Not long ago, without warning, Microsoft changed the update name format of Windows Update, removing the month, year, "cumulative" and OS version information.This information quickly aroused strong dissatisfaction among the IT administrator community. Faced with huge opposition, Microsoft recently confirmed that it will re-add date information to the update name.
For a long time, Windows Update names have included detailed information. For example, the September 2025 Patch Tuesday update name will be: "2025-09 Windows 11 Version 24H2 Cumulative Update for x64 Systems (KB5065426)", clearly indicating the type, month, year and applicable version of the update.
But in the optional update (KB5067036) released on October 28, the name was greatly simplified,All that's left is something like "Preview Update (KB5062660) (26100.4770)," making it difficult for administrators to tell at a glance when the update was released.
Microsoft acknowledged the changes on October 30, claiming the aim was to simplify the look of Windows Update, removing "unnecessary details" such as platform architecture or "date prefixes" to provide a "more user-friendly name."
Hundreds of IT administrators subsequently took to the internet to publicly question Microsoft's decision, with one administrator asking: "How on earth did this get released and promoted all the way? It's going to be a nightmare for all help desks and IT administrators."
Another administrator noted: "Don't understand how the date reduces readability. Especially for users, the date may be the only part they understand."
In the face of fierce backlash, Microsoft confirmed to Windows Latest that they are actively listening to feedback, announcing: "We will ensure that the date (month and year) is retained in the update name."
However, Microsoft's concessions are limited. At present, it seems that the company does not plan to bring back "cumulative updates" and "OS versions".