In the next big update coming to Windows in March 2017, Microsoft will be enhancing Windows’ update system with their new Unified Update Platform (UUP), which will reduce the size of updates in the future. The new UUP will allow Windows to download only the changes needed for the current version you are running. Something they should have done a long time ago.
In the past, it would download an entirely new build every time a major update rolls out. This is why the update process has always been so lengthy. Pair that with the fact that Microsoft is releasing updates more often now and you have a lot of time spent on updating all of your devices.
Now, you will only have to download what has changed since your last update, which Bill Koragounis (Windows Program Manager) says will lower the size of these update approximately 35% in the future. I assume this means that 35% of Windows either never gets updated (causing dead weight) or on average of only 65% of Windows sees an update at any given time.
The new change won’t take place until March of next year, but it will include tablets and phones as well. Windows Insiders (testers) will be seeing it in this week’s updates.
