Windows 11 to receive optional updates during fourth week of the month

• Microsoft announces changes to the update release schedule for Windows 11 (and 10).
• Starting in April 2023, Windows will receive optional updates during the fourth week of the month.
• The new schedule replaces the “C” and “D” updates with the “optional non-security preview release.”

Microsoft has made changes to its development schedule, and now Windows 11 (and 10) will receive previews for the next Patch Tuesday update during the fourth week of the month.

As part of the maintenance update process, Microsoft releases updates every second Tuesday of the month. Also referred to as “Patch Tuesday” or “Update Tuesday.” Internally, these updates are known as the “B” release because they roll out during the second week of the month. These updates include security and non-security fixes and new features (if applicable).

In addition to the “B” release, there are the “C” and “D” updates that become available in the third and fourth week of the month. These updates are optional and contain non-security fixes expected to arrive in the next monthly update.

Starting in April 2023, the company plans to replace the “C” and “D” releases with a new release known as an “optional non-security preview release” that will roll out as an optional install only during the fourth week of the month.

This change will affect the most recent supported versions, including Windows 11 22H2 and Windows 10 22H2.

According to the company, this new schedule should be the optimal time for the company to publish and for users to install updates. This is two weeks after the latest monthly security update and about two weeks before users will see these features become part of the following mandatory cumulative update.

Also, the company notes that this change is meant to optimize the validation of payloads, improve consistency, and enhance the predictability of your testing, update, and upgrade experience.