By now, we all know that Windows 10 will be available as a free upgrade to existing Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 devices within a year of its release. Earlier this month, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 updates will be mandatory.

However, it may be possible for users to block certain undesired update components in contrast to installing the entire software as a whole. A new tool in the form of Package KB3073930, which appeared in a Microsoft Support Page, can be used to prevent faulty drivers or updates from being reinstalled again to a device.

Windows 10 testers complained lack of customization

One of the apparent advantages of the Windows 10 update is that it provides greater security by automatically updating and patching itself in a mandatory manner. In theory, that is a good idea because users often forget or just do not know how to keep their systems secure. However, it may also cause some issues if a particular update is buggy.

Making it mandatory is also among the most controversial decisions Microsoft made in its Windows 10 update. ZDNet pointed out that Windows 10 Home does not offer a way to block security updates and new features. Moreover, the Pro version only provides limited control over updates. This dilemma has made some early Windows 10 testers to voice out their concerns to the Redmond-based tech giant.

How to get the tool to selectively update Windows 10

Now, it seems that Microsoft has heard those predicaments and is ready to make the "automatic" Windows 10 update a bit less automatic. Thanks to the aforementioned tool, those who upgrade to the latest OS will have the option to hide specific updates, effectively preventing them from being installed. Users can head over to this Microsoft post to browse through the instructions and download Troubleshooter Package KB3073930.

The idea behind this new tool is that if a certain update is troublesome or causes instability, a user can uninstall it and then run the tool afterwards to stop Windows 10 from automatically reinstalling every time the system is restarted.

Windows 10 will be released on July 29 and Microsoft has made it incredibly easy for people to upgrade. Meanwhile, this tool is already present in the latest Preview Build of Windows 10 so it is safe to assume that it will work as part of the final code once it is launched roughly a day from now.