14 DAY TRIAL // While cumulative updates are typically aimed at Windows 10, Microsoft releases such patches for Windows 7 and 8.1 from time to time, though they are most often aimed at specific features or apps.
Today, for instance, the software giant has published cumulative update KB4463376 for Windows 7 and 8.1, and the target is Internet Explorer on these two OS versions.
Despite being a cumulative update, which technically means that it brings several fixes, as well as the improvements that Microsoft has previously released too, KB4463376 comes with just a single fix, as the company itself explains:
“This cumulative update includes improvements and fixes for Internet Explorer 11 running on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, and resolves the following issue: Internet Explorer performance is decreased when you use roaming profiles or you don't use the Microsoft Compatibility List.”
At least theoretically, there’s a chance that other improvements and fixes are included as well, only that Microsoft hasn’t mentioned them in the official release notes.
Not offered through Windows Update
This update, however, isn’t available via Windows Update, and users need to download and install it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog website. On the good side, a reboot isn’t required, and there are no prerequisites.
September has been quite a busy month for Windows users in terms of patches, especially for those running Windows 10.
Microsoft rolled out cumulative updates on Patch Tuesday, followed by other Intel microcode updates only a few days ago. Windows 7 users themselves have also been provided with monthly rollups specifically aimed at fixing security vulnerabilities in the OS, and now they are getting additional fixes.
Windows 7 is approaching its end of support, as Microsoft will stop releasing updates and security patches in January 2020. Beyond this date, no other improvements would be offered, and users are recommended to upgrade to a supported release as soon as possible.