Windows 10 RS2 makes the update delivery more optimized for PC

Microsoft, in the November update last year, released a new feature for improved delivery, which enabled the Windows 10 users to easily download updates using a system similar to the BitTorrent protocol. To download small portions of updates this mechanism depends on local network and other systems connected to the Internet already having the files.

Recently, with the latest preview build from Microsoft, new improvements for the Delivery Optimization tool would be released from the company and will be available for all users in Redstone 2 update after passing the Insider testing and performing correctly before the public launch of the build.

With the Windows 10 build 14915, Delivery Optimization improved even more, as it can also be used for insider builds and app updates besides ordinary Windows updates. Hence, from other Windows computers on the network or connected to the Internet, we can get all possible updates.

Keeping an eye on disk usage, bandwidth, and battery life:

The main idea behind releasing this feature is to enable users to download parts of apps or updates from other computers for accelerating the process with the use of lesser bandwidth much similar to how torrent downloads happen.

In this regard, Ms. Dona Sarkar, head of Windows Insider Program, said “Rather than downloading an entire file from one machine, Delivery Optimization breaks the download into small pieces and uses what is assessed as the fastest, most reliable source for each piece of the file. Delivery Optimization is also mindful of local disk usage, use of cellular networks, battery life, and other network activity.”

She further added, “It is also integrated with and builds on the existing security measures in Windows Update and Windows Store to check the authenticity of each file downloaded from other PCs. Particularly for PCs with challenging network conditions, this is designed to provide a better and more reliable download experience.”

An important point to be stated here is that by default Delivery Optimization is enabled on all Windows 10 preview builds. However, the users who wish to disable this feature are to navigate to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update > Advanced options and then select “Choose how updates are delivered.”

Moreover, Microsoft has declared that with this new feature is already very effective and since the November 2015 Update, a 30-50% reduction in internet bandwidth usage in the case of PCs in the same network was recorded. This improvement was seen as the PCs downloaded updates from each other instead of connecting individually to Microsoft servers.

However, the features we are talking of are still in early stages and it is expected that in the coming few months before the public launch of RS2 in spring 2017, more improvements would be available.