Windows continues to evolve and with that, its updates have become a daily part of every user's life.Sometimes they seem endless, other times they arrive without warning, and some even cause errors or slowdowns. But what types of updates actually exist in Windows, and what does each one do? Understanding them will not only save you frustration, but also allow you to get the most out of them.
The truth is that not all Windows updates are the same.Some are focused on system stability and performance, others bring new features, and a few are released urgently to address serious security flaws. To help you navigate this ecosystem, we'll explain in detail and with real-life examples how the Windows update system works, what types exist, how they're distributed, and how they actually affect your computer.
How does the update system work in Windows?
The Windows update process takes place in several automatic phases that are usually invisible to the user.It all starts when the system periodically scans Microsoft servers for new updates. If it finds relevant updates, they are downloaded and, depending on your system configuration, installed automatically or pending your approval.
This mechanism is designed to be as seamless as possible. However, users often encounter unexpected reboots or long wait times, especially when dealing with critical feature or security updates.
The most important steps in the process are:
- Scanning: Windows searches servers like Microsoft Update or WSUS for new updates compatible with your system.
- Download: If new content is detected, the necessary files will begin downloading in the background.
- Installation: Depending on your system policy, the installation is initiated automatically or manually.
- reset: In many cases, it is necessary to restart the computer to complete the process and apply the changes correctly.
All types of Windows updates explained one by one
Microsoft classifies Windows updates into several categories based on their purpose, distribution method, and urgency. Let's review each one so you know exactly what changes to your system when you apply one of these updates.
Feature Updates
Feature updates are the most visible and anticipated, as they bring new functions, tools, or interface redesigns to Windows.Since the arrival of Windows 10, Microsoft has adopted a continuous development philosophy called “rolling release,” which means that instead of releasing a new operating system every few years, it incorporates improvements within the same version.
Until recently, these updates were released twice a year, usually in spring and fall (with names like 21H1 or 22H2). Since Windows 11, its frequency has been reduced to once a year, usually in the second half of the year.
These updates:
- They increase the version of the operating system.
- They include new features and interface changes.
- They may bring changes in compatibility with applications and drivers.
- They mark the beginning of a new cycle of technical support.
For example, the May 2020 Update (version 2004) introduced improvements such as Windows Sandbox, a new light theme, and the option to recover from the cloud.
Quality updates
These are the monthly updates that focus on improving the reliability, stability and security of the system. Its main objective is to correct errors that negatively affect Windows performance or represent security vulnerabilities. If you want to learn more about how Windows changes its updates to prevent problems and failures, we recommend that you delve deeper into this topic.
They are released on the second Tuesday of every month, known as "Patch Tuesday." They are cumulative, meaning the latest version includes all previous fixes, so you don't need to install them one by one.
Include:
- Security updates: They patch system vulnerabilities.
- Critical updates: They fix serious bugs that could affect millions of users.
- Maintenance stack updates: They improve the component that manages the updates themselves.
- Driver updates: Add or update drivers to ensure compatibility with hardware.
Security updates
These updates are a priority for Microsoft and any system administrator.. They are designed to close vulnerabilities that could allow unauthorized access to the system, theft of information, malware or ransomware. To understand how they work in practice, you can consult Why can't Windows check for new updates?.
They are integrated into quality updates and are usually included with them. If a critical threat appears, Microsoft may release out-of-band updates (OOB), that is, an urgent update outside the usual cycle.
These OOB versions:
- They are always cumulative.
- They are distributed immediately by WSUS, Windows Update or the official catalogue.
- They can be marked as critical (automatic) or non-critical (manual download).
Maintenance stack updates
The servicing stack is the internal engine that allows other updates to be installed correctly.Microsoft updates this component periodically to ensure the entire download and installation process works correctly. For more details, see how to download and install this component.
They are generally included in the monthly quality updates, although occasionally they are released separately when a critical bug is detected that prevents future updates. It is critical to keep your stack up to date to ensure you receive important security updates..
Driver updates
These updates ensure that your computer's hardware works and communicates properly with the operating system.Microsoft releases them when it detects improvements or incompatibilities in devices such as graphics cards, printers, network cards, etc. If you need to manage these types of updates, you can learn more at How to use compatibility mode in Windows 11.
They aren't always installed automatically, as some are considered optional. You can find them in Windows Update under "Available optional updates."
Microsoft product updates
This category includes updates to Microsoft applications and tools such as Office, OneDrive, Edge, or other components that are installed on the system.These updates aren't always part of Windows Update, but if you've configured your system to receive them, they're integrated like any other patch.
They are important to maintain compatibility between applications in the Microsoft ecosystem and ensure security updates in programs such as Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.
Preview Updates (Week C and D)
Versions C and D are optional updates that are released in the third and fourth week of the month respectively.. Its purpose is to allow IT administrators and advanced users to validate early the fixes that will be included in the next security update. For more information, see What you can do to resolve the update blockage.
These versions:
- They do not include security improvements.
- They are not installed automatically.
- They can be downloaded manually if you experience issues that these versions may address.
Microsoft also calls them “optional preview updates,” and they typically appear in Windows Update under the heading “available optional updates.”
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