It looks like someone has found a way to bypass the carriers and force Windows Phone7 updates, including NoDo, onto your device.  Chris Walsh (blog | twitter) of ChevronWP7 fame just recently posted this update:

Blogged: So who wants Windows Phone Updates, like right now? No developer unlocked required. http://bit.ly/dZXGl2 #wp7 #wp7dev #wp7au

You can read his blog post here: http://blog.walshie.me/2011/04/04/so-who-wants-windows-phone-updates-like-right-now/

There is one thing that you need to be aware of as Chris points out within that posting (his own emphasis is included):

Make sure you select the RIGHT language for your device. To double check what your default language is, go to Settings > Keyboard and if your selected language is displayed in the Console app, you’re good to select it. If it isn’t in the list, DON’T flash it just yet.

There is also another warning that this is a one way trip since there is no backup taken as there is when updating via the Zune desktop software.   I’m not sure I’m going to risk this but it does go to show once again how the carriers don’t need to be included in this update process.  If anyone gives this a go then please let me know in the comments and I’m sure we’ll be discussing this on TDL Mobile this week.

UPDATE: OK so curiosity got the better of me and I couldn’t resist giving this a go and although the pre-NoDo update said it was installing the phone was stuck on RTM (7004) as per my comments below. How did I get this working?  I just used Microsoft’s very own tool to “repair” my device and after that the pre-NoDo update has installed (7008).  I can confirm that as far as I can tell no settings or data have been lost during these two updates.  Here is the KB article that details the repair tool: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2530409

UPDATE 2: Thanks to Chris my Samsung Omnia 7 is now on NoDo (7390). This really is proof that Microsoft can and MUST start bypassing the carriers when shipping Windows Phone updates.  When my phone reboots it still displays the T-Mobile splash screen during the startup cycle.  I’ll update this post again if I notice any issues after updating.

UPDATE 3: Chris has now posted a warning against using this update method following notice from Microsoft that using this process might (emphasis mine) leave your phone in an “un-serviceable state” meaning future updates or OEM specific updates might not install.  You can read that here: http://blog.walshie.me/2011/04/08/an-update-on-the-homebrew-update-front/

6 thoughts on “Bypass the Carriers and update your Windows Phone 7”
  1. That was a good post although I couldn’t get that way to work no matter how often I tried. I wasn’t sure if that method only worked once the carrier had signed off on it. I’ve given in to temptation and am currently trying this method but so far it isn’t updating the phone but indicates that the process is completing.

    Seems my phone is being stubborn and simply refusing to shift off RTM (7004).

  2. It took me a few goes to get it to work – the point at which you turn of the PC’s internet connection is key I think.

    I hope the update goes well, I’m really pleased with the cut and paste feature. It works really well 🙂

  3. Oh dear anyone seen the news that this hack may nake your phone unable to get any future updates EVER!

    at this rate the iphone looks more appealing

  4. Just to start off saying that I wrote this post and I’ve asked Ian if it’s possible to relink all my old posts with my new TDL user. I’m also unable to edit this post since the move to WordPress so I can’t add details of this here either. Just want to make sure people don’t think I’m not posting because I’m hiding.

    Yes I have seen the reports and the only reason I’ve not posted any information here is because I’ve just not had the time. I have no regrets about using Chris’ tool to update my phone and to be honest Microsoft have been so vague about will it/won’t it affect my phone. Plenty of people have reported receiving and installing updates since updating their device this way.

    This is my device and I should be free to update it once Microsoft have released the update and this should not be dictated by the carriers who would much rather my device became outdated so that I’ll get a new handset. The carriers need to appreciate that the world has changed and that a device is now good for a couple of generations just like the iPhone and should be updated accordingly.

    Until I get around to publishing an article here is the link:

    http://blog.walshie.me/2011/04/08/an-update-on-the-homebrew-update-front/

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