14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft released a silent update on June 15 that’s specifically aimed at Windows 10 computers where Windows Update previously experienced issues that could prevent an upgrade.
Called Windows 10 update facilitation service, the patch is listed as KB4056254 and is aimed at all versions of the operating system up to 1703 (Creators Update).
As noted on AskWoody, this particular update is supposed to fix Windows Update issues on systems running Windows 10 Home or Pro version 1507 (original Windows release), 1511 (November Update), 1607 (Anniversary Update), and 1703 (Creators Update).
“This update includes files and resources to address issues affecting background update processes in the Windows Update servicing stack. Maintaining Window Update service health and performance helps ensure that quality updates are installed seamlessly on your device and help to improve the reliability and security of devices running Windows 10,” Microsoft explains on the KB page linked above.
Not all systems getting the patch
Once downloaded, the update opens a dialog called Important fix for Windows Update, which is based on a completely new design that more or less reminds of a malware infection.
Microsoft explains that not all systems are getting this update, acknowledging that a UAC prompt would be displayed before the installation starts to make changes to Windows Update.
“Only certain builds of Windows 10 Versions 1507, 1511, 1607, and 1703 require this update. Devices that are running those builds on Home or Pro editions that are not domain joined will automatically get the update downloaded and installed through Windows Update. Devices not connected to Windows Update may see a User Account Control (UAC) prompt during installation,” it says.
Some seem to believe that this particular patch is being used by Microsoft to force the upgrade to newer Windows 10 versions, especially because it makes changes to the Windows Update service. There are no reports of forced upgrades powered by this update at the time of writing this article.