Please explain this to me, lol - KB4497934 - crazy.

Hi -

On two of my W10 Pro test systems, I have been patiently awaiting the KB4497934 1809 update (precursor 1903) without result via WU.

I checked my settings and while Feature updates are deferred for 10 days, Quality updates are not.
Thought that KB4497934 was a Quality update.

So I decided to image the systems and then changed the Feature update frequency to Zero (0).
When clicking "Check for updates," KB4497934 magically appeared, downloaded and installed.

I then set the Feature update back to 10 days to prevent the 1903 build from bring installed.
Why is this behavior happening?

Thanks.

Compumind said:

Thought that KB4497934 was a Quality update. ... Why is this behavior happening?

Yes, KB4497934 is a Quality update, but it is a 'C' release, not a Patch Tuesday 'B' release.

We also release optional updates in the third and fourth weeks of the month, respectively known as “C” and “D” releases.

Windows 10 monthly security and quality updates overview

The C/D releases are optional, only found if you manually check for updates. The best explanation I have seen was given by f14tomcat.

f14tomcat said:

My understanding is delaying feature updates includes, a) any new Feature Updates themselves, such as the upcoming 19H1, and b) any non-security updates to the current Feature Update (this case, 1809).

The delaying of Quality Updates would the Security updates normally issued on Patch Tuesday, and any other time deemed necessary.

Since this KB was not a security update, but improvements/fixes to features in the current Feature Update (1809), setting any non-zero delay for them would prevent them from being offered.

Cumulative Update KB4495667 Windows 10 v1809 Build 17763.475 - May 3

I suspect the way MS achieve this optionality is to class C/D releases as a features update rather than a quality update. That would ensure windows update would only see them if you check for updates. A side-effect is that it also means they are affected by the 'defer features update' setting.

From now on (once KB4497934 has installed) this optionality of C/D releases and features updates will be made more distinct.

...Feature updates that are available for eligible devices will appear in a separate module on the Windows Update page (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update). If you would like to get an available update right away, select Download and install now.

Cumulative Update KB4497934 Windows 10 v1809 Build 17763.529 - May 21

My evidence for saying that the C/D releases are classed as features updates is that they too appear in this 'separate module' with its 'download and install now' option, as has been seen with C/D release CUs for 1903. That already had the 'download and install now' function that has just been back-ported to 1809/1803.

I then set the Feature update back to 10 days to prevent the 1903 build from bring installed.

That is no longer necessary. Features Updates will not download until you say so. You are now in complete control. You could even decide never to give the go ahead, in which case the Features Update will only install automatically once your current version is within a month or so of its 'end of life'.

Bree said:

Features Updates will not download until you say so. You are now in complete control. You could even decide never to give the go ahead, in which case the Features Update will only install automatically once your current version is within a month or so of its 'end of life'.

Thanks, Bree.

When did the above come about? I must have missed that one.

OK, just so I think I understand, My v.1809 system will not auto update to the next FU until sometime in April of 2020? It will continue to receive applicable v. 1809 updates other than FUs automatically. If that's true, I think I like it.

Bree said:

Don't know, there didn't seem to be any memo. But the 'not getting C/D updates when features updates are deferred' effect has been talked about on these forums for at least six months. Makes sense, who wants two or three forced restarts each month? Only the Patch Tuesday CU is necessary (and compulsory) as that is the only one with new security fixes.

Well, it was a mystery to me - until now. Thanks again.

Seems that MS is slowly rolling out 1903.
I haven't received it on three systems out of five.

Thoughts?

Having KB4497934 install itself multiple times on the same PC is a known phenomenon. Saw an article about it yesterday on WindowsReport.com (...goes off to look...): KB4497935 and KB4494441 install multiple times on PC. Sigh,
--Ed--