If that box is unchecked, the update appears as unchecked in the Optional category. The “Give me recommended updates the same way I receive important updates” check box works as it has before - if Microsoft tags an update as “Recommended” and this box is checked, the update appears checked (ready to install) in the Windows Update list. The Automatic Update settings (that is, Automatically download and install, Download but let me choose when to install, Notify but don’t download, or Never check) work as they always have. The most important note for most Windows Update users: You don’t have to change anything. Mercer also offers a description of a Third Tuesday “preview” of the nonsecurity part of the Monthly Rollup.
But in all cases, individual patches - analogous to the KBs we’ve known for a decade - exist only as bullet points in the documentation.įrom there, the details get messy.
Those who turn off Windows Update can manually install security patches only. Those who continue to use Windows Update will get all of Microsoft’s Windows patches. Security-only Updates are not cumulative the Monthly Rollup bundle, including both security and nonsecurity updates, is cumulative.
Security-only Updates must be downloaded and installed, while the full collection can go through Windows Update. On the face, it’s relatively straightforward: No more individual patches, but two different kinds of monthly updates.
There are no individual patches, thus no individual patch uninstalls, and you can’t hide individual patches. You can uninstall an entire Security-only Update or an entire Monthly Rollup.For now, don’t expect to see a big bunch of patches in the Monthly Rollup, but realize Microsoft is working in that direction. Microsoft will gradually add older patches to the Monthly Rollup.When you install a Monthly Rollup, Windows Update downloads only the deltas.
October marks a watershed in Microsoft patching practices for Windows 7 and 8.1, and confusion reigns supreme.