KB5033052: Update Stack Package for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2
KB5033052 is an optional Update Stack Package for Windows 10 21H2 and 22H2 that improves a select set of update-related system files to increase update reliability.
Summary
KB5033052 is an optional Update Stack Package for Windows 10 versions 21H2 and 22H2, released with files dated 7 December 2023 at file version 10.0.19041.3635. It targets a limited set of update-related system files to give devices the best chance of successfully installing future monthly or feature updates. Source: Microsoft Support.
Improvements and fixes
- Improves the update experience by refreshing a specific, limited set of update-related system files before a Windows monthly or feature update is installed.
- Ensures that devices have access to the most reliable update stack available at the time of installation, maximising the probability of a successful future update.
- Updates core update-stack components including Delivery Optimization binaries (
dosvc.dll,domgmt.dll,dosettings.dll), Windows Update Agent files (wuaueng.dll,wuapi.dll,wuauclt.exe), Update Orchestrator files (usosvc.dll,usocoreworker.exe,MoUsoCoreWorker.exe), and Update Notification components (MusNotification.exe,MusNotifyIcon.exe,MusNotificationUx.exe,UpdateNotificationMgr.exe). - Refreshes policy and settings support files including
updatepolicy.dll,OneSettingsClient.dll,storewuauth.dll, and related administrative template files for both Delivery Optimization and Windows Update Group Policy. - Applies to both x86-based and x64-based supported versions of the affected Windows 10 editions.
Known issues
Microsoft lists no known issues for this update at the time of writing.
How to get this update
This update is available as an optional update through Windows Update and Microsoft Update only. To install it, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates, then select the update from the Optional updates page and follow the prompts.
Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Update Catalog, and Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) are not listed as available channels for this update. There are no prerequisites required before applying this package. A restart of the device may be required after the update is applied.
To verify whether the update has been installed, go to Settings > Windows Update > Update history.
Frequently asked questions
What is an Update Stack Package and why does it matter?
An Update Stack Package refreshes a targeted group of update-related system files before Windows installs a monthly or feature update. By pre-positioning the most reliable update stack, Microsoft reduces the risk of update failures. It is separate from a standard Servicing Stack Update but serves a similar purpose of improving the underlying update infrastructure.
Do I need to install this update before applying other updates?
Microsoft states there are no prerequisites required to apply KB5033052. However, installing it before subsequent monthly or feature updates is the intended use case, since it is designed to maximise the probability that those later updates install successfully. There is no mandatory ordering enforced by the update infrastructure.
Will this update restart my device automatically?
Microsoft notes that a restart may be required after applying this update, but does not guarantee that a restart will always be necessary. Admins should account for a potential restart when scheduling deployment, particularly on endpoints where unplanned reboots could be disruptive.
Which Windows 10 editions and versions does this package cover?
KB5033052 applies to Windows 10 Home and Pro (version 22H2), Windows 10 Enterprise and Education (versions 21H2 and 22H2), Windows 10 Enterprise Multi-Session (versions 21H2 and 22H2), and Windows 10 IoT Enterprise (versions 21H2 and 22H2), across both x86 and x64 architectures.
