14 DAY TRIAL // One of the new features coming to users with the release of Windows 10 May 2019 Update, or version 1903, is called “download and install,” and it allows users to get cumulative and security updates without downloading feature updates.
In other words, if a new OS feature update is available in Windows Update, you no longer have to download and install it on your device in order to get the latest security patches as well.
This feature is now live in the latest Windows 10 preview build ahead of the May 2019 Update public rollout projected to begin later this month.
As revealed in this reddit thread, cumulative updates for Windows 10 version 1903 are now displayed in a new section called “Additional updates available.” Users can download them by pressing the “Download and install now” button, without the need for checking for updates.
Technically, checking for updates would initiate the manual download of a new OS feature update once available.
Previous Windows 10 versions getting it too
The same feature is projected to go live for previous Windows 10 versions as well, including the April 2018 Update and the October 2018 Update (version 1803 and 1809, respectively).
“Download and install now option provides users a separate control to initiate the installation of a feature update on eligible devices with no known key blocking compatibility issues. Users can still “Check for updates” to get monthly quality and security updates,” Microsoft explains.
“Windows will automatically initiate a new feature update if the version of Windows 10 is nearing end of support. We may notify you when a feature update is available and ready for your machine. All Windows 10 devices with a supported version will continue to automatically receive the monthly updates.”
The rollout of Windows 10 May 2019 Update is due to kick off for production devices later this month. The RTM build is currently being tested by insiders in the Release Preview ring.