Microsoft halting less important Windows updates: Here's why
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, big tech companies, including Google and Apple, have sent most of their employees to work from home. The transition has hit their product plans, and now, we are beginning to see the repercussions of that action. Case in point: Microsoft, which has just announced its decision to put less important Windows updates on hold. Here's more.
Windows C and D updates to be put on hold
In a recent notice to customers, Microsoft noted that it is going to go halt C and D monthly updates for Windows and Server products, starting May 2020. This basically means that the company will pause all "optional non-security releases" for its supported products, starting from Windows 10 (v1909) down through Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2, until further notice.
Security updates to roll out as usual
Microsoft's move indicates that the company is prioritizing its resources to focus only on A and B monthly updates. It releases an update every week, starting from A to D: the A update, released in the first week, relates Office improvements; B comes second and ties to critical security patches/fixes (aka Patch Tuesday); while C and D come in the 3rd and 4th week.
C and D releases are always optional
To note, the C and D updates often come as cumulative updates and bring non-security fixes - like the recent issue with File Explorer search bar - for IT pros and admins. Also, these are optional updates, which means they remain available for your PC but are not installed automatically. The D update for this month is currently available for download.
What Microsoft said about this decision
In the notice, Microsoft said, "We have been evaluating the public health situation, and we understand this is impacting our customers. In response to these challenges[,] we are prioritizing our focus on security updates." The company also emphasized that "there is no change to the monthly security updates (B release - Update Tuesday); these will continue as planned" to keep customers protected and productive.
