Windows updates now expire

August 21, 2022
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Tick tock! The next evolution of the Windows as a Service model is here. And this one is really out of left field, with Microsoft changing how both Windows 11 and Windows 10 receive updates.

If you have been monitoring the servicing strategy of the two modern operating systems, you might be aware that Redmond releases mainly two types of Windows updates: feature updates and quality updates.

Each one delivers a different set of bug fixes and features.

Quality updates can not be skipped. For example, the Patch Tuesday updates released on the second Tuesday of every month are installed automatically unless you manually pause their deployment using Windows Update or Windows Update for Business.

Of course, pausing or skipping updates comes with its own set of challenges, primarily an increase in the size of the update packages.

For better performance of the Windows Update service, Microsoft has decided to start removing older quality updates from servers. These removed updates will expire automatically and appear as expired updates.

As an example, this is one such update that has recently expired:

Expired Windows Update

The idea here is to improve the Windows Update’s performance while reducing update cache size.

As older updates are superseded with newer ones, this also results in shorter scan times. An expired package will not appear in Windows Update scan results, which can also cut down on internet data usage.

This is an important consideration for those who have limited internet connectivity.

The software titan plans to evaluate Windows updates for expiration on a regular basis. The expired status will appear on the official Microsoft support website, as shown in the above screenshot.

Guess they were serious about offering a completely modern usage experience with Windows 11.

Article Categories:
Featured · Servicing · Strategy · Support · Updates · Windows

Fahad Ali is a professional freelancer, specializing in technology, web design and development and enterprise applications. He is the primary contributor to this website. When he is not typing away on his keyboard, he is relaxing to some soft jazz.

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