Windows 10 Patching

 In recent Microsoft blog posts, it was revealed that Windows 10 updates come in B, C, D flavours.
The B updates are the 2nd Tuesday you are probably familiar with. The C and D updates are "preview" updates of the patches, fixes, and enhancements that may or may not be released to the user base at the next B update on the 2nd Tuesday.

 Some users view this practice as releasing updates and fixes not fully tested. You can get these C and D updates by checking for updates with the Windows Update System setting. Using the Windows Update system setting is also a method of getting the latest signature updates for Windows Defender.

 In my experience in a large corporate Microsoft environment, the updates released for download are tested, just not by the entire user base. Before the recent Windows 10 quality control issues I felt comfortable and secure in the practice of checking for updates before most daily sessions on Microsoft products. I also check for updates in browsers, VPN, smart phone, routers, wireless access points, and similar.

 Your experience may differ. If so, be aware that manually checking for Windows updates can make you a "seeker" looking for the latest update to protect your environment.

 It is good practice to keep your Media Creation Tool current, take explicit restore points before any and all updates, and practice 3-2-1 backup.

 If your comfort level leans in getting the latest updates/fixes before general release, use the appropriate Windows Setting. If nor, be aware and use caution with the Windows Update setting.

 Important: Microsoft will release out-of-band updates when a serious vulnerability is being exploited. Today, December 19, is one such case. A vulnerability in current use takes advantage of a vulnerability in Internet Explorer. Applying the KB4483224 update should protect you from any site that exploits the un-patched vulnerability. The patch can protect you even if you don't use Internet Explorer as a browser.