Update for Windows Update adds end-of-support actions
With last month's scheduled security update for Windows 10 and 11 came another update that Microsoft installed on select systems.
KB5001716: Update for Windows Update Service components, was installed on Windows 10 or 11 devices that are already no longer in support or about to reach end of support.
This is not the first time that Microsoft pushed the update. It did so in March 2024 already.
The update serves two main purposes:
- Display notifications to the user of the system about the current used version and its support status.
- Download and install new feature updates automatically on the device.
Microsoft lists the following versions of Windows 10 and 11 on the official support page:
- Windows 10, version 2004 to Windows 10, version 22H2. (from May 2020 onward)
- Windows 11, version 21H2.
This means that all recent versions of Windows 10 are targeted by the update. Only the initial release version of Windows 11 is also targeted. This is going to change in the future, and the next release to be included is Windows 11, version 22H2.
Automatic update installations
Microsoft confirms that after installation of this update, "Windows may attempt to download and install feature updates to your device". This happens if the device "is approaching or has reached the end of support".
What Microsoft does not say if this automatic action includes upgrades from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
Windows 10, version 22H2 is, after all, the last feature update release for Windows 10. There is no new version of Windows 10 that Windows Update could install on the device.
The only way out, without paying Microsoft extra for another year of support courtesy of Extended Security Updates, is the upgrade to Windows 11.
Not every Windows 10 device is compatible though, and Microsoft won't bypass the system requirement checks of Windows 11.
The second action that the update introduces, the display of notifications, is used to inform users about update-related issues that affect support with updates.
It is possible that Microsoft is using this option on Windows 10, version 22H2, to get users to upgrade to Windows 11. It is also possible that Microsoft is going to use it to promote the extended security updates, or encourage users to buy a new PC that runs Windows 11.
The notifications should not interfere (too much) with a user's activity. Microsoft says that the notifications are not shown when the user is gaming, running a full screen app or game, or when quiet time or focus assist are enabled.
What changed compared to the March 2024 version?
Microsoft changed the list of supported versions of Windows 10 and 11 that received the update.
It removed even older versions of Windows 10, those released before version 2004, from the list of supported operating system versions.
This appears to be the only change.
What can you do about this update? If you do not want the update, block it from installation. Microsoft does its best to hide the tool that it released for the job years ago. It is still available as a direct download, but you need to know the link address.
If the update is installed already, you may uninstall and block it by following our guide.
Closing Words
The administrator of a system should be in full control of its update status. While most computer users who run Windows devices benefit from an up-to-date system, as it blocks potential attack vectors of known security vulnerabilities, some users may have reasons to stay on a particular version of Windows.
What is your take on this update? Did you receive it on your device? Feel free to leave a comment down below.
Rien compris
Windows 11 should abandon the 2xHx numbering system and return to the old service pack update system like SP1, SP3 to SPx as soon as possible. It became clearer which version you have inside. If someone asks me what version of W11 I have, I should surely think deeply about the answer.
I wonder what may happen if any MacOS could be installed in a common way in any kind of PCs, I meant like Linux is.
I always remove any recovery partitions anyway to create more drive space. When I need to do a recovery it is still easy enough to do one. I tend to use the Media creator tool from Microsoft to do a clean install of Windows even on a new PC. It works much better than the OEM image.
Thanks @Martin for these good articles about Windows updates. :}
Best route to learn minimum Linux OS? Which flavor & is it take a blind stab in You tube to know where to start?
I started with Ubuntu in 2008-2010, but back then I only lasted a month and went back to Windows, tried Mint over the years, but always went back to Windows, but in March 2024, I finally ran out of patience with Windows and moved to Mint permanently, first it was Cinnamon, but now I’m on XFCE and it feels really minimalistic.
At this point I’m so used to it that I can’t imagine going back to Windows ever again.
Linux Mint Cinnamon. FreeTube app instead of YouTube.
You have constantly “messed around” with W11 since it’s inception. W10 was functioning well and W11 has never functioned properly. Doesn’t that give you a hint on what to do next??
> It’s Simple as having RUFUS 4.6 or 4.6p, a 16+GB USB, and the ISO from Microsoft
Grandma can’t do this. It’s time to switch her to Linux.
@pizza the hut
Grandmas were young (30s!) when Windows 95 came out. I think it qualifies as knowing how to use their PCs and Windows. Also, they are not dumber than Grandpa.
