14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft keeps working on refining the updating experience in Windows 10, and part of its efforts is a new quality update type that will be introduced with the release of the Redstone 5 (October 2018 Update) later this year.
With Windows 10, Microsoft has introduced the concept of cumulative updates, which include all the previously-released fixes in one single package. Technically, installing the most recent cumulative update brings a system up-to-date regardless of the month last patched, so these packages grow up in size every month.
Until February 12, 2019, Microsoft will also be offering delta updates, which include only the changes made from the previous cumulative updates, providing up-to-date systems with a lighter and smaller package that can be installed faster.
But in order to make patching truly faster, Microsoft will introduce a new update type in Redstone 5 that will specifically excel in three different ways: they will be smaller in size, redistributable, and simpler to manage.
Available via Windows Update
The new updates will continue to be shipped via Windows Update, and Microsoft says that other benefits will be offered to organizations as well.
“Since this new quality update package will be redistributable, organizations that utilize express updates via WSUS, System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), or a third-party management solution that supports express updates will experience enormous savings in network bandwidth and cache size on their distribution points or update servers,” the company says.
“In addition, devices with the next major version of Windows 10 will be 40% more efficient while updating since there will be no behind-the-scenes computing of the optimal differentials required to download express updates.”
The new updates will be packed as .CAB files and will also be offered as downloadable Update Standalone Installer (.MSU) from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Windows 10 Redstone 5 is projected to be finalized next month, while the public rollout will begin in October. The new OS version could launch as Windows 10 October 2018 Update.