As a member of the Windows Fundamentals team, one of the top questions I get when speaking with our Windows 10 commercial customers is how they can retain optional content during an operating system (OS) update. Optional content is part of the Windows OS, but does not ship by default in the released Windows 10 media. Instead, optional content ships via additional ISO images, and includes general Features on Demand (FODs), language and regional FODs, and Local Experience Packs (LXPs).
Many commercial organizations use Configuration Manager or other management tools to distribute and orchestrate Windows 10 setup using a local Windows image or WIM file (a "media-based" or "task-sequence-based" update). Others do in-place updates using an approved Windows 10 feature update by using Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Configuration Manager, or equivalent tools (a "servicing-based" update). Neither approach contains the full set of Windows features that a user's device may need and, thus, during an update, those features are not migrated to the new operating system. Further, those features are not available within Configuration Manager and/or WSUS for on-premises acquisition.
So, what's an IT pro supposed to do? Why do consumers have a different experience? Optional content migration and acquisition scenarios "just work" when a device is connected to an update service that leverages the Unified Update Platform (UUP), such as Windows Update or Windows Update for Business. We introduced Unified Update Platform with Windows 10, version 1709 as an improvement to the underlying Windows update technology. It results in smaller download sizes and a more efficient protocol for checking for updates. It also enables you to acquire and install the packages needed to get current in one update step. We call the technology "unified" because it brings together the update stack for Windows 10, Windows Server, and other products, such as HoloLens.
The UUP is not yet integrated with WSUS, but we are working on it. Since last year's Microsoft Ignite conference, where we discussed and demoed UUP, we have introduced a private preview and have since been working to continually incorporate your feedback. Our primary focus has been to alter the design of the platform without requiring WSUS changes so that we can continue with our preview programs and, eventually, reach general availability. The workflow is intended to be seamless, the same as approving a feature update in WSUS or a feature update within the Windows 10 Servicing area of the Configuration Manager Software Library.
We’ve recently documented a comprehensive guide to help you move forward in the short term. To learn more, see Migrating and acquiring optional Windows content during updates. We also encourage you to watch “Windows updates and recovery: smooth + seamless = happy IT and happy users” where we'll offer practical guidance on how to manage FODs and language resources during and after Windows features updates—plus details on how our latest innovations integrate with Microsoft Endpoint Manager!
Have questions or comments? We'd love to hear them below!
