With the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.252 from the Dev channel released yesterday, Microsoft is starting to introduce a new type of update. The so-called cumulative checkpoint updates will soon become standard for all versions of Windows 11.
With the new cumulative checkpoint updates Microsoft introduces a new type of updates which practically serve as a milestone or basis for subsequent cumulative updates. Up to now, cumulative updates have generally included all updates provided since the release of a new major update for Windows in one large package. For example, all updates for Windows 11 24H1 are now always provided in a combined package that is constantly growing as new improvements and changes are implemented. This means that there is no need to install a large number of smaller updates, but the overall package can ultimately grow to an enormous size.
To ensure that users do not always have to download large cumulative updates in the future, thus reducing bandwidth and effort, Microsoft is now introducing cumulative checkpoint updates. These are basically smaller cumulative updates that are occasionally released as a kind of intermediate step.
Microsoft is thus splitting up the cumulative updates somewhat. In the future, users will always receive an update package that is associated with the checkpoint, as well as new update package files that provide incrementally updated versions of the files compared to those contained in the last checkpoint. During the life cycle of a Windows release, it will be possible for multiple checkpoints to be set, according to the Microsoft development team. On the part of users or IT departments, no changes should be necessary when dealing with the cumulative checkpoint updates.
Starting with the upcoming version 24H2, the Windows 11 servicing stack should be able to merge the various checkpoints and only download and install the parts that are missing on the respective device. Users should therefore be able to continue working normally with the services and tools they are very familiar with when it comes to dealing with Windows updates. Of course, monthly updates will continue to appear as usual between the checkpoint updates. Anyone who wants to adapt to the changed process can do so now using the new Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.1252 understand.
