See our updated reference for all monthly updates and how we’ve optimized different releases. Our new Windows IT Pro Blog post provides an updated reference for all monthly updates, explaining the differences between security and non-security updates, as well as defining out-of-band (OOB) releases and new features delivered as continuous innovation.

Starting in April 2023, non-security releases – formerly called “C” or “D” releases – will now target the fourth week of the month to ensure that our monthly patches are more effective than ever. Read more about these optimization efforts and find additional resources to support your update management success in Windows monthly updates explained.

 

Starting April 2023, optional non-security preview releases will target the fourth week of the month. Security releases will continue to be available as usual, on the second Tuesday of the month. Out-of-band releases and new features delivered via continuous innovation will also continue to be available as usual, whenever ready. See the Windows IT Pro Blog for more details.

 

Your organization can get the latest insights into security and non-security releases, out-of-band releases, and new features delivered via continuous innovation. To validate the optional non-security releases ahead of time, you can now download and install optional non-security preview releases on the fourth week of the month.

 

To access optional non-security preview releases, navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, select from the available updates, and click Download and install. For additional resources to help you manage updates, see Additional information.