Microsoft rolling out new Windows Phone 7.8 update (build 8860), presumably fixes Tile bug

We’re getting our inbox flooded with tips from folks noting that their numerous Windows Phones (mostly unbranded), are receiving a new OS update today, knocking their build from 8858 to 8860. We just checked our AT&T Lumia 900 and did not have success, meaning carrier-branded devices may have to wait a few more weeks.

There is no current changelog with the update though we presume it address the Tile stability issues that were found in the original Windows Phone 7.8 release. Those problems caused occasional Tiles to not update and in other instances, drained too much data. During the Zune Desktop installation, the only key phrase that is in the description is a “quality improvements”, as opposed to new features or additions, strongly suggesting that this is a bug-fix release.

So far it seems mostly those in Europe, including Italy and elsewhere are getting the update. We’ll continue to follow the story as it develops.

Thanks, James D., Roland R., Firdaus M., krox1105, Saurabh A and others for the tips!

Daniel Rubino is the Executive Editor of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft here since 2007, back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Microsoft Surface, laptops, next-gen computing, and arguing with people on the internet.

207 Comments

Live tile still not updating for BBC News Mobile app. App opening is almost instant now.
Yeah, app opening is great. I tested it for a while on my old friend Sammy Focus and the irritating lag from Pictures, Zune and Marketplace tiles has significantly reduced.
It feels far more smooth and stable now. Also, the lockscreen flickering seems to be gone.

On a different thought, I am really starting to like windows phone. Even after 3 years, the original Focus is quite smooth and stable.
I have an old focus as well. Currently use the lumia 920, but I was wondering how you got your focus updated. Everytime I check for updates it says it's up to date on 7720.
Yup BBC News live tile still doesn't work. That said the delay in opening apps has been reduced somewhat! Good to see it has quickly been pushed out. I have a UK unlocked Lumia 900...
My wifes Lumia 610 just got the update on Koodo Mobile in Canada
I just got the update on TELUS canada
****UPDATE-Please update the article Daniel---The final update should read 7.10.8862, not 8860.
There's apparently 2 available updates...
I can confirm that my Nokia Lumia 800 (France) has been updated with the 7.10.8860.142 OS Version
Me too in Serbia :)
guess I need to connect my dell venue pro to Zune tonight
Dint notice anythng new.. Tiles faster dan b4 though
dats cool
Danks
Lol
fix one thing break another. amirite?
What got broken in this update?
Anyone know if 7.8 updates are available for Samsung focus and LG quantum?? I don't use them anymore but I don't mind updating them.
Use the cab sender method to update them. I updated my Quantum just to have it current in case my Titan II craps out.
I have the Quantum C900B and was able to get the update. My phone didn't tell me on its own, though; I had to plug it into my PC and have Zune check for me.
I used the 78'r method on my old Quantum and a Titan I and no tiles work anymore. Glad I didn't do it on my L900.
78'r tool was not the cause.
my quantum C900 (900K firmware) found it after unbranding. you could try that!
My Rogers focus that I previously cab loaded 7.8 on shocked me tonight when my wife plugged it in and it came up with the update. Not seeing a change on the weather tile for live tiles, but, at least I can confirm that the update will be out there.
ha just plugged my optimus 7 (TELUS) in and the update was there. I forced tricked it to get 7.8 the first time it was available.
How do you do that?
I just got the update on my LG Quantum and apps seem to launch a bit faster. Not as fast as 7.5 but faster than the last build at least, its back to launching faster than android again though :D
Only time will tell if the tile update bug is fixed :)
Yes, my Titan 1 now almost feels like a phone with that lifeless robotic OS.
Just got via Zune for my Lumia 710

Version is now: 7.10.8860.142 - India
You had the previous 7.8 version?? What are the changes exactly??
Yes I had earlier 7.8 build version 8858 now its bumped to 8860
Haven't notcied any changes as of yet
Mine was bumped to 8862:-S live tiles work perfect now. Rogers l900 Ontario Canada
I still haven't got the update in India . Using 710
I didn't even get 7.8 update previously
How come? Most of them seem to have got the update. Go to Nokia care and they will update it for you
i got 8862 in two updates first 8860 then 8862 :)
Whats new in 8862? Fix a bug with volume in music player? :(
Just Updated my Nokia Lumia 510.
Version now is 7.10.8862.144

