14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has officially announced what it calls Update Stack Packages, which according to the company, is a new way to improve how Windows devices are being updated by delivering improvements for the update experience before a new patch is deployed.
In other words, they are updates for Windows Update that are typically shipped before devices are being provided with new operating system updates.
Microsoft is already using servicing stack updates, which are exactly what their name suggests: updates supposed to improve the servicing stack – the Windows part responsible for installing updates for the operating system. Microsoft releases new servicing stack updates periodically, so it’ll be interesting to see how the new Update Stack Packages will be different.
Currently in testing with limited insiders
For the time being, this new approach is only available for a limited number of users in the Dev channel, part of the Windows Insider program.
“Currently, the Update Stack Package is limited to a very small set of update-related system files that are developed independently of the OS. By testing this process first with Windows Insiders, we hope to expand the scope and the frequency of releases in the future,” Microsoft explains.
“Through the Update Stack Package, we can deliver improvements to the update experience prior to the PC taking a monthly or Feature Update. The Update Stack Package will help ensure that your PC has the highest likelihood of successfully installing new updates with the best and least disruptive experience available.”
Microsoft says the Update Stack Packages will land on Windows insiders just like typical cumulative updates, so they should also show up on Windows Update. There’s no ETA as to when the company plans to start the global rollout to production devices, but at this point, it’s pretty clear it handles this new approach rather cautiously for obvious reasons.