Microsoft has recently been explaining how Windows 11 will be updated. We know that the platform will receive a single annual feature upgrade instead of Windows 10's twice-year bumps. Microsoft has also confirmed there will be a Long-Terms Servicing Channel (LTSC) Windows 11 variant, but not for a while. Now, the company is detailing how the platform will be serviced.
Servicing updates are the rollouts Microsoft does that focus on keeping Windows stable, secure, and functional. For example, its monthly Patch Tuesday cumulative updates. The concept sometimes seems ironic considering patches often cause as many problems as they solve. Still, it is a servicing schedule Microsoft says will continue moving forward.
So, Patch Tuesday updates will continue on Windows 11 as Microsoft continues to push its “Windows as a service” idea. I think that concept took something of a hit with the launch of Windows 11, considering Windows 10 was once billed as the last ever Windows.
Updates
Gripes aside, Microsoft says the monthly updates will bring optional cumulative releases, out of band patches, security updates (Patch Tuesday), servicing stack upgrades, and more. That means Patch Tuesday's once per month and then optional update packages also once a month.
Starting with Patch Tuesday, those updates will continue to launch on the second Tuesday of each month. These are automatic updates and come with security fixes, while non-security fixes are also included.
Optional updates will arrive at a different time of the month with C and D updates landing on the third and fourth weeks of the month. Microsoft says these updates will be smaller than they have been on Windows 10.
This update schedule will begin once Windows 11 launches, which is expected to happen in October.
Tip of the day: By default computer names in Windows 10 tend to be quite plain. By default, they tend to be ‘WIN' or ‘Desktop', followed by a string of random letters and numbers. We show you how to change your PC name with Settings, Command Prompt or PowerShell to make it more easily identifiable.
