Microsoft is making Windows build upgrade process faster

When it comes to installing a new feature update, also known as build upgrade, it always takes a lot of time before you can use your PC again. Windows 10 makes a copy of the currently installed OS version, some user files, downloads a new build through your Internet connection and then installs it. Microsoft has reworked this procedure to make it faster and reduce the PC downtime.

The build upgrade process includes two phases, online and offline. The online phase is when your PC is making upgrade operations in the background, while your PC remains usable. The offline phase happens after a reboot. The screen shows a full screen banner that says "Installing updates". It usually takes a significant amount of time.

The reworked upgrade process moves many operations from the offline phase to its online counterpart. As a result, for the end user, the online stage may seem to take more time. However, during that time, you can use your PC and perform your regular tasks. At the end, the "Installing Updates..." stage will happen quickly and the overall downtime will be much shorter.

The following comparison table shows the difference between the old and new installation phases.

Before	After
Online Phase
PC checks for upgrades (manually or automatically) Upgrade payload downloads PC waits for the required reboot to begin install	PC checks for updates (manually or automatically) Update downloads User content (apps/settings/configurations) is backed up New OS files are laid down (WIM process) PC waits for the required reboot to begin install
Offline Phase
PC reboots to begin install process (manually or automatically) User content (apps/settings/configurations) is backed up New OS files are laid down (WIM process) Drivers and other required OS files are migrated User content is restored PC reboots and the update finalizes	PC reboots to begin install process (manually or automatically) Drivers and other required OS files are migrated User content is restored PC reboots and the update finalizes

This change will be welcomed by most users because it is always great to spend less time installing updates on your Windows 10 PC.