Actually it also installed an additional update
My Lumia 800 on 02 has just had an update, but it doesn't seem to be 7.8 :(
Just got it on my unbranded HTC HD7. Nothing new, but the tiles doesn't seem to be lagging anymore. Malaysia.
Did they fix the Start screen LAG?
So far so good on my BELL HTC HD7. almost no lag at all.
Thanks, Lag in the 7.8 update was the biggest issue for me.
Sprint, please give this to your HTC Arrive customers.
Its not going to happen. Use the cab sender method. That's what I did to keep my Arrive up to date.
I wonder if the HTC Trophy on Verizon will actually get the update this time.
Not yet at least, just checked.
Well it must of fixed the bug because the first thing i see is the WPCentral tile showing me all the unread articles finally!
+1
done on my venue pro!!!!!!!!!!
Via cab sender?
What is cab sender method ??
nope..normal..just checked for the update and got it...
CLARO AMX ARGENTINA NOKIA LUMIA 710... UPDATING RIGHT NOW!
Was coming here to tip you on this, just plugged phone in after capturing some video and got the update notice too! HTC Titan unlocked.
Got update on unlocked Lumia 800 India. No need to do the disconnect internet trick. Updating right now. Lets see how it works after the update.
EDIT:Just got a second update through Zune. Normal Check for update. On to OS version 8862 now. Will have to wait and see if the live tile issue has been resolved or not. However tiles werent working even after 8860.
The weird thing though is, the lag in launching apps seemed to have reduced significantly after 8860 but again seems to have increased a little after 8862. Or it could just be me being a-retentive ;)
Anybody else noticed this?
How ?? I still haven't got the 7.8 update too
I'd flashed the 7.8 directly thrrough Nokia Care Suite. But I have heard a lot of people in India have received the 7.8 update officially as well. If you want you can go to a nokia care centre and they'll update it for you.
Is flashing thru Nokia Suite a second option or just some trick/hack
Its the standard process that the nokia Care Centre guys use to install firmware on your phone. You need to download Navifirm 1.7 and Nokia Care Suite for it. Search "how to flash firmware on Lumia 800" or something like that and you'll get the appropriate instructions. I have the link but due to some weird reason m not able to post it here, it keeps giving me an error.
Much much much much faster that I ever could think (about release this update) !!! Congrats Microsoft to this!!
Updating my LG Optimus 7 in Macedonia! :)
Updating my Lumia 800 in Sweden on carrier 3.
Installing right now on my unlocked Rogers Lumia in Canada (activated on SaskTel). Opened up Zune while my phone was connected and it automatically launched into the updater. Didn't even need to manually check.
so is the lag gone?!!!
Personally I still have it.
i just updated it seems better then before but when launching apps there still that likt second or two delay
Yeah me too, wish they had sorted out my stuck marketplace :'(
Yep the update is there right now i`m updateing my hd 7
I just got the update on my L710 & 900.
7.10.8860.142
Spain
Any AT&T users get the update yet?
AT&T don't even have the mango bug fix yet, I would just wait to see if Jackbox from WPH will make an autmatic cab method later on
That's sort of true. Apparently newer phones, like the Lumia 900 are getting updates, but most first generation Windows Phones like my Samsung Focus have been left at 7720 since September 2011. They didn't even distribute the disappearing keyboard fix to us. It's sad, really. No wonder the iPhone continues to dominate AT&T's smarthphone sales, when Apple's updates get distributed all the way back to 3+ year old iPhone 3GSes. I used Seven Eighter to get to 7.8, but I'll probably just CAB load this update tonight to fix my broken live tiles.
