Microsoft has now decided to resume optional Windows 10 and Windows Server non-security monthly updates. Previously, Microsoft put all optional non-security releases on hold to prioritize security updates in the wake of the global pandemic. Now, Microsoft intends to resume optional releases starting July.
Windows 10 resumes Non-security monthly updates
In its recent blog post, Microsoft had this to say:
“In March, we announced that we would pause optional non-security update releases (also referred to as “C” and “D” releases) for all supported versions of Windows client and Windows Server to give organizations time to focus on business continuity in the face of the global pandemic.
Microsoft’s decision to resume optional non-security monthly updates comes in response to feedback and the on-going efforts to stabilize “business continuity.”
According to the plan, Microsoft will resume optional updates in July. These updates will cover Windows 10 and Windows Server, version 1809, and later. This way, the company once again wants to provide users with the ability to test planned non-security fixes targeted for the next month’s Update Tuesday (or “B”) release.
“We are also instituting a few changes to simplify the update process and help you continue to stay current with Windows 10 and Windows Server.”
Microsoft says these validated, production-quality optional non-security monthly releases will be known as ‘Preview releases’ for better clarity. These updates will be limited toWindows 10 and Windows Server, version 1809, and later. Furthermore, Windows 10 users will also notice changes being made to release titles on the Windows Update settings page.
Aiming to simplify update management, Microsoft will roll out these ‘Preview releases’ in the ‘C’ week only. Meanwhile, Microsoft is not bringing changes to the cumulative monthly security updates, otherwise referred to as the ‘B’ release or Update Tuesday release.
According to Microsoft, these non-security optional releases will continue to include all previous updates to ensure the safety and productivity of Windows 10 users.
Enterprise Windows 10 users managing updates with the help of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) will no longer see ‘Preview’ or ‘C’ releases’ for Windows 10 or Windows Server in the WSUS channel. Windows Insiders will continue to receive in-development versions of these non-security updates to the Release Preview Channel.
Aiming to fine-tune the update cycle for Windows Insiders, Microsoft is bringing changes to its Windows Insiders Program. Microsoft is also replacing its existing Ring model with a new Channel model to deliver updates to Windows Insiders.
