ByMicrosoft’s Big Step Towards Clarity in the Windows Update System
We are seeing that Microsoft is continuously working to make the Windows Update system more transparent and easier to understand. The new change, which will take effect in January 2026, is a key part of this strategy. Until now, a single KB Identifier has been used for Windows Server 2025, Windows 11 version 24H2, and Windows 11 version 25H2, which has created confusion for IT administrators and system managers.
Now, Microsoft has decided to eliminate this problem and is going to implement separate KB Identifiers for Windows Server 2025.
What it was before: One KB Identifier, three different Windows versions
Under the previous system, the same KB number was being used for three different Windows platforms:
Windows Server 2025
Windows 11 Version 24H2
Windows 11 Version 25H2
For example, KB5072033 was the December 2025 security update, which applied to all three Windows versions simultaneously. Technically, this was correct because Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 are based on the same code branch, but combining Server and Consumer Windows updates was practically complex.
What will change from January 2026: Windows Server 2025 will get a separate KB Identifier
Microsoft has confirmed that from January 2026, all security updates for Windows Server 2025 will have separate KB Identifiers. This means:
Windows Server 2025 will no longer share KBs with Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2
Updates for each platform will be easily identifiable and manageable
Update tracking and reporting will be simpler for administrators
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Why this change is crucial for IT administrators
We believe this change is particularly beneficial for professionals working in Enterprise and Server environments.
Key Benefits
Eliminates update confusion: Server and Client OS updates will now have separate identifiers
Improved patch management: Greater clarity in tools like WSUS, Intune, and SCCM
Simplified auditing and compliance: Matching the correct KB to the correct system
Easier rollout planning: Testing and deploying server updates at different times
No changes to the installation and management process
Microsoft has also clarified that all processes will remain the same except for the KB Identifier change. This means:
Windows Update
Microsoft Update Catalog
WSUS / Endpoint Manager
The method of installing and managing updates will remain the same in all of these. Only the identifier will change, not the process.
New security updates arriving January 13, 2026
According to Microsoft’s monthly Patch Tuesday schedule, security updates will be released on January 13, 2026, for all supported Windows versions, including:
Windows 11 Version 24H2
Windows 11 Version 25H2
Windows Server 2025
Windows 10 (under the Extended Security Updates Program)
This update cycle will be the first time separate KB Identifiers are seen for Windows Server 2025.
In line with other recent changes to Windows Update
This change is not isolated. In the past few months, Microsoft has made several important decisions related to Windows Update.
October 2025: Announcement of Simplified Update Names
Microsoft announced simplified update names in Windows 11 to prevent average users from having to grapple with technical terminology. November 2025: Changes following user feedback
Users and professionals reported that essential technical information was being hidden due to oversimplification. Microsoft subsequently reversed some of its decisions.
Current situation
The following information is now clearly displayed on the Windows Update screen:
Update Type (Security / Cumulative / Preview)
Update Date
KB Identifier
OS Build Number
This balance addresses both user-friendly and professional needs.
What will change for Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2?
Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 are still based on the same code branch, therefore:
The KB Identifiers will remain the same for both.
Only Windows Server 2025 has been separated.
This will have no negative impact on consumer Windows users.
Positive implications for the Enterprise and Server Ecosystem
We clearly see that Microsoft is now prioritizing Server and Consumer Windows differently. This change indicates that:
The real-world problems of Server Administrators are being taken seriously.
Update management for large networks and data centers is being improved.
We can expect to see more server-specific improvements in the future.
What to expect from the Windows Update system in the future
Following this change, we can expect that:
Updates for Server and Client OS will be more distinct.
KB Identifiers and release notes will be more precise.
There will be fewer errors in automation and scripting.
Windows Update will evolve into a more modular and professional system.
Conclusion: A strong step towards clarity, control, and trust
We believe that implementing separate KB Identifiers for Windows Server 2025 is a very practical and forward-thinking decision by Microsoft. This will not only make the work of IT administrators easier but also increase confidence in the Windows Update system.
This change shows that Microsoft is now focusing not only on adding features but also equally on user experience, clarity, and management efficiency.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Question 1: Why did Microsoft change the Windows Update KB Identifiers?
Answer: Microsoft made this change to create a clear distinction between Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 updates. Previously, a single KB Identifier was used for three different Windows versions, causing confusion for IT administrators in identifying updates. Now, separate KB Identifiers make update management easier and more accurate.
Question 2: When will the new KB Identifier for Windows Server 2025 be implemented?
Answer: Starting in January 2026, separate KB Identifiers will be implemented for all security updates for Windows Server 2025. This change will be effective with the January Patch Tuesday update.
Question 3: Will the KB Identifiers for Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 also change?
Answer: No. Windows 11 versions 24H2 and 25H2 are based on the same code branch, so their KB Identifiers will remain the same. The change is only for Windows Server 2025.
Question 4: Will this change affect the Windows Update installation process?
Answer: No. The installation and management process will remain exactly the same. The change is limited to the identification (KB Identifier), not the way updates are downloaded or installed.
Question 5: How is this change beneficial for IT administrators?
Answer: This change simplifies patch management, auditing, compliance, and update tracking. Administrators can now easily identify which update is for the server and which is for consumer Windows.
Question 6: Will Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11 updates now be completely separate?
Answer: Yes, at the KB Identifier level. Windows Server 2025 updates will now be released with separate identifiers, while Windows 11 updates will remain under a different KB. This will make it easier to manage both platforms separately.
Question 7: On what date will the January 2026 security updates be released?
Answer: Security updates for all supported Windows versions will be released on January 13, 2026, with new KB Identifiers appearing for Windows Server 2025 for the first time.
Question 8: Will this change affect Windows 10 users?
Answer: No. Windows 10, which is currently in the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, will not be directly affected by this change. This change only pertains to Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11.
Question 9: Will anything new be visible in the Windows Update interface?
Answer: Yes. The following information is now clearly displayed in Windows Update:
Update Type
Update Date
KB Identifier
OS Build Number
This information is useful for both users and administrators.
Question 10: Can we expect further changes to the Windows Update system in the future?
Answer: Current indications suggest that Microsoft is moving towards making Windows Update more transparent, professional, and modular. Further separate improvements for Server and Client Windows are likely in the future.
