Microsoft to shift Windows 7 and 8 security updates to Windows 10 cumulative model
Microsoft claims that it will make it easier for users
Microsoft is planning to shift the update procedures for users of Windows 7 and 8.1 into line with the policies it has been using for Windows 10.
The shift will mean that users of Windows 7 and 8.1 will receive cumulative updates once a month, instead of individual ones, from October - with the risk that Microsoft could wrap up a whole load of other features into its security updates.
Indeed, that is exactly what Microsoft did during its campaign to force as many users as possible to migrate to Windows 10, by burying a version of its GWX nagware inside an important security update.
The company claimed in a Microsoft TechNet blog post that this is an extension of the 'Convenience Rollup' that was first introduced for non-security updates earlier in the year.
"By moving to a rollup model, we bring a more consistent and simplified servicing experience to Windows 7 SP1 and 8.1, so that all supported versions of Windows follow a similar update servicing model," the post stated.
"The new rollup model gives you fewer updates to manage, greater predictability and higher quality updates. The outcome increases Windows operating system reliability by eliminating update fragmentation and providing more proactive patches for known issues. Getting and staying current will also be easier with only one rollup update required."
The changes will also include security releases as part of the Patch Tuesday cycle.
"Also from October 2016 onwards, Windows will release a single security-only update. This update collects all of the security patches for that month into a single update. Unlike the Monthly Rollup, the security-only update will only include new security patches that are released for that month," the post said.
"Individual patches will no longer be available. The security-only update will be available to download and deploy from WSUS, SCCM and the Microsoft Update Catalogue.
"Windows Update will publish only the Monthly Rollup - the security-only update will not be published to Windows Update. The security-only update will allow enterprises to download as small an update as possible while still maintaining more secure devices."
The downside is that it will reduce the ability for administrators to control which updates are installed and which are not.
This could be seen as Microsoft's attempt to make it more appealing for users to move to Windows 10, growth of which appears to have stalled since the free download deadline passed.