Windows 11 Annual Update Schedule

This guide provides a clear, practical overview of Windows 11 annual update schedule, with useful context, important details, and straightforward takeaways for everyday readers.

However, there will be a change with the update rhythm: Windows 11 will only get a new feature update once a year, and this feature update will be rolled out in the second half of the year.

Here is the Windows 11 annual update schedule:

Feature update

As mentioned above, Windows 11 will only be updated with new features once a year and at the end of the year. Previously, Windows 10 was updated with features twice a year.

Cumulative Update

Cumulative updates, also known as monthly updates or Patch Tuesdays, are rolled out once a month and include quality improvements, bug fixes, and security patches.

Windows 11 Cumulative Update Types:

• Windows 11 "B" aka Patch Tuesday updates will be released on the second Tuesday of every month. It will include quality improvements and patches for security vulnerabilities. On the same day, Windows 10 will also receive the Patch Tuesday update.
• Windows 11 "C" and "D": These updates may roll out during the third and fourth week of each month

Update compatibility and stability (Compatibility and Reliability)

Compatibility and Reliability updates are often out-of-band and will not follow standard schedules. They may be rolled out before a feature update to make installation easier.

Update microcode (Microcode)

Microsoft will continue to provide Intel microcode updates to fix or mitigate damage to CPU vulnerabilities (if any).

Update for Windows Defender Antivirus

Updates for Windows Defender Antivirus will be released regularly to ensure anti-virus and anti-malware capabilities.

Update Malicious Software Removal Tool

Technically Windows 11 is still Windows 10, so it will also receive monthly malware removal tool updates that can remove known malware from your computer.

Windows 11 LTSC

Microsoft plans to provide an LTSC version of Windows 11 for those who need to use Windows versions in the long run. However, it is not yet known when Windows 11 LTSC will be released.