Microsoft plans to streamline future updates for its operating systems by separating the updates for Windows 11 and Windows Server 2025. Beginning January 13, 2026, each update will be assigned distinct KB numbers, allowing for clearer documentation and the possibility of tailored update packages for desktop or server systems.
This change was first hinted at during the announcement of the December updates for Windows Server. Although the underlying codebase for both Windows 11 and Windows Server is the same, the separation of updates is intended to better address the specific needs of each product. With separate KB numbers, system administrators will find it easier to manage updates for each system.
Historically, updates for different versions of Windows have shared the same packaging but implicated resources varied significantly based on the features activated in each version. For instance, separating updates will prevent unnecessary large payloads—such as those related to Windows 11’s Copilot—from being delivered to the Server 2025 installations.
The upcoming changes shouldn’t be confused with prior modifications Microsoft made regarding the naming conventions of updates, which had received some pushback from administrators. Since October, Microsoft has simplified these titles while ensuring that each update still includes the relevant date and version information.
For more information, refer to the December updates for Windows Server here.