Maximizing Windows Update Efficiency: Connectivity Insights
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Chapter 1: Understanding Update Connectivity
According to Microsoft, for Windows devices to successfully receive updates, they need to be online for a minimum of eight hours. This duration allows the system to download and install updates effectively. Microsoft monitors a metric known as ‘Update Connectivity,’ which indicates how long Windows devices are powered on and connected to the Windows Update service.
This analysis sheds light on why some devices may not receive updates timely, emphasizing the critical role of connected hours in the update process. David Guyer, a Program Manager for Windows Updates at Microsoft Endpoint Manager (MEM), states, “We determined that devices lacking sufficient connected time are unlikely to complete the update process.”
Data shows that a device must maintain two consecutive hours of connectivity and a total of six hours after an update is made available to ensure successful installation. “This period facilitates effective downloads and allows background installations to restart or resume once the device reconnects,” Guyer added.
You can monitor devices with insufficient Update Connectivity by navigating to Devices > Monitor and selecting either the Feature update failures or the Windows Expedited update failures report in Microsoft Intune. You can also utilize Intune’s Summary report to identify Insufficient Update Connectivity notifications via Reports > Windows updates > Reports > Windows Expedited update report.
Section 1.1: Challenges in Update Connectivity
Recent analysis indicates that nearly half of Windows 10 devices that are not fully updated fail to meet the required connectivity criteria. Furthermore, about 25% of devices running a serviced build but with security updates over 60 days old exhibit insufficient Update Connectivity.
“When resolving update challenges, targeting devices with adequate Update Connectivity is essential,” Guyer explained. “If a device has low connectivity, it complicates the diagnosis of other update issues, as those problems may resolve once connectivity improves.”
Subsection 1.1.1: Tracking Update Failures
In the context of addressing update failures, Microsoft has initiated an ‘Update Stack Package.’ This strategy aims to enhance the Windows update experience outside major OS releases, providing improvements prior to regular monthly or feature updates. Additionally, Windows 11 updates have been optimized for faster installation, with these updates being approximately 40% smaller than those for Windows 10.
Chapter 2: Enhancements to Windows Update
The first video titled "How to FIX 'Updates are Underway, Please Keep your Computer on' for Windows 10 & 11" provides guidance on troubleshooting common update issues, ensuring that users can effectively manage their update processes.
The second video, "Windows Update Isn't Working," offers insights into resolving problems related to Windows updates, helping users maintain optimal system performance.
