Microsoft's latest Windows 10 Insider Preview Build 14959 gives a sneak peek at how the Unified Update Platform (UUP) is shaping up, with lighter and smaller updates.
So far, Windows 10 updates have been anything but light and users have been complaining about too many updates that take too long to install. With its upcoming UUP, Microsoft will shrink future OS updates and make them more seamless, requiring less processing power.
The UUP basically consists of a number of behind-the-scenes changes that will cut the size of Windows 10 update files, reduce the required processing power for an update and streamline updates on Windows smartphones.
One of the most major changes UUP will bring to the table will have Windows Update deliver only the updates that are actually relevant to the device.
"We have converged technologies in our build and publishing systems to enable differential downloads for all devices built on the Mobile and PC OS," Microsoft explains. "A differential download package contains only the changes that have been made since the last time you updated your device, rather than a full build."
UUP is currently in testing with the latest Windows Insider test build 14959 that rolled out on Thursday, hitting the Fast Ring for both mobile and PC.
According to Microsoft, PC users can expect to see roughly 35 percent smaller updates when shifting from one major Windows update to another. The company aims to support this for feature updates that will roll out after the Windows 10 Creators Update, if the Insider testing goes smoothly.
Windows Insiders running beta OS builds on their PCs, meanwhile, should get the new update sometime later this year, while those using HoloLens or devices running Windows 10 IoT Insider builds should get the update soon after.
It remains to be seen whether UUP will actually solve at least the main issues surrounding Windows 10 updates, but Microsoft says that's the plan. The company says it's working on making updates more seamless and give users more control over when to install updates. At the same time, Microsoft also wants to make updates less demanding in terms of local processing, which should in turn translate to improved battery performance.
If the general public, i.e. non-Insiders will get the treat after the Creators Update, this means sometime in the latter half of next year.
That should give Windows Insiders ample time to test out the feature so that Microsoft can smooth over any wrinkles ahead of the general release. In the meantime, Microsoft will roll out a patch on Nov. 8 to fix a zero-day Windows vulnerability Google publicly disclosed earlier this week.
As always, we'll keep you up to date with any major developments that unfold.
