Microsoft releases cumulative updates to Windows 11 devices monthly with new features and developments along with bug fixes. Microsoft has announced that they are introducing Windows 11 Checkpoint Cumulative Updates which they had already implemented in Windows Insider Preview Build 26120.1252 on the Dev Channel.
What are Windows 11 Checkpoint Cumulative Updates
With the cumulative updates that Microsoft releases monthly to Windows 11 devices, devices are optimized with new features, bug fixes, and compatibility improvements, etc. Until now, the updates to the Windows 11 devices have been released cumulatively from when the Windows OS was released to manufacturing. Simply put, the updates are given cumulatively from the date Windows OS is registered to a device. The updates are released as binary differentials computed from the initial version of those binaries in the OS.
Microsoft has now introduced the concept of checkpoint cumulative updates. Under these new features, you will get the OS and security enhancements via the latest cumulative update through smaller and incremental differentials which contain only the changes since the previous checkpoint cumulative update. With the cumulative updates checkpoint, you can save bandwidth, time, and hard drive space. Microsoft will implement the checkpoint of cumulative updates with the Windows 11 24H2 servicing stack which will fill all the gaps by downloading and installing the content that’s missing on the device.
If you manage Windows updates for your organization, clients, etc. you do not need to make any changes to enable the feature. It will automatically be implemented when it is released. You can preview the update now if your devices are running Windows 11, version 24H2 or later, and Windows Server 2025 in the Dev channel with Windows Insider Preview Build 26120.1252.
Advantages of Checkpoint of Cumulative Updates on Windows 11
- Saves time, hard disk space, and bandwidth usage with smaller downloads
- Sustainable redistribution of packages on the server side with a single file that continues to grow over time with binary differentials.
- Improve security and compliance with annual enablement-package-based feature updates.
Microsoft has not yet announced the expected date of the Windows 11 checkpoint cumulative update. It will soon be available for regular users outside the Insider channels.
