Windows 10 Could Bring Support For Peer-To-Peer System Updates, App Downloads For Faster Delivery
The leak of Windows 10 build 10036 over the weekend (the current Technical Preview is build 9926) revealed a new settings feature indicating a move by Microsoft towards delivering OS system updates via P2P technology. With build 10036 users can now opt to receive OS updates from multiple locations. They can also select from where they want to download the updates, whether strictly from PCs on their own local network or from PCs across the Internet in addition to local PCs (all in conjunction with Microsoft provisions too, of course).
The shift to a distribution model offers strong advantages for both sides of the Windows 10 transaction. Users will potentially benefit from increased speeds in the downloading of system updates, while MSFT will no doubt see a significant easing of the burden on its servers and distribution network. But by enabling peer-to-peer methodology for Windows 10 system updating may raise a bit(torrent) of Fox-in-Henhouse alarm at first glance, some concern will likely creep in at the start over the validity of OS updates received. However, it is reasonable to assume that Microsoft is taking security quite seriously in their deployment of P2P updating and that stringent verification will be applied before any changes are made to any Windows 10 installation. That said, users who simply aren't prepared to embrace such a dramatic change in paradigm could simply turn off the new feature.
A lot can happen between now and when Microsoft goes RTM with Windows 10, and the company has yet to issue a formal announcement of the P2P updating feature, but this kind of functionality requires serious development and resourcing, and it can't be appended to an evolving OS on a whim. As such, this innovative OS updating feature is almost certain to see the light of day at some point, regardless of whether it makes it into the initial public release of Windows 10 later this year.
