Why Microsoft installed a 'secret' update on some Windows 10 and 11 PCs

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Microsoft not too long ago launched preview updates for Home windows 11 and in addition introduced that Home windows 11 25H2 is coming together with the adjustments it's going to carry. Some dynamic updates have additionally been delivered. However on prime of all this, Microsoft has quietly “force-installed” one other replace on Home windows 10 and 11 PCs, in line with Neowin.

The “secret” patch with replace code KB5001716 has already arrived for some customers, however others are apparently nonetheless ready. (We've not but found it on our personal Home windows 11 PCs.)

What’s within the KB5001716 replace?

Replace KB5001716 isn’t an “replace” within the traditional sense. It’s extra of an auxiliary replace for Home windows Replace itself. The discharge notice for the patch explains how KB5001716 works:

“When this replace is put in, Home windows could try to obtain and set up function updates to your gadget whether it is approaching or has reached the tip of help to your at present put in Home windows model. Function updates provide new performance and assist hold your gadget safe.”

“After this replace is put in, Home windows could periodically show a notification informing you of issues that will forestall Home windows Replace from protecting your gadget up-to-date and guarded towards present threats. For instance, you may even see a notification informing you that your gadget is at present working a model of Home windows that has reached the tip of its help lifecycle, or that your gadget doesn't meet the minimal {hardware} necessities for the at present put in model of Home windows.”

In different phrases, it seems the primary function of replace KB5001716 has largely to do with the approaching finish of help for Home windows 10 and is meant to assist ship function updates to PCs with Home windows variations which have already expired or will quickly expire.

What this implies for you

Microsoft not too long ago introduced that Home windows 10 will obtain one other 12 months of free safety updates beneath some circumstances. However, warnings in regards to the approaching finish of help will proceed to be proven on affected Home windows PCs. In line with Microsoft, notifications will “respect full display screen, recreation, quiet time and focus help modes.”

Customers also can proceed to test whether or not their {hardware} is enough for Home windows 11 and take into account switching. In the meantime, Microsoft is attempting to persuade customers of the improved efficiency of Home windows 11 and level out that the person expertise is just not solely safer however higher.

When you obtain the KB5001716 replace, it means your model of Home windows will quickly expire or will not be supported. That features variations Home windows 10 22H2 and 21H2 in addition to Home windows 11 21H2.