Microsoft says that it is testing a new type of update for Windows 11 that will bring more features and fixes to the operating system. The company calls these releases “Windows configuration updates” and they are different from the regular monthly security updates.
According to an official Microsoft support document, Windows configuration updates will deliver non-security updates, fixes, and improvements to Windows 11 devices through various servicing technologies. For example, some of these updates may enable new features such as search bar support in Task Manager or an “End Task” button for the taskbar.
Windows configuration updates will be available for Windows 11 version 22H2 or later, which is the latest version of the operating system that was released in September 2022. To receive these updates, users will have to enable a new feature called “Get the latest updates as soon as they're available” in Windows Update settings.
Changing the Windows 11 Update Landscape
This move is a part of Microsoft's wider plans to change how updates are delivered to the Windows platform. In March, the company announced a new schedule for its Windows preview updates. This is a change from the previous method of sending out monthly Windows 10 and Windows 11 updates for testing new features.
Since March 2023, Microsoft has been rolling out a single monthly update during the second week of the month. This essentially switches Windows updates to only once per month instead of two or three. According to Microsoft, this change is intended to simplify the update experience for Windows 11 users and reduce confusion about which updates are available and when.
Tip of the day: Did you know you can use the Windows built in antivirus Microsoft Defender also with scheduled scans? In our tutorial we give you step-by-step instructions on how to program your personal scan-schedule to keep your free of malware.
