Microsoft Cuts Windows Update Times by 45%

Microsoft speeds up Windows 11 updates by 45% with version 24H2, reducing downtime and improving performance, especially for outdated systems.

Microsoft’s latest release of Windows 11, version 24H2, introduces a set of changes aimed at significantly improving the update process. Through internal tests, Microsoft claims that update installation times have been slashed by up to 45%, and the overall CPU usage during updates has been reduced by as much as 25%. These improvements, if realized in real-world scenarios, could make updating Windows 11 much less of a hassle for both casual users and enterprises.

The company has been working to streamline the update process, which has long been a source of user frustration due to its resource demands and lengthy installation times. With version 24H2, Microsoft promises faster updates and less downtime.

Faster Updates for Well-Maintained and Outdated Systems

In testing, Microsoft found that Windows 11 version 24H2 could complete monthly security updates 45.6% faster than the previous version, 22H2. Restart times were reduced by 39.7%, and CPU usage during updates was cut by 15.3%.

The real standout came in testing with systems that hadn’t been updated for over 18 months. Typically, outdated systems take significantly longer to update. In these scenarios, Microsoft saw a 43.6% improvement in installation time and a 33.5% reduction in restart time, alongside a 25% drop in CPU usage.

These tests were conducted on Azure virtual machines with specifications that mirror many enterprise environments (16 GB RAM, SSD storage). While these tests simulate a controlled setting, Microsoft believes that users across different system configurations should experience faster update processes.

Optimizing System Memory and CPU Use

One of the most significant behind-the-scenes changes in Windows 11 version 24H2 is the improved handling of system resources. When an update is initiated, Windows dynamically allocates more RAM to the process if the system has it available, allowing for quicker installations. At the same time, systems with less memory will see optimizations that reduce memory demands, ensuring updates don’t slow everything down.

The update also introduces better caching for component metadata, known as “manifests,” which helps speed up the process by storing the results of previous installations. This results in fewer delays in parsing and executing components during future updates.

Reducing Download Sizes Through Conditional Updates

For feature updates, Microsoft has introduced a smarter way of handling downloads. Windows 11 now checks which Microsoft apps—such as Microsoft Edge or system apps like File Explorer—are already up to date on the system before starting an update. If an app is already the latest version, Windows skips downloading it again, saving time and data.

This improvement builds on the conditional download system that was first introduced in Windows 11 version 22H2. With the 24H2 update, this feature now applies to even more apps, reducing the overall size of feature updates by around 200 MB. For users with limited bandwidth or metered connections, this could mean faster downloads with fewer interruptions.

Testing in Real-World Scenarios

While the numbers from Microsoft’s internal testing look impressive, how well they translate into real-world scenarios remains to be seen. The company’s tests were conducted on Azure VMs, which may not fully reflect the performance users will see on personal devices or older hardware. However, Microsoft has designed these updates to benefit systems across a broad range of configurations, meaning that users on both modern and older systems should see noticeable improvements.

Additionally, businesses that rely on keeping their devices up to date without significant downtime will likely appreciate the reduction in restart times. With faster updates, employees can spend more time working and less time waiting for systems to reboot after security patches.

Big Changes, Less Frustration

Windows 11 version 24H2 is one of Microsoft’s biggest pushes yet to make updates faster and less taxing on system resources. By optimizing CPU and RAM usage during installations and improving how updates are downloaded and applied, Microsoft aims to reduce the disruption caused by monthly and feature updates.

The introduction of conditional downloads, improved memory management, and more efficient component processing all contribute to these faster update times. Whether these changes will fully meet users’ expectations remains to be seen, but the initial tests suggest that Windows 11 is on the right track to making updates much less of a burden.

Related: How to Use Windows Update Delivery Optimization on Windows 11 or Windows 10 To Speed Up Update Downloads

Windows Update Delivery Optimization works by creating a peer-to-peer network of Windows 11 or Windows 10 devices that share the same updates and apps. When a device needs to download an update or an app, it can request it from other devices on the local network or on the internet that have already downloaded it. In our guide, we show you how to limit or increase download speed in Windows for update downloads, the Microsoft Store and how this can help to increase bandwidth overall.
 
Featured - Windows 11 How to Limit Bandwidth for Windows Update Downloads

 

Last Updated on November 7, 2024 2:20 pm CET

SourceMicrosoft
Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus Kasanmascheff
Markus has been covering the tech industry for more than 15 years. He is holding a Master´s degree in International Economics and is the founder and managing editor of Winbuzzer.com.

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