Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Microsoft Corporation

Mingbiao Fei

Michael James Day

Abhinav Mishra

Derek Rivait

Alan B Back

Charles Keen

Rainer Sigwald

Neal Robert Christiansen

James Aaron Holmes

Aniket Krishnat Naravanekar

Yanran Hao

James Andrew Bennett

Vinod Reddy Chavva

Michael Day

A computing device saves storage space by foregoing writing the payloads for batches of feature files to local storage and then automatically downloading payloads for individual batches of feature files as associated features are called upon. In various embodiments, an operating system (OS) that includes both frequently used and infrequently used features is executing on the computing device. Batches of feature files for the frequently used features of the OS may be hydrated on the computing device whereas batches of feature files for the infrequently used features of the OS may be left dehydrated on the computing device. When an infrequently used feature is requested, the computing device automatically downloads a corresponding batch of feature files. Then, the computing device may fulfill the request by implementing the infrequently used feature. Thus, predetermined batches of feature files remain immediately accessible at the computing device without consuming storage space unless called upon.

Automatic hydration of feature file batches

A system and method for repairing corrupt software components of a computer system. Corrupt software is detected and repaired utilizing an automated component repair service. Repair files are downloaded from an external storage location and used to repair the corruption. The downloaded files are preferably the smallest amount of data necessary to repair the identified corruption. The process of repairing corrupt files is used in conjunction with a software updating service to resolve problems that occur when corrupt software is updated by allowing a corrupt component to be repaired and then uninstalled such that an updated component can be properly installed.

Method, system and device for validating repair files and repairing corrupt software

A software system, such as an operating system, that has multiple parts can be deployed to a computing device incrementally, rather than all at once. The software system self-adapts to the user's needs by installing and removing system extensions automatically without user intervention. A core part of the software system is deployed in the computing device, and system extensions are delivered to the computing device when needed. The software system is aware of the system extensions, so they appear to be part of the system, even though they have not yet been downloaded. The system extensions can be delivered to the computing system on demand or over time during idle times of the computing device. Unused system extensions can be removed from the computing device, and can be downloaded again when next needed.

Self-adapting software system

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