Microsoft Pulls Windows 10 November Update from MCT (Updated)

We previously reported that Microsoft had quietly pulled the Windows 10 November Update, version 1511 Build 10586. After further investigation, and statements by Microsoft, we have a better grasp on the situation. Microsoft is still rolling out the latest update via a staggered roll out via Windows Update.

However, it’s no longer available via the Media Creation Tool (MCT) which Microsoft encouraged users to use if you didn’t want to wait for it to appear via Windows Update. We covered how to use the MCT to update manually.

But the last statement we’ve seen from Microsoft is that the November Update has not been pulled from Windows Update, only from the MCT. Continue reading to see how things played out.

According to a report by a Microsoft MVP, Greg Carmack on the Microsoft Community forums, the recently released update to Windows 10 dubbed the November Update has been pulled from Windows 10 ISO website. Attempting to download Windows 10 from the Media Creation Tool site will download the July 10240 build instead. Since its release in early November, users have been able to download an updated ISO labeled build 10586 containing updates and fixes since the first public release over the summer.

Today responding to a report here that Media Creation Tool now has a line added to the Downloads page “These downloads cannot be used to update Windows 10 PCs to the November update (Version 1511)” I inquired via MVP Communications Channel and just learned that the Fall Update v.1511 has apparently been taken down and replaced with original Release Version 

According to the post located here, there might be a glitch recently discovered resulting in its immediate removal:

This may have to do with a major glitch I elevated to Windows 10 Team Monday also reported here that on Clean Installs the media was reading embedded Windows 8 keys to only activate the embedded version, even on PC’s that also had a Digital Entitlement to Pro version.  Since the version menu was then hidden, there was no way to install Professional without a workaround that was posted later in the week by MS in the thread here:  How to upgrade 1511 from Home to Pro? – Microsoft Community

It’s also worth noting that ZDNet’s Ed Bott received the following statement from Microsoft:

The November update was originally available via the MCT tool, but we’ve decided that future installs should be through Windows Update. People can still download Windows 10 using the MCT tool if they wish. The November update will be delivered via Windows Update.

Update: 11/21/2015: In addition to the statement above, WinBeta also received a statement from Microsoft that explains the disappearance of the update:

The November update was originally available via the MCT (Media Creation Tool), but the company decided that future installs should be through Windows Update. People can still download Windows 10 [Build 10240] using the MCT tool if they wish. The November update will be delivered via Windows Update.

Microsoft has not pulled the Windows 10 November 10 update. The company is rolling out the November update over time – if you don’t see it in Windows Update, you will see it soon.

If you haven’t updated yet, for the time being, it looks like you’ll need to install Build 10240 ISO using the Media Creation Tool, and then update via Windows Update.

Still, we aren’t sure why Microsoft made the decision to pull the update from the MCT.

You can follow the thread here for further updates. We’ll also provide any updates to this story as we get more information.

If you have been affected by this or have any additional information, leave a comment below. Or, join up with other Windows 10 enthusiasts in our Windows 10 forums.

About the November Update

In addition to providing updates and fixes, the November Update refines some of the rough edges of the initial public released at the end of July. One of the welcome improvements is the compliance check when qualifying for the Windows 10 upgrade. Previously, Windows 7, Windows 8.0 and Windows 8.1 users needed to have either of those versions Windows installed and activated to qualify for the free upgrade offer. For users who need to perform a clean install of Windows 10 from the outset, it was a two-step process of first validating the machine through the upgrade routine, ensure the Windows 10 Upgrade was activated, then proceed to perform a Reset. With the latest November Update (1511), users no longer have to go through this process.

The update features improvements to the built-in digital assistant Cortana, which now can scribble a note in the Cortana Notebook. Cortana will recognize phone numbers, email addresses. You can also add reminders and keep track of events and movie bookings. You can also book and follow a Uber taxi. The new Edge browser that succeeds the 20-year-old Internet Explorer, which is still included with Windows 10 finally adds promised features such as Tab Preview, favorites and reading list syncing. Microsoft has also made significant improvements for business users added requested features that make Windows 10 PCs easier to deploy and manage in enterprise environments.