Starting with the December 2016 Cumulative Update, we launched a unified update history for Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 that provides easy access to the list of improvements and fixes included in each update as well as details on how to get the update, known issues (if any), and the complete list of affected files. Many of you have already visited the page, and we are encouraged by the response that we have received so far.
Today, we are announcing a similar approach for earlier versions of Windows. Beginning in April, we will publish three single-page experiences that provide the same level of contextual information about updates for:
Just like their Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 counterpart, these three, new unified update history pages for previous versions will contain:
- Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1
To date, release notes for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 have been published on separate pages—with KB content published on yet additional pages. Unified update history pages are, therefore, a big improvement and will enable you to access everything you need to know about monthly updates for previous versions in a consolidated view.*
- Release notes listing the improvements and fixes in the update
- Content previously found separately in Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) articles (how to get the update, known issues, the complete list of affected files)
So, starting in April, you can continue to use the existing URLs for Windows 8.1 and Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 and get easy access to information on the latest updates for the respective platforms.
* Note: this change will not affect the content we have published to date.
Source: Unified Windows update history for Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 – Windows for IT Pros