Microsoft released KB4601382 (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/february-24-2021-kb4601382-os-builds-19041-844-and-19042-844-preview-1a7ed2b4-017d-2644-a1e8-dd6bf14cba76) as an optional preview cumulative update with non-security improvements and fixes for Windows 10 Versions 2004 and 20H2.
From the KB Article:
Quote
"NEW 2/24/21
IMPORTANT As part of the end of support for Adobe Flash, KB4577586 (https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb4577586-update-for-the-removal-of-adobe-flash-player-october-27-2020-931521b9-075a-ce54-b9af-ff3d5da047d5)is now available as an optional update from Windows Update (WU) and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Installing KB4577586 will remove Adobe Flash Player permanently from your Windows device. Once installed, you cannot uninstall KB4577586. For more details about Microsoft's plans, see Update on Adobe Flash Player End of Support (https://blogs.windows.com/msedgedev/2020/09/04/update-adobe-flash-end-support)."
There is a long list of changes that can be viewed in the KB article. Of note, however, is this key change:
Quote
"Windows 10 servicing stack update - 19041.841 and 19042.841
- This update makes quality improvements to the servicing stack, which is the component that installs Windows updates. Servicing stack updates (SSU) ensure that you have a robust and reliable servicing stack so that your devices can receive and install Microsoft updates."
To download and install the update, go to
Settings ->
Update and Security ->
Windows Update and select
Check for updates. The standalone package is available in the Microsoft Update Catalog (https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB4601382).
For information about the the types of updates released by Microsoft each month see Windows 10 update servicing cadence primer (https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-IT-Pro-Blog/Windows-10-update-servicing-cadence/ba-p/222376).
I never am sure what to do with optional updates.
What is a "preview cumulative update"?
Does the second quote mean you are recommending this be installed?
I've wondered about that terminology too.
Found this:
https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_10-update/what-is-a-cumulative-update-preview/46a14732-18dd-45fd-8829-f65426cd9adc
Updated with no untoward effects
Quote from: pastywhitegurl on February 26, 2021, 03:05:53 AM
I never am sure what to do with optional updates.
What is a "preview cumulative update"?
Does the second quote mean you are recommending this be installed?
As described in the link above to Windows 10 update servicing cadence primer (https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/Windows-IT-Pro-Blog/Windows-10-update-servicing-cadence/ba-p/222376), since this is the 4th week of the month, it is a "D" release:
QuoteThe "C" and "D" releases occur the third and fourth weeks of the month, respectively. These preview releases contain only non-security updates, and are intended to provide visibility and testing of the planned non-security fixes targeted for the next month's Update Tuesday release. These updates are then shipped as part of the following month's "B" or Update Tuesday release.
As to the second quote, you may have noticed that the monthly security updates frequently require a Servicing Stack Update (SSU). Although a long explanation, the primary description from my blog post, Servicing Stack Updates (SSU) (https://securitygarden.blogspot.com/2019/08/servicing-stack-updates-ssu.html) includes the following quote:
Quote"Servicing stack updates improve the reliability of the update process to mitigate potential issues while installing the latest quality updates and feature updates. If you don't install the latest servicing stack update, there's a risk that your device can't be updated with the latest Microsoft security fixes."
With this optional cumulative update, it includes the change that incorporates SSU's in the cumulative update rather than making it a separate update.
(https://i.imgur.com/HwlfYIp.jpg)
Think about it...!!! :)
It's in Bulgarian ..but of course ..! ;)
A response from the link about explaining the preview update:
QuotePreviews are (non-security) bug fixes release on the 3rd/4th week of every month (so-called C/D releases). If you don't install it, those bug fixes will be lumped together in next month's patch Tuesday security fixes.
So apparently, you get the update whether you opt in or not, it just comes in the next regular update.
I thought with version 20H2 that the servicing stack updates were already included in the regular update schedule. So if that is so, there is no need to install this optional update.
Am I wrong?
The Servicing Stack Updates have been a separate update to be installed. With this change, instead of a separate update, it is incorporated into the cumulative update. Bottom line, it is up to you whether you want to install it now or wait until March 9th and get it with the security updates.
Quote from: Corrine on February 26, 2021, 09:44:27 PM
Bottom line, it is up to you whether you want to install it now or wait until March 9th and get it with the security updates.
That's the important point ... you're going to get this update whether you download it manually now or automatically later.
Quote from: CorrineThe Servicing Stack Updates have been a separate update to be installed.
Eek. For some reason I thought that was for older versions. I haven't been installing the servicing stacks. Luckily, my updates have been uneventful. Hopefully it will all catch up in the March update?
Quote from: pastywhitegurl on February 27, 2021, 03:41:09 AM
Eek. For some reason I thought that was for older versions. I haven't been installing the servicing stacks. Luckily, my updates have been uneventful. Hopefully it will all catch up in the March update?
The latest SSU will be offered to you automatically if you are using Windows Update, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.