Why Windows Updates Are Bigger Than Ever in 2025

If you’ve been using Windows for years, you’ve probably noticed something about updates: they’re getting bigger. Much bigger. In 2025, Windows Updates are no longer the tiny patches they used to be. Instead, many updates feel like mini-upgrades, requiring more time, more bandwidth, and sometimes more patience. But why is this happening, and what can you do about it?

In this article, we’ll break down the hidden reasons behind the ever-growing size of Windows Updates, explain how this impacts performance and troubleshooting, provide FAQs, and share links to credible sources and community insights.

Why Are Windows Updates Getting Bigger?

1. More Features, Not Just Fixes

Then: Early updates (like in Windows XP days) focused mostly on security patches and bug fixes.
Now: Windows Updates often include new features, design refreshes, and even AI-powered tools like Copilot integration.
Impact: Updates are no longer small bug patches—they’re feature bundles.

Example: Windows 11’s Moment Updates introduced new functionality like taskbar changes, system-wide dark mode improvements, and better snap layouts. These feature drops balloon update size significantly.

2. Security Is More Complex

Explanation: With cyberattacks more advanced than ever, Microsoft now ships full system-wide security updates. These include kernel-level changes, Defender updates, and secure boot patches.
Hidden Impact: Large cumulative updates mean that instead of small fixes, you’re often re-downloading big system files.
Example Error: 0x800f0922 – A common error when security components fail during installation.

Fix:

Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair corrupted update files.
Check your system has enough free storage.

3. Support for More Hardware

Explanation: Windows must support a wide variety of hardware—from Intel and AMD processors to ARM-based chips, plus hundreds of GPUs, Wi-Fi cards, and more.
Why It Matters: Each update carries massive driver packages and compatibility data.
Troubleshooting Tip: If updates hang at “Installing drivers,” manually install the latest drivers from your OEM before retrying.

Community Insight: Users on Reddit r/Windows11 often report update failures linked to outdated chipset drivers.

4. Cumulative Updates Instead of Incremental

Then: Windows 7 allowed smaller hotfixes.
- Now: Windows 10 and 11 use cumulative updates—each update includes all previous patches.
Result: Even if you missed one small patch, you download the whole package.

Example Error: 0x8024200D – Often linked to incomplete downloads of large cumulative updates.

Fix:

Delete temporary update files: Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Windows Update.
Use the Windows Update Catalog to manually install.

5. AI and Cloud Integration

Explanation: Features like Windows Copilot, cloud-based search, and AI-driven suggestions require large background files.
Impact: Even if you don’t use AI features, the data packages are still included in updates.
User Frustration: Some complain about unnecessary bloat.

Tip: Disable unnecessary features under Settings → Apps → Optional Features.

How Big Are Updates Now?

Small security update: 200MB–500MB
Typical cumulative update: 1GB–3GB
Feature update (twice a year): 4GB–8GB

Compared to older systems where patches were often under 100MB, today’s updates can feel massive.

Troubleshooting Windows Update Problems in 2025

Problem 1: Updates Fail to Install

Error: 0x80073712 – Corrupted update files.
Fix: Run sfc /scannow and DISM repair commands.

Problem 2: Updates Take Too Long

Cause: Large update size + slow SSD/HDD.
Fix:
Free up space before updates.
Pause updates and install them manually.

Problem 3: Running Out of Disk Space

Cause: Updates need gigabytes of temporary storage.
Fix:
- Use Storage Sense in Windows to clear old update files.
- Move large personal files to external storage.

Problem 4: System Slows Down After Update

Cause: Background indexing, telemetry, and feature migration.
Fix:
- Wait 24–48 hours for post-update optimization.
- Check Task Manager for high-usage processes.

Problem 5: Rollback Issues

Cause: Updates overwrite system files.
Fix:
- Use Advanced Startup → Troubleshoot → Go back to previous version within 10 days of update.

FAQs

Q1: Why are updates cumulative now?

To simplify patching. One update contains everything, so even if you skip a few months, you get fully updated in one shot.

Q2: Can I avoid feature updates?

Yes, in Pro editions you can defer feature updates in Windows Update advanced options. Home editions have fewer controls.

Q3: Do larger updates mean more bugs?

Not necessarily. Bigger size usually means more fixes and features bundled. But complexity can introduce new bugs.

Q4: Why do updates restart my PC multiple times?

Some updates modify core files and drivers, requiring reboots to apply safely.

Q5: Will updates get even bigger in the future?

Likely yes, as AI integration, hybrid computing, and security demands grow. Expect cloud-delivered components to play a bigger role.

Helpful Resources

Conclusion

Windows updates in 2025 are larger than ever because they’re no longer just about fixes—they’re delivering features, AI tools, massive security improvements, and wide hardware support in one package. While this brings better security and functionality, it also makes updates slower, heavier, and sometimes more frustrating.

For users, the best approach is preparation: keep your system clean, ensure free disk space, stay on top of driver updates, and know how to troubleshoot when things break. With a little awareness, you can turn updates from a dreaded chore into a smoother, more predictable part of keeping your PC healthy.