While many of the readers here may not like it overall it’s a good idea.
Most people are ignorant of how a PC works and do rely completely on M.$ for security.
We should have a choice but for those unqualified to make that choice, the safest option should be the default.
CyberCPU Tech has a video to install 24H2 on a confirmed outdated hardware PC. I’ve transitioned from W10 to W11 24H2 on a 13-year-old Dell Precision 4800 checked to be incompatible with W11 by the MS PC Health Chack app.
“I’ve transitioned from W10 to W11 24H2”, mother of God what a downgrade dude!
Bill Ganges a nd Microsoft own 80% stakes in 4 major computer companies that is why hi is doing this Getting people to buy new systems. The reason is he will make trillions on these sales and then buy up our prim farmland like he is already doing to sell it to China he is a flat out communist
Hey Martin,
KB5001716 was indeed installed on my Win10 machine, on 17 October, but when I go to the “Uninstall an update” list it does not appear: the most recent update listed is 9 October. I think M$ managed to make this update “permanent”. Or is there another way to get at this update?
Andy
Hi Andy, what happens when you run wusa /uninstall /kb:5001716 /quiet from an elevated command prompt?
I found the KB5001716 update listed under Control Panel’s Programs and Features and uninstalled it from there. Then applied the wushowhide.diagcab tool to hide/block the update. It still shows up under Update History. Just for kicks, I tried the wusa command from an elevated command prompt, and got no error messages, just the command prompt. Then rebooted. I assume the update has been uninstalled, but shouldn’t the history say it’s uninstalled?
If they downgrade my computer to W11 from W10, I will end all use of Microsoft products and install a distro of Linux.
I know that eventually I will have to go to the dreaded W11, but there are things that I have to do to the computer first or else run the risk of Microsoft breaking something by forcing W11 onto my computer.
I will not ever run Windows 11 on a PC no matter if It can or not. Windows 10 is the end of the road for me and Windows. I expect Microsoft to finds ways to annoy the heck out of me from now to October 2025. Do I want Windows 11 AI edition? Nope.
The W10 and W11 releases are now so bad… Please stop releasing yearly nonsense crap, you are fragmenting all the market. You all are destroying Windows with your stupid ideas, and W10 will be the best OS for long time, just stop trying to sell us your devastating W11 24H2, the worst upgrade ever done in History
It looks like Windows is being purposefully destroyed by someone at Microsoft. The changes made to Windows by Microsoft throughout the years are nonsensical. Just plain out stupid.
@Anonymous, the worst enemy of Windows is Windows. The worst enemy of Microsoft is Nadella and all his low skilled teams. Unuseful company ever, it only can make money.
@ Martin
Only the initial release version of Windows 1 is also targeted,
typo?
Thanks for letting me know. It should be Windows 11 of course!
W10 users with outdated hardware, as found by the MS PC Health Check app, can still install W11 on their outdated PC. How? you ask. Do your research, and if you need a step-by-step, there’s a video on YouTube. I’ve completed the task on a 14-year-old Dell Precision 4800 running W10; the license was transferred to W11 24H2. It’s Simple as having RUFUS 4.6 or 4.6p, a 16+GB USB, and the ISO from Microsoft; Bobs’ your uncle. Video can be found courtesy of CyberCPU Tech
Yes, from all I’ve been reading, there are a number of ways to install/upgrade Windows 10 to Windows 11 24H2 on unsupported hardware. What isn’t clear and well-defined on any site or with any technique I’ve researched is “what happens next?”
How long will the upgrade last? Will the user be able to receive security updates in the future? If so, for how long? One month? One year? Lifetime?
CyberCPU Tech–watched, and he has an updated version; however, he doesn’t mention security updates, whether they will be available. Just like 24H2 may not work on certain processors regardless of workarounds.
So, if the intent is to continue receiving security updates on Windows 10, there is little reason to update to Windows 11 if security updates won’t be available 3–4 years down the road.
And then there’s MG LTSC option.
Everyone has one year before needing to commit; what works today may be gone tomorrow. Other options, much more favorable options, may be created by developers.
Personally, I’m not in much of a rush.
All valid points and I agree with them, as stated there is another year to go before I make the important decision and I will spend the time watching and learning all the options.Right now Windows 10 LTSC is looking the most favourable option for me.