Windows 10 Optional Preview Cumulative Update

[Corrine]

Microsoft released KB5005101, the monthly “C” release preview cumulative update with non-security improvements and fixes for Windows 10 Versions 21H1, 20H2, and 2004.

Microsoft now combines the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system with the latest LCU. For general information about SSUs, see Servicing stack updates and Servicing Stack Updates (SSU): Frequently Asked Questions.

For information about the types of updates released by Microsoft each month see Windows 10 update servicing cadence primer.

Update: To get the update, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. The link to download and install the update can be found in the Optional updates available area. To get the standalone package for this update, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.

Windows 10 update history

 

[Digerati]

Ummm, I'm a little confused. Is this a cumulative update, or does it include a previous cumulative update? The title of the KB does not include the word "cumulative".

When I follow your first link, it says, "Microsoft now combines the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system with the latest cumulative update (LCU)." I note your text omits the word, "cumulative". Did you type that sentence and accidentally leave that out? Or copy & paste it from somewhere else?

I wish Microsoft would include a section that describes, ""Who needs this update"" or "Who should install this update". It seems to me, if we keep Windows fully updated, we should not need to install a "cumulative" update.

Microsoft does not define the word "cumulative" but they sure seem to have a lot of different "rollups" that include cumulative updates. ???

I do note that according to this page, "C" release previews come out 1 month prior to "B" or patch Tuesday releases. But "B" updates may also include new (not previously available for preview) updates.

I can barely follow this and I've been doing it for years. I feel sorry for the "normal" user. I note in just checking Windows Update on this computer, it said I was up to date as of about 1 hour ago. But then I manually ran "Check for updates" just now and I am offered that KB5005101 update. Yes, it says "Optional" and "Preview" but it does not say "C".

We engrain in our users to keep their systems current for optimal security. I just wish in Windows Update, the language was more clear for the normal layperson whether or not they should install the update now, or wait until the dust settles.

 

[Corrine]

Although there was some copy/paste from previous posts, when I created the above post, I kept the information about SSU's just because they have resulted in questions regarding them.

As to retaining the "C", it was based on the following from Windows 10 update servicing cadence:

• The “C” and “D” releases occur the third and fourth weeks of the month, respectively. These preview releases contain only non-security updates, and are intended to provide visibility and testing of the planned non-security fixes targeted for the next month’s Update Tuesday release. These updates are then shipped as part of the following month’s “B” or Update Tuesday release.

However the update is described, it is optional.