14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has re-released a mysterious Windows 10 update whose role nobody knows for sure, though we do know that the company pushed it to devices several times in the past just ahead or after new feature update launches.
This time, KB4023057 appears to be part of the Windows 10 version 1809 offensive, and according to Microsoft itself, it’s aimed specifically at specific systems running any of the Windows 10 version released so far.
First launched in January
It’s believed the role of KB4023057 is to prepare systems for the update to Windows 10 version 1809 and to help deal with certain issues that could block the process, like glitches hitting Windows Update or network problems. Microsoft explains on the official KB page:
“This update includes reliability improvements to Windows Update Service components in Windows 10, versions 1507, 1511, 1607, 1703, 1709, and 1803. It may also take steps to free up disk space on your device if you do not have enough disk space to install Windows updates.
This update includes files and resources that address issues that affect the update processes in Windows 10 that may prevent important Windows updates from being installed. These improvements help make sure that updates are installed seamlessly on your device, and they help improve the reliability and security of devices that are running Windows 10.”
As mentioned on AskWoody, the update first showed up in January and then in September, so the timing suggests that Microsoft is trying to pave the road for new OS feature updates, though this is still a guess right now.
KB4023057 is shipped via Windows Update, and it may also free up space on the main drive, presumably to make room for the Windows 10 version 1809 installation files. You can’t download KB4023057 from the Microsoft Update Catalog, as Microsoft is only offering it to select devices running Windows 10.