Microsoft has made significant improvements to Windows 11 updates, making them both smaller and quicker to install. The key change is the introduction of checkpoint cumulative updates. This means updates only need to include changes made since the last checkpoint, rather than all changes since the last major update.
To support this claim, Microsoft shared data from two tests on its Tech Community website. In the first test, on an up-to-date system, installation times were 45.6% faster, restart times were 39.7% quicker, and CPU usage was reduced by 15.3%. In the second test, (which involved a device that hadn’t been updated for 18 months), installation times were 43.6% faster, restart times improved by 33.5%, and CPU usage dropped by 25%. While the second scenario is rare, both tests show clear improvements.
Both tests proved to have reductions in both the installation time of updates and the restart time. Since Windows updates typically require a system restart. (Microsoft only published results from these two tests, so individual experiences may vary based on system load and hardware).
How Microsoft Achieved These Improvements
According to Microsoft, engineers have enhanced the Windows 11 servicing stack in several ways:
- Caching Improvements: Component manifests are cached for faster processing.
- Parallel Processing: Multiple components are processed at the same time to speed things up.
- Optimized RAM Usage: On systems with plenty of RAM, more memory is used to store the manifest cache.
Additionally, Microsoft has reduced the size of feature update packages by about 200 megabytes by comparing the app versions included with those available in the Microsoft Store.
Most Windows 11 users will notice these improvements when they install the optional feature update or the next cumulative update for version 24H2. The optional update is already available, while the cumulative update will be released on November 12, 2024.
What do you think about these improvements? Are you looking forward to them if you use Windows 11 version 24H2? Reach out if you have any questions or are ready to upgrade to Windows 11!