Why Both feature update and SBE update both are showing additional content required in 2025.10

Question

Why Both feature update and SBE update both are showing additional content required in 2025.10

Earlier it was showing for SBE update only and we only do the side load for SBE only.

Answer 1

Hello Setua, Chiitaranjan,

Thanks for raising this question in Q&A forum.

I understand that you are seeing both a Feature Update and an SBE Update (Setup, Boot, Event) listed for the same Windows version (likely Windows 11, version 23H2 or similar) and are unsure if both are needed or if they are duplicates.

This is expected behavior due to the Unified Update Platform (UUP) architecture used for on-premises (WSUS/ConfigMgr) and cloud management.

1. What is the SBE Update?
   • SBE stands for Setup, Boot, and Event.
   • It is a specialized update package that updates the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) and the servicing stack before the main OS update installs.
   • This is critical for ensuring that if the Feature Update fails, the device can recover successfully. It also patches vulnerabilities in the boot/recovery partition (like recent BitLocker bypass fixes).
2. Why do I see both?
   • Microsoft separated these components in the metadata to allow for more granular servicing.
   • The Feature Update contains the actual OS upgrade payload.
   • The SBE Update is a prerequisite dependency.
3. Action Required:
   • In WSUS/MECM: You typically see them listed separately. The best practice is to ensure both are approved/available. However, the Windows Update client on the device is intelligent enough to detect the dependency. When you deploy the Feature Update, the client will automatically identify that it needs the SBE update and install it first (or concurrently) as part of the UUP process.

If helps, approve the answer.

Best Regards,

Jerald Felix

Answer 2

Hello Setua, Chiitaranjan,

Welcome to the Microsoft Q&A and thank you for posting your questions here.

I understand that you would like to know the reason behind both feature update and SBE update are showing additional content required in 2025.10.

Microsoft has confirmed that the Windows 11 25H2 update uses an enablement package (eKB) architecture, which explains why Feature Updates now display “Additional content required.” This change means updates are no longer fully self-contained and depend on previously installed components. Additionally, dynamic monthly updates deliver feature payloads across shared servicing branches, impacting both Feature Updates and SBE updates - https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2025/09/30/how-to-get-the-windows-11-2025-update/ , and https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/october-14-2025-kb5066835-os-builds-26200-6899-and-26100-6899-1db237d8-9f3b-4218-9515-3e0a32729685 , and https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/release-information

Recommended actions:

• Include 24H2 and all dynamic monthly update payloads in your installation or sideload media before applying 2025.10.
• For environments using Intune or WSUS, enable settings to download supplemental payloads, especially for Feature Updates delivered as enablement packages.

Therefore, this is a shift to an enablement-plus-monthly servicing model in 2025.10 makes Feature Updates dependent on additional components, aligning their behavior with SBE updates.

I hope this is helpful! Do not hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions or clarifications.

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