Upcoming Changes to Windows PC Updates
In a notable shift, Microsoft is set to implement changes to Windows PC updates next month, introducing mandatory restarts to facilitate the installation of specific security component fixes. This adjustment will precede the regular hotpatching process that resumes in October. Affected users should prepare for their PCs to restart in both September and October during the update cycles.
The changes will take effect in just ten days, coinciding with the anticipated September Patch Tuesday. According to reports from Neowin, the September update will require a “force restart,” while the October restart will follow the usual quarterly update routine. After the initial security updates are applied in September, PCs will remain enrolled for subsequent hotpatch updates, ensuring continuity in security measures. Importantly, there are no alterations to the hotpatching process itself.
This update primarily impacts managed PCs, prompting Microsoft to advise IT administrators to inform users about the upcoming changes. Without prior notice, the forced restarts could catch many off guard. While it is unfortunate that hotpatch-enabled PCs will need to undergo forced restarts for the next couple of months, Neowin expresses hope that these changes will not significantly disrupt business operations.
In a separate development, Windows Latest has issued a cautionary note to PC owners regarding the recent Windows 11 update, KB5120998. Users are advised to consider skipping this update due to reported issues such as broken cursor styling and reset wallpaper settings. This update, which introduced features like a movable taskbar, a resizable Start menu, and a streamlined Search box, has also been linked to a growing number of user complaints about customization problems.
While not every user will experience these issues, the uncertainty surrounding the update’s impact necessitates careful consideration. For those who have encountered problems, Windows Latest confirms that uninstalling the update has resolved the issues for many affected users.
Additionally, Windows 11 users are facing other challenges stemming from the August updates, including a DISM error, 0x800f0915, which arises when attempting to repair the system image post-update. Fortunately, reports of this particular issue remain relatively low. However, with the prospect of update errors and two months of enforced restarts on the horizon, users have much to navigate in the coming weeks.
