Microsoft usually rolls out two updates each month for Windows 10 and 11. The first one, released on the second Tuesday of the month, consists of security updates for supported versions of the Windows operating system. This update is automatically installed on most Home systems by default.
The second update is optional and serves as a preview update that previews the changes to be included in the next Patch Tuesday update. Unlike the first update, preview updates are not automatically installed. Users may need to check for updates manually through the Windows Update section in the Settings app, download the updates manually, or use other update management systems to install them.
It’s important to note that preview updates do not contain security patches for Windows. These optional updates may introduce new features, address existing bugs and issues, or modify current features.
For instance, the March 2022 preview update for Windows 10 version 21H2 introduced the new search highlights feature, resolved a heap leak affecting the performance of domain controllers, and fixed a bluescreen issue that occurred on some devices when pairing Bluetooth devices.
For further information on whether you should install Windows 10’s Optional Driver updates, be sure to read through a detailed guide that discusses this topic. Although it’s tailored for Windows 10, the information is also applicable to Windows 11.
Arguments for installing optional Windows updates
There are both pros and cons to installing preview updates. Installing these updates might help resolve existing issues on the system earlier than usual. This proactive approach can be a strong argument in favor of opting for optional updates at times.
Certain administrators might leverage optional updates to test out upcoming changes before they are officially implemented on Patch Tuesday. However, keep in mind that this testing is primarily for non-security updates, and further evaluation is required to ensure that security patches do not introduce new problems. Some users prefer staying up to date with the latest updates on their devices.
Arguments against installing Windows preview updates
On the flip side, one major downside of installing preview updates is the possibility of encountering new issues due to the update itself. Why take the chance of installing potentially problematic updates on a system that is currently issue-free? It’s crucial to treat optional updates as beta updates since Microsoft utilizes Telemetry data from the initial distribution phase to identify any issues that may arise on user systems.
There are instances where preview updates introduce changes that might not align with users’ preferences. Opting out of these updates delays the implementation of these changes by a few weeks.
Closing Words
Preview updates can be beneficial in specific scenarios, especially if they resolve significant user-related issues. However, most users may choose to overlook optional updates most of the time due to the potential risks they carry, as well as the fact that they are included in Microsoft’s cumulative security updates released just a few weeks later.
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