Why Microsoft installed a ‘secret’ update on some Windows 10 and 11 PCs

Microsoft recently released preview updates for Windows 11 and also announced that Windows 11 25H2 is coming along with the changes it will bring. Some dynamic updates have also been delivered. But on top of all this, Microsoft has quietly “force-installed” another update on Windows 10 and 11 PCs, according to Neowin.

The “secret” patch with update code KB5001716 has already arrived for some users, but others are apparently still waiting. (We have not yet discovered it on our own Windows 11 PCs.)

What’s in the KB5001716 update?

Update KB5001716 isn’t an “update” in the classic sense. It’s more of an auxiliary update for Windows Update itself. The release note for the patch explains how KB5001716 works:

“When this update is installed, Windows may attempt to download and install feature updates to your device if it is approaching or has reached the end of support for your currently installed Windows version. Feature updates offer new functionality and help keep your device secure.”

“After this update is installed, Windows may periodically display a notification informing you of problems that may prevent Windows Update from keeping your device up-to-date and protected against current threats. For example, you may see a notification informing you that your device is currently running a version of Windows that has reached the end of its support lifecycle, or that your device does not meet the minimum hardware requirements for the currently installed version of Windows.”

In other words, it appears the main purpose of update KB5001716 has mostly to do with the approaching end of support for Windows 10 and is intended to help deliver feature updates to PCs with Windows versions that have already expired or will soon expire.

What this means for you

Microsoft recently announced that Windows 10 will receive another year of free security updates under some circumstances. Nevertheless, warnings about the approaching end of support will continue to be shown on affected Windows PCs. According to Microsoft, notifications will “respect full screen, game, quiet time and focus assist modes.”

Users can also continue to check whether their hardware is sufficient for Windows 11 and consider switching. Meanwhile, Microsoft is trying to convince users of the improved performance of Windows 11 and point out that the user experience is not only more secure but better.

If you receive the KB5001716 update, it means your version of Windows will soon expire or will no longer be supported. That includes versions Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2 as well as Windows 11 21H2.

Further reading: How to save your PC at Windows 10’s end of life