Intel microcode update confusion

Windows 10 Home v 20H2 x64

Asking about Intel microcode update for Spectre/Meltdown protection. CPU is i5-2400S, and apparently KB4465065 addresses variants of both issues. However confused over whether or not this update can/should be applied:

1. GRC InSpectre reports all Windows mitigations in place and microcode update available
2. KB4465065 is not offered through Windows Update and does not appear installed
3. KB page and MS Update Catalog refer only to previous Windows versions

So I'm not clear on whether or not this update is applicable, and if so, where to obtain the correct release? Any info much appreciated, THX

The equivalent KB for Windows 10 20H2 is KB4589212.

The first thing to note is that these updates are NOTinstalled automatically. Some people make the conscious decision to NOT install these updates because of the potential performance impacts so the installation is something that you need to choose to do. Typically, the type of workloads where you would notice performance impacts are not the type of things you would be doing at home.

What's interesting is that they do not call out the i5-2400S directly in the updates for 20H2, but with a little detective work, we can determine that it is supported. Note the KB you referenced. Search for the i5-2400S. Note that the whole big list of CPUs in this section falls under CPU ID 206A7. In KB 4589212 (for Windows 20H2) note that it does apply to CPU ID 206A7, it simply does not break out a list of all the CPUs covered by that designation.

So, my option is this: Go for it!

Does that help?

hsehestedt said:

The equivalent KB for Windows 10 20H2 is KB4589212.

[snip]

What's interesting is that they do not call out the i5-2400S directly in the updates for 20H2, but with a little detective work, we can determine that it is supported. Note the KB you referenced. Search for the i5-2400S. Note that the whole big list of CPUs in this section falls under CPU ID 206A7. In KB 4589212 (for Windows 20H2) note that it does apply to CPU ID 206A7, it simply does not break out a list of all the CPUs covered by that designation.

So, my option is this: Go for it!

Does that help?

It absolutely does. There is it, obfuscated behind "Legacy Core Processors" so I guess I'm being Intelshamed.

And I know about the performance hits and will certainly look to see if it's uninstallable before jumping of the cliff. Thanks!

Yeah, it's frustrating when they don't make it all clear. They make you jump through hoops to find what you are looking for sometimes.