Along with last month's scheduled security updates for Windows 10 and 11 came another update that Microsoft installed on select systems.
KB5001716: Update for Windows Update service componentsWindows 10 or 11 was installed on devices that are already out of support or about to reach end of support.
This is not the first time that Microsoft has pushed an update. He had done this in March 2024 itself.
The update serves two main purposes:
- Display information to the user of the system about the current version in use and its support status.
- Automatically download and install new feature updates on the device.
Microsoft lists the following versions of Windows 10 and 11 official support page,
This means that all recent versions of Windows 10 are targeted by the update. Only the initial release version of Windows 1 is also targeted. This is going to change in the future, and the next release to be included is Windows 11, version 22H2.
Automatic Update Installations
Microsoft confirms that after the installation of this update, “Windows may attempt to download and install feature updates on your device”. This happens when the device is “approaching or has reached end of support”.
What Microsoft doesn't say is if this automated action involves an upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Windows 10, version 22H2 is, after all, the last feature update release for Windows 10. There is no new version of Windows 10 that can be installed on a Windows Update device.
The only way, without paying extra to Microsoft for another year of support courtesy of extended security updates, is to upgrade to Windows 11.
However, not every Windows 10 device is compatible, and Microsoft will not bypass Windows 11's system requirements check.
The second action offered by the update, display notifications, is used to inform users about update-related issues that impact support with the update.
It's possible that Microsoft is using this option on Windows 10, version 22H2 to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11. It's also possible that Microsoft is going to use it to promote extended security updates, or to encourage users to purchase new ones. PC that runs Windows 11.
Notifications should not interfere (too much) with the user's activity. Microsoft says that notifications are not shown when the user is gaming, running a full screen app or game, or when Quiet Time or Focus Assist is enabled.
What changed compared to the March 2024 edition?
Microsoft changed the list of supported versions of Windows 10 and 11 that receive updates.
It also removed older versions of Windows 10, which were released before version 2004, from the list of supported operating system versions.
This seems to be the only change.
What can you do about this update? If you don't want an update, block it from installation. Microsoft does its best to hide the tool it released years ago for the job. It's still available as a direct download, but here's what you need to know link address,
If the update is already installed, you can uninstall and block it by following our guide.
concluding words
The administrator of a system must have complete control over its updated status. While most computer users running Windows devices benefit from an up-to-date system, as it prevents potential attack vectors of known security vulnerabilities, some users may have reasons to remain on a particular version of Windows.
What is your opinion on this update? Did you get it on your device? Feel free to leave a comment below.
Thanks for reading..
