Why Microsoft installed a ‘secret’ update on some Windows 10 and 11 PCs

Microsoft has recently published preview updates for Windows 11 and also announced that Windows 11 25H2 approaches the changes it would make. Some dynamic updates have also been delivered. But in addition to all this, Microsoft discreetly “installing force” another update on Windows 10 and 11 PCs, according to Neowin.

The “secret” fix with the KB5001716 update code has already arrived for some users, but others are still waiting. (We have not yet discovered it on our own Windows 11 PCs.)

What is in the KB5001716 update?

The KB5001716 update is not an “update” in the classic sense. This is more an auxiliary update for Windows Update itself. The publication note for the patch explains how KB5001716 works:

“When this update is installed, Windows can try to download and install updates of your device features if it approaches or has reached the end of your Windows version currently installed. The updates of features offer new features and help keep your device safe.”

“Once this update has been installed, Windows can periodically display a notification informing you of the problems that can prevent Windows update from keeping your device up to date and protected against current threats. For example, you can see a notification informing you that your device is currently running a version of Windows which has reached the end of its support life cycle.”

In other words, it appears that the main objective of the KB5001716 update mainly has to do with the end of the management of Windows 10 and is intended to help update features with Windows versions which have already expired or that will soon expire.

What it means for you

Microsoft recently announced that Windows 10 will receive another year of free security updates in certain circumstances. Nevertheless, the war warnings approach the support will continue to be displayed on affected Windows PCs. According to Microsoft, the notifications “will respect the fashion in full screen, game, calm time and focus assistance”.

Users can also continue to check if their equipment is sufficient for Windows 11 and consider changing. Meanwhile, Microsoft tries to convince users of improved Windows 11 performance and stresses that the user experience is not only more secure but better.

If you receive the KB5001716 update, this means that your version of Windows will soon expire or will no longer be supported. This includes the Windows versions 10 10:2 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Read more in -depth: How to save your PC at the end of life of Windows 10