How do you cab load to the at&t Titan? Also, with Seven Eighter, do you experience slow tiles, random reboots, or anything? My GPS seems broken since I used the Seven Eighter to update to 7.10.8858.. :(
Nothing on my unbranded 610 in the UK.
I update my macbook to OS X 10.8 and that prompted the update of the Windows Phone Connector app to 3.0.1
Since updating the app doesn't return a message, positivie or negative, when I click the "check for update" button.
At least the old version used to come back with a "there are no updates available" message.
Anyone else have this issue with the Mac Windows Phone Connector app?
I'm still hoping to update my unlocked (O2 branded) HTC HD7.
Samsung focus?
htc arrive isnt updatinggg
Update is there, currently updating my Lumia 710. UK
My Sammy focus got it just now. On att in chicago
Forgot to mention my phone is unlocked too so....yeah
Yes! Can't wait to get home. Thanks for the update.
My Lumia 800 on EE in the UK got a NOKIA firmware update, but no WP 7.8.
Got it in my lumia 610 India but not sure whether it is a fix.... for live tiles.
The update cab is already on XDA and I'm already updated. My live tiles (i.e. Weather Channel, CNN, Cowlick) still aren't "Live" so I have no idea what this updated.
updates lumia 710 india.
My Omnia 7 still without any update after the mango :(
Got the 8860 update for my Lumia 800 in India. Zune net disconnect trick not required for this one. Currently updating the phone.
Weird, I updated one of my Lumia 800 which was already on 7.8 (8858) to (8860) however I have second Lumia 800 which is on 7.5 (8107) and it's not getting the update. Zune says the phone is already up to date. I tried the unplug internet trick which worked on my first Lumia 800 which got it up to 7.8 (8858) but now it doesn't seem to work =(
So anyone here with 7.5 who upgraded to 7.8 (8860) successfully?
Both my Lumia 800's are factory unlocked and unbranded I'm in Canada using Fido network.
This "hotfix" requires your phone to be on 7.8, and 7.8 isn't offered currently.
So your phones work exactly as expected.
Got it in Croatia just now, unbranded Samsung Omnia 7, new OS version is 7.10.8860.142.
just got updated for my Samsung Omnia W I8350 - India after seeing this news. But no info available on the website about the fixes and updates in this release...
without any special method? using Zune itslf?
nothing change after the update,,seems the livetiles works like before
Still waiting patiently 4 the update on my Lumia 900 in Kenya coz its taking t00 long
My Lumia 800 got it just now, in China, haha :)
just got
L710 Finland
Mikä liittymä sulla on? Tehiks nettitempun vai tuliko muuten?
Got it.
DVP, Germany (unbranded)
Dammit, for some reason I can't force the update on my old unbranded DVP. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that I updated to Tango via the CAP send method.
Plugged mine in and got the 8860 straight away. Seems to fixed the tile, and app launches much quicker now
I want my Samsung Focus S on at&t yo update to 7.8 already!!! :( Am I just dreaming? I'm get a new wp8 soon but damn I want 7.8 in the meantime!!
updated my arrive via cab didnt seem to change anything
Got the update
L900 - UK
got it, L800 greece unbranded
Updated my Omnia W VIP Croatia
Lag when scrolling the home screen seems to be gone but apps still lags when launching.
I got the update on my unbranded HTC Mozart. I was ready to try the disconnect trick but the update simply appeared. A refreshing change :)

