In line with last month’s expected security update for Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft has introduced an additional update for specific devices.
The update, identified as KB5001716: Update for Windows Update Service components, has been applied to Windows 10 or 11 systems that are either out of support or approaching the end of their support period.
This is not the first occurrence of this update; it was previously issued in March 2024.
The update serves two primary purposes:
- To notify users about the ongoing version in use and its support status through alerts.
- To automatically download and install any new feature updates on the system.
On its official support webpage, Microsoft specifies the following versions of Windows 10 and 11 that are impacted by this update:
- Windows 10, from version 2004 to version 22H2 (release date starting May 2020).
- Windows 11, version 21H2.
As such, all contemporary versions of Windows 10 are included, as well as the initial release of Windows 11. Future updates will also cover Windows 11, version 22H2.
Automatic Update Installations
Microsoft states that after the installation of this update, “Windows may attempt to download and install feature updates to your device” if it “is approaching or has reached the end of support.”
However, it remains unclear if this automatic process will involve any upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Windows 10, version 22H2 represents the final feature update for Windows 10, meaning there is no further version available for Windows Update to install on the device.
The only option, without incurring charges for Extended Security Updates, is to upgrade to Windows 11.
Nevertheless, not all Windows 10 devices satisfy the compatibility criteria, and Microsoft is unlikely to relax the system requirements for Windows 11.
The update’s notification feature aims to alert users about update-related issues affecting support.
Microsoft might utilize this notification system on Windows 10, version 22H2, to encourage users to upgrade to Windows 11, promote extended security updates, or incentivize purchases of new PCs that support Windows 11.
These notifications are designed to reduce disruptions to user activities. Microsoft asserts that alerts will not appear while users are gaming, using full-screen applications, or when quiet hours or focus assist mode are enabled.
What’s Different from the March 2024 Release?
In this latest update, Microsoft has updated the roster of supported Windows 10 and 11 versions eligible for this update.
Older versions of Windows 10 prior to version 2004 have been excluded from the supported operating systems list.
This seems to be the only change made.
What Steps Can You Take Regarding This Update? If you wish to prevent the installation of this update, you have the option to block it. However, Microsoft often makes the tool intended for this purpose somewhat hard to find, although it is still available for direct download if you have the link.
If the update has already been installed, you can uninstall it and block it per our instructions.
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