Having already taken steps to reduce the size of updates for Windows 11, Microsoft is doing the same for Windows 10.
The company describes this by suggesting that “Windows 10 is more like Windows 11,” although that’s a bit of an exaggeration. In practice, this means that Microsoft has used various techniques, including removing reverse differentials from the cumulative update package, to significantly reduce the size of updates.
See also:
The changes are visible in Windows 11 22H2, with updates being a fifth smaller. Microsoft explains that: “Windows 11 cumulative updates are more efficient than update packages for Windows 10. This is achieved through efficient packaging, including removing reverse differentials from the cumulative update package “.
An explanatory blog post goes on to say:
Microsoft is bringing the same functionality to Windows 10, version 22H2, reducing the size of the monthly Latest Cumulative Update (LCU) package. This feature will be available starting with the April 23, 2024 monthly release (KB5036979), which helps you and your organization save network bandwidth.
As an example of what to expect, the April 9, 2024 build (KB5036892) was 830 MB, while the April 23, 2024 build (KB5036979) was only 650 MB.
Microsoft shares tips for anyone using images to deploy Windows 10 to new devices. To receive the benefits of smaller LCU packages, administrators must:
- Check if you have repaired your image since the July 23, 2023 update (KB5028244).
- If not, apply standalone SSU KB5031539.
- After that, apply a quality update from April 23 or later.
Image credit: rozelt/depositphotos