EDIT: I'm from The Netherlands.

EDIT2: I would advice others to not download this upgrade. I wasn't effected by the tile issue but now I am :(
Right now not a single one of my downloaded apps has a functioning live tile. I'm thinking about installing the back-up made by Zune...
The Update fixes the Bing lockscreen pics in Germany b4 the update the lockscreen showed Bing US apps and it is now changing right to my time zone :D
Just update my Lumia 800, Indonesia region
As a developer I welcome the live tile fix so I can say goodbye to negative reviews for a bug I can't fix.
Yes I bet that was incredibly frustrating. Good to see MS trying to resolve quickly...
I'll report back on my test devices. I can reproduce this bug 100% of the time.
It fixed it on an Omnia but not the Lumia 900....
SIM Free Lumia 800 in UK. Received the update, but feel no difference. Maybe a tad faster, but that is all.
All normal developers always release a proper list of things that had changed. But not MS.
I got the update today unexpectedly, before any of these stories broke on my LG Quantum 7 on Bell Canada around 1:45pm
I don't know where you got that from, but it does not fix the dead tiles.

Also, Jaxbot (from windowsphonehacker.com) cleverly pointed out that this build dates from January 19th, while the reports on the dead tiles started in early February. https://twitter.com/Jaxbot/status/312280971586187264
Jaxbot needs to be a writer for WPCentral.
Received in France, on a Lumia 800 7.8, debranded sfr
Anything on Vodafone UK?
Yep. My Lumia 900 is in the final stages of updating. Was already running the 7.8 update from Jan...
got an update for Samsung Omnia W India.
I don't know if i'm wrong but i think is that my wi-fi reconects faster or is that the wi-fi keeps working even with the wallpaper after the update XS.
Got it on unbranded LG Quantum (USA). Dont see nothing different....
No change apparent. Wonder what this update is all about ?
Can anyone please say,how long does the phone take to update,does it flash my phone and do I lose my current phone data.
no dude, no loss of current data,time depending upon your internet speed, mine is 20 min..
Responded to a message telling me an update was available. Plugged into Zune to find it was only a Nokia update! Not WP7.8! Still waiting for 8860.4210... Same old crap. (Lumia 800, Orange UK).
Ditto. Never yet had notification on lumia 800. Crap Os now worse than ever, with no standards for updates.
It's great that a fix has been released. I will be sure to update my LG Optimus 7 tonight.
Took me about 10-15 minutes. It does NOT remove any of your data. It makes a backup before updating and then everything is restored. Your data is NOT effected.
Anything yet for HTC TITAN in Denmark?
no updates for my lumia 800 in denmark
samsung omnai w , i got this update, i'm form india...
So is the live tile issue and the lag fixed? Any observations?
Going to try this now on my Tmo hd7. Were there any firmware updates that went with 7.8?
What has happened with the update of the Samsung Focus ATT? Please we have still not received the first update 7.8. Help us.
The Samsung Focus is the easiest phone to update to 7.8. We have 2 that have been running the official 7.8 since it was released. Likely this update will happen the same way. All you need to do is change the registry from ATT-US to ROG-CA and official updates will roll out through Zune.

Not willing to do that? No complaining then. The phone is ancient.
Just updated my Dark Knight Lumia 900 on MTN (South Africa). Got notified about the update without having to use the "Zune trick" which I used to go from 7.5 to 7.8. Process only took about half an hour. Will have a look and see what changed...
NL800 on Vodafone Portugal -> check
The update for Lumia 900 on Rogers started as soon as I plugged it into my laptop. Sweet. Hopefully there will be more updates & enhancements to look forward to for us 7.x users.
Nokia lumia 800 (LEBANON) i got the update and successfully install it :)
Guys , did all your apps and contacts deleted by this update (8660) ?
If yes , how do i create a backup point ?
Guys not one update has ever removed any data and it backs it up for you, plus you should be syncing contacts to the cloud.
nokia lumia 900 (the netherlands) update from 7.10.8858.136 to 7.10.8860.142 is coming in
Painless update this time/ Took right off when I plugged in my Titan this morning. Thanks for the tip, as I don't connect to Zune all the time anymore.
Still on 7.5 (7.10.8773.98), didnt get 7.8 before and its still not available for my Lumia 800 on Telus in Canada.
Have you tried the "disconnect trick"? I just did it worked for me. However my Lumia 800 is unbranded and factory unlocked straight from Nokia. Using Fido in Canada.
I did the first time around and it wouldnt work for me. Im going to give it another try this time, I was just hoping to actually get the update instead of tricking my phone/zune.
Yeah I had to use the "disconnect trick" as well even though my phone was factory unlocked and unbranded. Gotta say after using 7.8 I can't go back to 7.5 =D
I hope that this is the WP7.8 update that my unlocked lumia 800 is still waiting for!! *fingers crossed*
Good luck. I had to manually do. Lost data for 3rd time.
I got it
It is for the tile fix. Update confirmed to the verge: http://www.theverge.com/2013/3/14/4104658/windows-phone-7-8-live-tiles-fix-rolling-out
No it's not.. who is the verge? How may they confirm something, nobody knows really about? It does not adress the tile issue. that's it and the verge is wrong..
It actually does fix the "black tiles" issue.
Received on Lumia 610 with Koodo carrier in Canada. I have not noticed any change with live tiles or app opening speed.
Unlocked Rogers Nokia 710 just got updated. Looks like the tiles are working again.
Radio lounge now works.
Unlocked HTC Titan on Optus network in Australia updated from 8858 to 8860 without problem.
Do we know if this update will fix the volume issue on the 900?
Tiles are working again (LG Optimus 7 on Telus) ! It would be a good time to fix the Wide Tile of your own app ;)
Lumia 800 updating.. philippines
Great update. Got It in Brazil.
Got the update on AT&T HTC HD7S via seveneighter now updated to support 8660 Improvements on scrolling through apps on start screen not sure about tiles http://windowsphonehacker.com/articles/want_windows_phone_7.8_now_try_th...
Did the same, no use waiting on AT&T