Hot Take Understanding the types of Windows Updates for Windows 10 (2021 edition)

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The Different Types of Updates in Windows 10​


Types of updatesScheduleWhat they doOther notes
Feature updatesTwice per yearAdd new features and functionality to OS
Quality updatesSecond Tuesday of each monthSecurity and non-security fixes to OS- Cumulative updates, final release.
- Classed as "B" updates
- Includes; critical updates, servicing stacks, driver updates.
Optional Quality updatesOnce a month, near endStability and other problem fixes.- Known as "Cumulative Preview Updates"
- Preview releases are classed as "C" or "D" updates
- Can be skipped for "B" updates (see row above)
Servicing stack updatesOut of bandComponent that installs Windows updates- Allows latest updates
- Component-based servicing stack (CBS) is the underlying component for several elements of Windows deployment including DISM, SFC, repairs
Driver updatesOff by defaultUpdates drivers to your devices- Control whether they are installed or not
Microsoft product updatesUpdates other Microsoft products such as Office- Can be enabled or disabled
Feature Experience Pack updatesOptionalImprove features and experiences developed independently to OS- Delivered via Optional updates

Data sources (1) and (2). Added (3) for Optional quality updates.
 
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