Despite the problems that we sometimes encounter, we must know that Windows updates are key elements for the proper functioning of the operating system. For years we have been accustomed to receiving patches and improvements every month from Microsoft, specifically on the second Tuesday of each month.
Known as Patch Tuesday, the software giant has been sending us the latest updates and patches for Windows for many years. We tell you all this now because right now, in the middle of 2023, the aforementioned company has something to celebrate. And it is 20 years since the beginning of the Patch Tuesday updates that we mentioned.
Getting started with Windows Update Tuesday
These software elements that come to us periodically are more important than we might initially think for the correct development and evolution of Windows. Hence, this celebration by Microsoft is more important than we think. It must be taken into account that more than 1,400 computers have this operating system active at this moment, all prepared to receive these patches and updates.
Hence precisely why this Patch Tuesday has become a classic in the software sector. Its story began on January 12 of last year 2002 when Bill Gates sent an email to the entire company announcing the creation of the Trustworthy Computing or TwC initiative. With this change, the goal was to consolidate the security update process using a predictable cadence of monthly updates. There began the development of the Update Tuesday project that has gradually evolved over the last 20 years.
How Microsoft’s Patch Tuesday has evolved
Next, we are going to show you the most important moments that marked a milestone in this new method of updating the most used PC operating system. It must be taken into account that more than 1.4 billion devices per month benefit from all this today.
To begin with, in 2003 Patch Tuesday updates begin with the Windows Update and Microsoft Update services. They are released for Windows Vista and 7 systems that incorporate enhanced security features such as user account control or UAC.
Starting in 2007, these monthly updates that we are talking about are more effective thanks to the solution for imminent threats. In addition, Microsoft included new tools so that companies could evaluate the status of these security updates.
It is also worth noting that, starting in 2013, after the launch of Windows 10, the Windows update history pages appear. At the same time, new security improvements arrive to provide greater protection against malware and credential theft. Microsoft launched Windows Update for businesses so that businesses have greater control over when and how to deploy Windows updates.
Starting in 2018, there was another important advance in this Microsoft Update Tuesday process. The company begins to use machine learning to optimize update experiences and AI becomes a very useful tool. A page also appears to view known issues across feature and monthly updates.
Known as KIR or Known Issue Rollbacks, they help devices take a step back in this regard. All this if you encounter problems after updating. All this until reaching the present day, at which time Microsoft continues working to improve this update process in the future.
