Microsoft has announced an adjustment to the release cycle for Windows optional non-security preview updates. Starting in April 2023, Microsoft will release optional non-security preview versions for Windows on the fourth week of the month.
“We found this to be the best time for us to release and for you to use these updates. That’s two weeks after your latest monthly security update and about two weeks before you’ll see those features become part of the next mandatory cumulative update. We’re excited about this improvement because it’s designed to optimize payload validation, improve consistency, and enhance predictability in testing, updating, and upgrading experiences,” Microsoft stated.
Microsoft will still release monthly security updates on the second Tuesday of each month (also known as “Patch Tuesday”). If significant security vulnerabilities or serious bugs are discovered, Microsoft may also release Windows Out-of-band updates at any time.
