Earlier last week, Microsoft unveiled a cumulative update for Windows 11, designated as KB5072033. This update, while typical in its offering of fixes and enhancements, included a rather intriguing modification that did not receive much fanfare from the tech giant.
AppX Deployment Service Changes
In a notable shift, Microsoft has opted to change the AppX Deployment Service (commonly referred to as Appxsvc) to an automatic startup item. The company claims this adjustment aims to enhance reliability, which is particularly relevant in light of user reports highlighting high resource consumption associated with this service.
Interestingly, the initial release notes accompanying the KB5072033 update made no mention of this significant change. However, as noted by Neowin, Microsoft later amended the release notes to include a brief explanation: “The AppX Deployment Service (Appxsvc) has moved to Automatic startup type to improve reliability in some isolated scenarios.”
While this may sound benign, a plethora of users have voiced concerns regarding the memory usage and elevated CPU activity linked to this service. For those operating on machines with lower specifications, the impact could be quite pronounced, raising questions about the necessity of implementing this change universally if it is indeed meant for “isolated scenarios.”
Additional Updates and Changes
The update also introduced a series of other enhancements, including:
- Simplified Windows Update Titles: A new, standardized format for update titles aims to enhance readability and comprehension. By eliminating extraneous technical jargon while retaining key identifiers such as date prefixes, KB numbers, and version details, users can more easily recognize each update.
- December Servicing Update Schedule: In light of reduced operations during the holiday season, Microsoft has announced that there will be no non-security preview update in the latter half of December 2025. However, the monthly security update will proceed as scheduled, with regular servicing resuming in January 2026.
- Windows Secure Boot Certificate Expiration: An important note for users: Secure Boot certificates for most Windows devices are set to expire starting in June 2026. This could potentially hinder the secure booting process for various personal and business devices if not addressed promptly. Users are encouraged to review the necessary guidance to ensure their systems remain secure.
Lastly, it is essential to note that Windows Updates will not encompass updates for Microsoft Store applications. Enterprise users are directed to consult the Configuration Manager for Microsoft Store apps, while consumer users can find relevant information on obtaining updates for apps and games within the Microsoft Store.
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