The majority of updates will be significantly streamlined, with the exception of larger ‘checkpoint’ updates that introduce new base patch versions.
Looking for smaller updates for Windows 11? You’re in luck! Microsoft is set to introduce ‘checkpoint cumulative updates’ with the upcoming release of Windows 11 24H2 later this year, along with Windows Server 2025. These updates will streamline the monthly cumulative updates delivered to your Windows 11 PC on the second Tuesday of each month. The new approach aims to minimize download sizes by focusing on smaller updates that build upon milestone ‘checkpoint’ updates, which make targeted adjustments to the current checkpoint build.
As Microsoft details in a recent blog post, this approach will enable users to receive features and security enhancements via smaller, incremental differentials contained within the latest cumulative update. These updates only include changes made since the previous checkpoint cumulative update, thereby saving time, bandwidth, and hard drive space. This strategy aims to streamline the update process by introducing multiple smaller updates between less frequent, normal-sized checkpoint cumulative updates.
Analysis: Impressive Efforts by Microsoft
As reported by Ghacks, the introduction of ‘checkpoint cumulative updates’ in Windows 11 signifies a new approach akin to establishing a base patch version, analogous to major version updates like 23H2 or 24H2, but focused specifically on recent security fixes and patches. Traditionally, these updates would be bundled into every cumulative update, but with checkpoint updates now serving as the new base version, subsequent updates between checkpoints are streamlined significantly.
This process is seamlessly managed through Windows Update, requiring no manual intervention from users. The key benefit is that non-checkpoint updates will be faster to download and install, while also conserving storage space—an especially valuable advantage for devices equipped with smaller SSDs, such as affordable laptops.
This initiative underscores Microsoft’s commitment to optimizing the update experience for Windows 11 users, ensuring smoother and more efficient system maintenance without compromising on security or functionality.
Upon the initial launch of Windows 11, Microsoft implemented new compression technology to streamline its cumulative updates. This initiative successfully reduced update sizes by 40%, eventually extending these benefits to Windows 10 users as well. However, the likelihood of this latest update strategy benefiting Windows 10 users remains uncertain. With Windows 10 reaching its End of Life in just over a year, Microsoft may not prioritize applying these improvements to the older operating system.