If you still run an older version of Microsoft’s Windows 10 or 11 operating systems, then you may have noticed that Windows update KB5001716 was installed recently on your devices.
It is an important update, here is why:
- KB5001716 is an update for Windows Update Service components.
- The update enables Windows to download and install new feature updates for the device automatically.
- It furthermore detects issues with the Windows Update service and notifies you about any that it finds.
In other words, it is designed to push new versions of Windows onto systems that are no longer supported or about to reach end of support.
Microsoft supports consumer editions of Windows for 18 months. The systems receive security updates and other updates during that time. Updates stop once the version of Windows reaches end of servicing.
Microsoft notes:
f your device is out of support, it is no longer receiving security updates from Microsoft and may become more vulnerable to security risks and viruses. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you update to the latest version of Windows. Each version of Windows is supported for 18 months. After support ends, you must update to a newer version of Windows to continue receiving Windows updates and security fixes.
Here is the (current) list of Windows versions that will receive the update:
- Windows 11, version 21H2
- Windows 10, version 22H2
- Windows 10, version 21H2
- Windows 10, version 21H1
- Windows 10, version 20H2
- Windows 10, version 2004
As you can see, Microsoft is pushing the update to all but the latest versions of Windows 11.
These versions of Windows do not receive the update at the time of writing:
- Windows 11, version 23H2
- Windows 11, version 22H2
While this won’t change anymore for Windows 10, expect Windows 11 Version 22H2 to be added to the list soon.
Most Windows users may want to upgrade to new versions of Windows, as it guarantees that security updates continue to be provided by Microsoft.
Users who do not want to upgrade yet or want to keep full control over the updating, may want to prevent the installation of KB5001716.
If the update is installed already, you may check out my guide on uninstalling Windows updates and blocking them afterwards.
Closing Words
Several Windows 10 and 11 versions reach end of servicing in the coming months. While most devices should be upgraded to a newer version by then, there will always be systems that are left behind.
In most cases, this may not be a deliberate decision and the update may help these users in keeping their systems supported.
Which version of Windows, if any, do you run currently? Any particular reason for that, if you do not run the latest version?
If you don’t want the update and you have uBlock Origin installed, add the following filter to the “My Filters” page: ||go.microsoft.com^$document
Works for me anyway.
I currently rely on GRC’s “InControl” applet to let me decide when I get “feature” updates.