Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates
This article describes the standard terminology that defines the software updates for the Windows Update and Microsoft Update services.
Applies to: Windows 10 - all editions
Original KB number: 824684
Critical update
A widely released fix for a specific problem that addresses a critical, non-security-related bug.
Definition update
A widely released and frequent software update that contains additions to a product's definition database. Definition databases are often used to detect objects that have specific attributes, such as malicious code, phishing websites, or junk mail.
Driver
Software that controls the input and output of a device.
Feature pack
New product functionality that is first distributed outside the context of a product release and that is typically included in the next full product release.
Security update
A widely released fix for a product-specific, security-related vulnerability. Security vulnerabilities are rated by their severity. The severity rating is indicated in the Microsoft security bulletin as critical, important, moderate, or low.
Additional information
Microsoft security updates are available for customers to download and are accompanied by two documents: a security bulletin and a Microsoft Knowledge Base article.
Service pack
A tested, cumulative set of all hotfixes, security updates, critical updates, and updates. Additionally, service packs may contain additional fixes for problems that are found internally since the release of the product. Service packs may also contain a limited number of customer-requested design changes or features.
Tool
A utility or feature that helps complete a task or set of tasks.
Update
A widely released fix for a specific problem. An update addresses a noncritical, non-security-related bug.
Update rollup
A tested, cumulative set of hotfixes, security updates, critical updates, and updates that are packaged together for easy deployment. A rollup generally targets a specific area, such as:
- Security
- A component of a product, such as Internet Information Services (IIS).
Security-only update
An update that collects all the new security updates for a given month and for a given product, addressing security-related vulnerabilities. It's distributed through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), System Center Configuration Manager and Microsoft Update Catalog. Security vulnerabilities are rated by their severity. The severity rating is indicated in the Microsoft security bulletin as critical, important, moderate, or low. This Security-only update would be displayed under the title Security Only Quality Update when you download or install the update. It will be classified as an Important update.
Monthly Rollup
A tested, cumulative set of updates. They include both security and reliability updates that are packaged together and distributed over the following channels for easy deployment:
- Windows Update
- WSUS
- System Center Configuration Manager
- Microsoft Update Catalog
The Monthly Rollup is product-specific and addresses both new security issues and nonsecurity issues in a single update. It will proactively include updates that were released in the past. Security vulnerabilities are rated by their severity. The severity rating is indicated in the Microsoft security bulletin as critical, important, moderate, or low. This Monthly Rollup would be displayed under the title Security Monthly Quality Rollup when you download or install. This Monthly Rollup will be classified as an Important update on Windows Update. It will automatically download and install if your Windows Update settings are configured to automatically download and install Important updates.
Preview of Monthly Rollup
A tested, cumulative set of new updates that are packaged together and distributed over:
- Windows Update
- WSUS
- System Center Configuration Manager
- Microsoft Update Catalog
It's distributed ahead of the release of the next Monthly Rollup for customers to proactively download, test, and provide feedback.
The Preview of Monthly Rollup is product-specific and addresses new non-security updates, and includes fixes from the latest Monthly Rollup. This Preview of Monthly Rollup would be displayed under the title Preview of Monthly Quality Rollup when you download or install. It will be classified as an "Optional" update.
Servicing Stack Updates (SSU)
The servicing stack is the code that installs other operating system updates. Additionally, it contains the component-based servicing stack (CBS), which is a key underlying component for several elements of Windows deployment, such as:
- DISM
- SFC
- Changing Windows features or roles
- Repairing components
The CBS is a small component that typically doesn't have updates released every month.
For more information, see Servicing stack updates.
Data collection
If you need assistance from Microsoft support, we recommend you collect the information by following the steps mentioned in Gather information by using TSS for deployment-related issues.