Why Microsoft installed a 'secret' update on some Windows 10 and 11 PCs

Microsoft just lately launched preview updates for Home windows 11 and in addition introduced that Home windows 11 25H2 is coming together with the adjustments it’s going to deliver. Some dynamic updates have additionally been delivered. However on high of all this, Microsoft has quietly “force-installed” one other replace on Home windows 10 and 11 PCs, in accordance with Neowin.

The “secret” patch with replace code KB5001716 has already arrived for some customers, however others are apparently nonetheless ready. (Now we have not but found it on our personal Home windows 11 PCs.)

What’s within the KB5001716 replace?

Replace KB5001716 isn’t an “replace” within the traditional sense. It’s extra of an auxiliary replace for Home windows Replace itself. The discharge word for the patch explains how KB5001716 works:

“When this replace is put in, Home windows could try and obtain and set up function updates to your gadget whether it is approaching or has reached the top of help to your at present put in Home windows model. Function updates supply new performance and assist preserve your gadget safe.”
“After this replace is put in, Home windows could periodically show a notification informing you of issues which will forestall Home windows Replace from conserving your gadget up-to-date and guarded towards present threats. For instance, you may even see a notification informing you that your gadget is at present working a model of Home windows that has reached the top of its help lifecycle, or that your gadget doesn’t meet the minimal {hardware} necessities for the at present put in model of Home windows.”

In different phrases, it seems the principle goal of replace KB5001716 has principally to do with the approaching finish of help for Home windows 10 and is meant to assist ship function updates to PCs with Home windows variations which have already expired or will quickly expire.

What this implies for you

Microsoft just lately introduced that Home windows 10 will obtain one other yr of free safety updates underneath some circumstances. Nonetheless, warnings concerning the approaching finish of help will proceed to be proven on affected Home windows PCs. In accordance with Microsoft, notifications will “respect full display screen, sport, quiet time and focus help modes.”

Customers may proceed to examine whether or not their {hardware} is enough for Home windows 11 and contemplate switching. In the meantime, Microsoft is attempting to persuade customers of the improved efficiency of Home windows 11 and level out that the consumer expertise isn’t solely safer however higher.

Should you obtain the KB5001716 replace, it means your model of Home windows will quickly expire or will now not be supported. That features variations Home windows 10 22H2 and 21H2 in addition to Home windows 11 21H2.