What is a servicing stack update?

Servicing stack updates provide fixes to the servicing stack, the component that installs Windows updates. Additionally, it contains the "component-based servicing stack" (CBS), which is a key underlying component for several elements of Windows deployment, such as DISM, SFC, changing Windows features or roles, and repairing components. The CBS is a small component that typically does not have updates released every month.

Why should servicing stack updates be installed and kept up to date?

Servicing stack updates improve the reliability of the update process to mitigate potential issues while installing the latest quality updates and feature updates. If you don't install the latest servicing stack update, there's a risk that your device can't be updated with the latest Microsoft security fixes.

When are they released?

Servicing stack update are released depending on new issues or vulnerabilities. In rare occasions a servicing stack update may need to be released on demand to address an issue impacting systems installing the monthly security update. Starting in November 2018 new servicing stack updates will be classified as "Security" with a severity rating of "Critical."

What's the difference between a servicing stack update and a cumulative update?

Both Windows 10 and Windows Server use the cumulative update mechanism, in which many fixes to improve the quality and security of Windows are packaged into a single update. Each cumulative update includes the changes and fixes from all previous updates.

Servicing stack updates must ship separately from the cumulative updates because they modify the component that installs Windows updates. The servicing stack is released separately because the servicing stack itself requires an update. For example, the cumulative update KB4284880 requires the May 17, 2018 servicing stack update, which includes updates to Windows Update.

Is there any special guidance?

Microsoft recommends you install the latest servicing stack updates for your operating system before installing the latest cumulative update.

Typically, the improvements are reliability and performance improvements that do not require any specific special guidance. If there is any significant impact, it will be present in the release notes.

Installation notes

• Servicing stack updates contain the full servicing stack; as a result, typically administrators only need to install the latest servicing stack update for the operating system.
• Installing servicing stack update does not require restarting the device, so installation should not be disruptive.
• Servicing stack update releases are specific to the operating system version (build number), much like quality updates.
• Search to install latest available Servicing stack update for Windows 10.