The updates that MS offers for it OS are bug fixes and fixing security holes they find. I have 8.1 on my desktop and have gotten all of its updates to date. I don't get the notion one doesn't want their OS updated and seems to me to be poor logic.
 
If an update gives one a problem one can roll back to a earlier version. Now, I like to decide when an update will happen but having control over the timing of the install is not the same as not updating at all. I highly advise all to reconsider the notion of not updating. If it must be automatic so be it. You gain a lot and loose very little.
 
Its not much different from what CW is offering. We just have the control of when we update with CW. I think few of us would advise not to update.
 
Lets keep things in perspective. Win 8 and 8.1 are better than Windows 7. Win 10 is better than Windows 8.1. Also its going to be the longest lived OS MS has provided to date.  I can't see a downside for going with Windows 10. Though I would advise that one gets Windows 10 pro not home. 
 
One last point, I hear fear guiding some about this. There is nothing to fear in going with a new OS as long as you follow common sense precautions. Backup first and you have little to fear. 

Cake only officially dropped XP support a few years ago (with X2 I believe). That's understandable. There was a stable and suitable replacement that was being used and lauded (Win7) at the time. Win 8 although popular with some and had it's merits was a mess like Vista was (which also had its fans). Win10 is likely to be the proper release based on the successes and failures of 8 (just like Vista was to 7).
 
I just think it is WAY too premature to start talking about dropping support for 7 when large swaths of us still use 7 and Win10 has been out less than a week... AND these types of security, update management, etc issues are still unsorted.
 
Cake listens to their customers. I generally don't make an unnecessary fuss about things. This, to me, is important and something to consider. I doubt I will be alone.
 
This is completely separate from the OPs grievances which... well I find a little odd and misdirected. I am responding completely and totally to the post in regards to Win7 support/testing being dropped "soon".
 
Just sayin'. Not all of are quite ready to leap before we look.
 
Yanno?

Glouchester and sticking with Windows 7 until 2020 OK?

 
Whatever you do is O-Tay with me. Thanks for asking.

John, you're right about most situations.  If you have multi-use computers (music + everything else) staying updated is a must, especially anti-virus.  I try to keep all my other, non-music computers updated, tho it ain't easy (as someone once sang) since I have 3 + an iPad.  Well, it is easy enough, but still time-consuming. 
 
I'm not afraid of it, either, simply worried about burning a lot of time unnecessarily for no performance upgrade.  Seems like a sensible precaution to me, esp. until the next iteration comes out w/ all the fixes a first, live release uncovers.  One of the aspects of a dedicated machine is you can wait until convenient to destabilized it.
 
But if you only have the one machine to rule them all then it is best to stay current.  And sooner or later we will all be Win 10.  In fact, I went with a windows phone in the hope of better integration, even tho I didn't much like the HC I had.  We'll see if that was smart 2 years from now or if I turn to the dark side of consumerism and finally get an iPhone.
 
@
 

Until Steinberg and Roland get their acts together I have no choice but to stay on win 7. As soon as the drivers are out I'll upgrade. I liked most things I saw on Win 10 but I can't really go out and buy new peripherals to make my OS happy. Both Roland and Yamaha are famous for dumping hardware so it may get a bit iffy.

GregGraves
After reading the negative review of W10 on Amazon (link below), among other articles, I think I will just stay with W7 until 2020.  Everything works now like it should, and I like that.  When I moved from XP to W7 years ago, I still run into an issue now and then where something that used to work don't work anymore.  Bummer.  So I am thinking I just don't need the hassle.  I have built all my machines over the years, and at some point I will replace the motherboard, cpu, memory etc. and then my "free" W10 upgrade will be void because it won't be the same machine, and I'll have to buy W10, so not really "free".  This machine is dedicated to music production, and it and I could care less about a new start menu, new browser, fingerprint password (oh oh I got a blister, now I can't do music!).  The adage, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" seems applicable.  It seems qhite unlikely that the operating system is going to make me a better singer or a better guitar player.
 
http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-10-Home-Download/product-reviews/B01019BM7O/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_btm?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending
 
So ... the reason for this diatribe/post ... am I safe to run the command center and upgrade my Platinum?  Sonar is not going to suddenly upgrade itself, and then stop working because I'm sticking with W7?  That would suck!!!

You're making the right decision.  Upgrading the OS is about the most extreme thing one can do with a computer whose programs are working OK.  It's basically asking for trouble.   I never do it unless I absolutely have to, which is rare.
 
Upgrading the OS will inevitably divert lots of time from making music to troubleshooting, configuring, reinstalling, making phone calls, asking for help, etc. etc...
 
Besides, Windows 7 is the best OS Microsoft has produced, it's been working great for audio and MIDI in my studio for many years..
 
JG
www.jerrygerber.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

What's making me chuckle slightly (sorry) is that those of us who are worried about privacy are probably all using apple, android or MS Smartphones without a second thought (well some of us).

I use a landline and I would never get a "Smart" phone that tracks. I want to set my old PAYG, LCD screen, Sim card driven Nokia hooked up again just for emergencies when I'm out and about in the gimpmobile.

Yea, they are going to do what they are going to do.  Just one big stream of meta data.
 
Soon your data will be able to reveal your future, and all us other humans, too.  Then the robots take over.

Doktor Avalanche

michael diemer
I'll do you one better: I'm planning on sticking with Windows 7 and sonar 8.5.3 until I die.

I don't know how old you are or whether you have any diagnosed terminal conditions, but I suspect your computer will die first.

63 years young, no terminal condition, other than the one we all have.