Break Things". It's not helping either that updates take ages. After a fresh Linux install there are around 100-200MB of updates (or you just do them during the install automatically) and a final reboot (which is not a requirement though, just a good idea). In Windows, you do a fresh install, wait 5-10 minutes for an update check, even longer for the amazingly slow installation and face a mandatory reboots. Rinse and repeat numerous times. Roughly 4 hours and 2GB later you finally have an up to date system.