Faster Windows 11 Updates: Microsoft Shares Performance Statistics

Recently, Microsoft introduced significant enhancements to Windows Update for Windows 11, aiming to make updates smaller, quicker to install, and more efficient overall. These improvements revolve around the innovative checkpoint cumulative updates feature.

With this new mechanism, updates do not need to encompass all the changes made since the last feature update; instead, they only include adjustments made since the last checkpoint update, which occurs periodically between feature updates. This strategy optimizes the installation process, benefiting users in various ways.

Supporting Data from Microsoft

In order to substantiate its claims regarding the enhancements, Microsoft shared detailed results from tests published on its Tech Community website.

The findings emphasize that not only are the updates smaller, but they also install faster while consuming fewer CPU resources during the process.

Test Results Overview

Two tests were conducted by Microsoft to evaluate the update performance:

1. Current Machine Scenario

Installation Time: Reduced by 45.6%.
Restart Time: Shortened by 39.7%.
CPU Usage: Lowered by 15.3%.

2. Outdated Machine Scenario

For a machine that hadn’t been updated for 18 months, which, while not typical, serves to illustrate the enhancements:

Installation Time: Decreased by 43.6%.
Restart Time: Decreased by 33.5%.
CPU Usage: Reduced by 25%.

These tests highlight the substantial reductions in both installation and restart times, critical steps in the update process, since many updates require system restarts to complete.

Technical Foundations of the Updates

Microsoft attributes these improvements to several key optimizations in the servicing stack of Windows 11 24H2:

Caching Enhancements: Component manifests are now cached after their initial processing, leading to faster retrieval and referencing.
Parallel Processing: By processing component manifests simultaneously, the overall update speed has significantly increased.
Optimized RAM Utilization: Systems equipped with ample RAM can leverage more resources for manifest caching, further accelerating update processes.

Streamlined Feature Updates

Additionally, Microsoft has reduced the package size of feature updates by approximately 200 megabytes. This reduction is made possible through an assessment of the installed app versions compared to those available in the Microsoft Store, ensuring only necessary apps are downloaded and installed.

Conclusion

The improvements will likely be the most noticeable for Windows 11 users during their next optional feature update or the upcoming cumulative update, set for release on November 12, 2024. This update is already available, paving the way for a smoother and shorter update experience.

What do you think about these advances? Are you looking forward to experiencing these improvements with Windows 11 version 24H2? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Additional Insights

1. How do checkpoint cumulative updates differ from previous update methods?

Checkpoint cumulative updates allow Windows to focus only on changes made since the last checkpoint update, rather than needing to incorporate every alteration since the last major feature release. This reduces the overall size of updates and enhances installation speed.

2. What benefits can users expect from the performance improvements?

Users can anticipate faster installation and restart times, along with reduced CPU usage during the update process. These elements are designed to create a more efficient user experience, particularly on systems with limited resources.

3. Will future updates continue to improve in terms of performance?

Given the advancements in Windows 11 update mechanisms, it is likely that future updates will build on these improvements. Microsoft is continuously investing in optimizing the update process to enhance user satisfaction and efficiency.

Source & Images