Today marks the release of the November 2024 Patch Tuesday updates for all supported versions of Windows 10 and Windows 11. As the month progresses, Microsoft is poised to introduce non-security updates that promise quality fixes alongside a few new features. However, a shift in the update schedule is on the horizon for December.
December Update Schedule Changes
With the holiday season approaching, Microsoft has decided to scale back its update efforts. Users can expect fewer updates for Windows 10 and 11 during this time. While the traditional Patch Tuesday updates will proceed as planned on December 10, 2024, the anticipated non-security updates for that month have been canceled. This announcement was made via the official Windows Update account on X:
IMPORTANT:
Because of minimal operations during the Western holidays, there will be no December 2024 non-security preview update. There will be a monthly security update for December 2024. Normal monthly servicing for non-security and security updates will resume in January 2025.
— Windows Update (@WindowsUpdate) November 12, 2024
December 2024 stands as a unique exception, as the regular schedule for C-updates for both Windows 10 and 11 will resume in January 2025.
For those who may not be familiar, non-security updates serve as a conduit for monthly fixes and enhancements aimed at improving user experience. These updates often introduce minor new features in addition to the more substantial annual feature updates, such as the recently launched Windows 11 version 24H2. It’s important to note that these non-security updates are optional, unlike the Patch Tuesday updates, which are automatically installed regardless of user preference.
While the allure of new features each month is enticing, it’s worth mentioning that non-security updates can sometimes introduce unexpected bugs. For instance, last month’s updates caused issues with Task Manager on Windows 11 version 24H2 and disrupted certain applications on Windows 10. Therefore, users considering these updates should be prepared for potential glitches. For many, it may be prudent to avoid these updates altogether to ensure a smoother computing experience.
