In preview builds, Microsoft has added a new Windows Update feature to Windows 11 called “Update Stack Packages.” Unlike Feature Experience Packs or Feature Updates, these stack packs include a series of key improvements and shell components that make major Windows Updates less disruptive.
Microsoft has not given details on how these stack updates work, but it could make the operating system more modular. With features like “Update Stack Packs” and “Experience Packs”, Microsoft can push features or improvements to certain Windows features in addition to regular OS updates.
Windows Update Stack Packages will be automatically installed outside of the typical preview or stable releases, and users will notice its presence when checking for updates. Today, Microsoft released a new version of the stack package, version 822.124.211.0, which brings no new features.
The purpose of the Windows Stack Pack release was not immediately clear, but it could be used to provide improvements to the update experience, Microsoft said. These packages will be released ahead of the monthly cumulative update or feature update, which Microsoft has previously said will help ensure PCs remain stable.
Currently, the Update Stack Package is limited to a small set of update-related improvements, but you can expect many more in future releases. For now, Microsoft only wants to test small system files related to updates outside of major Windows releases. Update stacks are delivered through Windows Update, just like cumulative updates. In other words, users can find these stack packs in Settings > Windows Update.
Along with the Windows Update stack pack and several other changes to Windows Update, the next feature update for Windows 11 also packs its usual new features and improvements. For example, the Settings app has been updated to provide more options for managing Windows Updates, usually found in the Control Panel.
Now, if you want to uninstall an update, you need to browse the Windows Update page in Control Panel, and with the launch of Windows 11 22H2 (aka Sun Valley 2), Microsoft has finally moved the “uninstall Windows Update” feature into the Settings app.
As you can see from the screenshot above, Windows 11’s upcoming “Uninstall Updates” feature isn’t quite as comprehensive as the Control Panel and lacks features like filters or columns, but Microsoft has promised improvements in future releases.