Windows 11 is gaining a simplified naming scheme for updates going forward | Windows Central

Windows Help · 2025-11-06T01:01:09Z

Microsoft has announced that it's updating and simplifying the way Windows updates are named on Windows 11. The new naming scheme is designed to standardize updates across Windows platforms, and make it clearer to end users what Windows Update is actually downloading.

Going forward, each type of Windows update will be distinctly identified during the download and install process. Monthly security patches will be denoted as "Security Update," and driver updates will be denoted as "Driver Update" for example.

Microsoft says the new naming scheme is designed to be more intuitive and consistent, easier to read and understand, and focused on the most relevant details pertaining to the update that is being downloaded. The new naming scheme will appear in Windows Update and the Windows Update history page.

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Update Type	Simplified Title
Monthly security updates	Security Update (KB5034123) (26100.4747)
Monthly preview non-security updates	Preview Update (KB5062660) (26100.4770)
.NET Framework security updates	.NET Framework Security Update (KB5056579)
.NET Framework non-security updates	.NET Framework Preview Update (KB5056579)
Driver updates	Logitech Driver Update (123.331.1.0)

Previously, update titles in Windows updates were littered with unnecessary information such as platform architecture, OS edition, and more. "The updated titles follow a clear and predictable structure across multiple update types. Each title now refers to the update by a more user-friendly name" Microsoft explains. "It also includes just the most relevant identifiers, such as KB number and build or version. What we omit are the unnecessary technical details like platform architecture or date prefixes."

The new naming scheme for Windows updates is already available, and you'll see it when the next driver, .NET, or security update begins rolling out on your PC. The new names apply to the following types of updates pushed through Windows Update:

Windows OS quality updates (monthly security and non-security preview updates)
.NET Framework updates
Driver updates
AI component updates
Visual Studio updates

Unfortunately, the new simplified naming scheme only applies to OS servicing updates and drivers. Feature updates and new versions of Windows will continue to use the "version 2XHX" naming strategy.

Where will the new naming scheme for Windows updates appear?

The new naming scheme for Windows updates, will appear in Windows Update and the Windows Update history page. It does not show up in the Microsoft Update Catalog website or Windows Server Update Services.