Microsoft to resume the release of optional Windows 10 updates in July

In March, Microsoft had announced that it would pause optional non-security update releases (also referred to as "C" and "D" releases) for all supported versions of Windows client and Windows Server to give organizations time to focus on business continuity in the face of the global pandemic. The company is now ready to resume the release of optional Windows 10 updates.

Microsoft will resume optional releases in July of 2020 for Windows 10 and Windows Server, version 1809 and later, to once again provide users with the ability to test planned non-security fixes targeted for the next month’s Update Tuesday (or "B") release.

There are some changes made to the optional update release process.

First, in response to feedback, these validated, production-quality optional releases will be now called "Preview" releases for clarity, and will be offered only for Windows 10 and Windows Server, version 1809 and later. You will see the naming change reflected in the release title as shown in the example on the Windows Update page in Settings below:

Second, to simplify update management for IT, these "Preview" releases will be delivered in the "C" week only. There is no change to the cumulative monthly security updates (also referred to as the "B" release or Update Tuesday release). These releases will continue to contain all previous updates to keep your users protected and productive.

Third, if you use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to manage updates, you will no longer see "Preview" (or "C") releases for Windows 10 or Windows Server in the WSUS channel. This ensures a consistent update management experience across all supported versions of Windows in your environment.

Finally, for those in the Windows Insider Program or Windows Insider Program for Business, in-development versions of these non-security updates will be released to the Release Preview Channel in the "B" week.

The key thing remains unchanged. These optional updates will remain quality fixes. If you skip them, you will anyway receive all the quality fixes in the Patch Tuesday cumulative update for the next month.