In preview builds, Microsoft has added a new Windows Update feature called “Update Stack Packages” to Windows 11. Unlike the feature experience packs or feature updates, these stack packages include a collection of critical improvements and shell components that make would major Windows releases less disruptive.
Microsoft has not given detailed info on how these stack update packages work, but it could make the operating system more modular. Using features like “Update Stack Packages” and “Experience Packs”, Microsoft could push features or improvements for certain Windows features outside of regular OS updates.
The “Windows Update Stack Packages” will automatically install outside the typical preview or security releases, and users will notice its presence when they check for updates. Today, Microsoft has released a new version of the stack package with version 822.124.211.0 and it doesn’t come with new features.
The purpose of Windows Stack Packages isn’t immediately clear, but it could be used to deliver improvements to the update experience, according to Microsoft.
These packages will be released before a monthly cumulative update or feature update, and Microsoft previously said that the feature will help ensure that your PC remains stable.
At the moment, Update Stack Package is limited to a small set of update-related improvements, but you can expect additional improvements in future releases. For now, Microsoft only wants to test minor update-related system files outside of the major Windows releases.
Update Stack Packages are delivered through Windows Update just like cumulative updates. In other words, you will find these stack packages in Settings > Windows Update.
Apart from the Windows Update Stack Package and several other changes to Windows Update, the next feature update for Windows 11 also packs its usual share of new features and improvements. For example, the Settings app has been updated to offer more options for managing Windows Updates you’d usually find in Control Panel.
Right now, if you want to uninstall updates, you need to browse the Windows Update page in the Control Panel, which has been a part of Windows since Windows 1.0. With Windows 11 22H2 aka Sun Valley 2, Microsoft has finally migrated the “Uninstall Windows Update” feature to the Settings app.
As you can see in the above screenshot, Windows 11’s upcoming “Uninstall updates” feature isn’t as comprehensive as Control Panel and features like filters or columns are missing, but Microsoft has promised improvements in future releases.
