14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft released a mysterious Windows 10 security update yesterday, but the company provided zero documentation, even though the patch was pushed to the millions of computers already running the Anniversary Update.
KB3211320 was originally believed to be a security update for Microsoft Edge, the new default browser in Windows 10 that replaces Internet Explorer.
And while users were recommended to install the update on their PCs, release notes only landed today when the software giant finally published the KB page.
Unfortunately, Microsoft still doesn’t say too much about what’s included in this update, though it does mention that it’s a “Servicing stack update for Windows 10 Version 1607 and Windows Server 2016: January 24, 2017.”
As far as the changes that it brings on a Windows 10 computer, Microsoft explains that “this update makes stability improvements for the Windows 10 Version 1607 servicing stack.”
Replacing October 2016 update
It is supposed to replace KB3199986, which is also a servicing stack update, according to its description, and was released in October 2016. The same description as for today’s patch was provided by Microsoft in October as well.
In case you’re wondering what’s with that servicing stack thing, Microsoft itself has a definition that could come in handy this time.
“The servicing stack includes the files and resources that are required to service a Windows image. This includes the Package Manager executable, the required servicing libraries, and other resources. The servicing stack is included in all Windows installations,” the firm says.
In conclusion, Windows 10 users are recommended to install this update anyway, especially because it brings improvements for operating system components. For what it’s worth, there were no failed installs, because we all know that this has become a major concern these days, as it deployed successfully on all Windows 10 computers.
Additionally, installing the patch does not require a reboot, so you can complete deployment without having to interrupt your work.