Microsoft quietly put in ‘secret’ replace on some Home windows 10 and 11 PCs

Microsoft just lately launched preview updates for Home windows 11 and likewise introduced that Home windows 11 25H2 is coming together with the modifications it is going to deliver. Some dynamic updates have additionally been delivered. However on high of all this, Microsoft has quietly “force-installed” one other replace on Home windows 10 and 11 PCs, based on Neowin.

The “secret” patch with replace code KB5001716 has already arrived for some customers, however others are apparently nonetheless ready. (We’ve got not but found it on our personal Home windows 11 PCs.)

What’s within the KB5001716 replace?

Replace KB5001716 isn’t an “replace” within the traditional sense. It’s extra of an auxiliary replace for Home windows Replace itself. The discharge notice for the patch explains how KB5001716 works:

“When this replace is put in, Home windows could try to obtain and set up characteristic updates to your gadget whether it is approaching or has reached the top of assist on your at the moment put in Home windows model. Characteristic updates supply new performance and assist hold your gadget safe.”

“After this replace is put in, Home windows could periodically show a notification informing you of issues which will forestall Home windows Replace from holding your gadget up-to-date and guarded in opposition to present threats. For instance, you may even see a notification informing you that your gadget is at the moment operating a model of Home windows that has reached the top of its assist lifecycle, or that your gadget doesn’t meet the minimal {hardware} necessities for the at the moment put in model of Home windows.”

In different phrases, it seems the principle function of replace KB5001716 has largely to do with the approaching finish of assist for Home windows 10 and is meant to assist ship characteristic updates to PCs with Home windows variations which have already expired or will quickly expire.

What this implies for you

Microsoft just lately introduced that Home windows 10 will obtain one other 12 months of free safety updates beneath some circumstances. However, warnings in regards to the approaching finish of assist will proceed to be proven on affected Home windows PCs. In keeping with Microsoft, notifications will “respect full display screen, recreation, quiet time and focus help modes.”

Customers also can proceed to examine whether or not their {hardware} is enough for Home windows 11 and contemplate switching. In the meantime, Microsoft is attempting to persuade customers of the improved efficiency of Home windows 11 and level out that the person expertise isn’t solely safer however higher.

For those who obtain the KB5001716 replace, it means your model of Home windows will quickly expire or will now not be supported. That features variations Home windows 10 22H2 and 21H2 in addition to Home windows 11 21H2.

Additional studying: The best way to save your PC at Home windows 10’s finish of life