Microsoft demystifies how Windows updates work

Microsoft published guidance on the Windows servicing model explaining monthly Patch Tuesday cumulative security updates, optional non-security preview updates for testing, hotpatch updates that install without requiring a restart, out-of-band updates for urgent fixes, and mechanisms for rolling out Windows 11 features (including Controlled Feature Rollout). The guide also outlines deployment and management options for consumers and enterprises (Windows Update, Intune, WSUS, Autopatch, Configuration Manager, Microsoft Update Catalog, etc.) and availability/testing guidance for managed and unmanaged devices.