Microsoft Finally Delivers Final Fix for WSUS KB3148812, Windows 10 Anniversary Requirement

The WSUS update that botched WSUS servers a couple weeks ago has been released under a new KB number. And, like the update before it, is required for those wanting to upgrade their Windows 10 computers to the “Anniversary Update” that will release in late July.

The new update is located in KB3159706, and this time Microsoft is making sure to let customers know that This update requires manual steps in order to complete the installation.

The manual steps are contained in the knowledge base article, but Microsoft also lays them out in the blog post announcing today’s fixed update: The long-term fix for KB3148812 issues.

Microsoft goes on to explain why this update is critical…

Windows 10 feature updates (denoted by the “Upgrades” classification in WSUS) are staged in encrypted packages to Windows Update several days prior to the actual go-live date.  This is to ensure that we can release to all regions simultaneously.  The Windows 10 client has been able to decrypt these packages since RTM; however, WSUS was not able to do this.  Until now, we have been manually decrypting these packages prior to releasing to the WSUS channel, the process of which is both time consuming and error prone.  KB3159706 introduces this functionality to WSUS for Windows Server 2012/R2, such that it can now natively decrypt this content.  Skipping this KB means not being able to distribute the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, or any subsequent feature update, via these platforms.  Note that Windows Server 2016 will have this functionality at RTM.

So, the reason behind this change is logical and sound, and should help to maximize the availability of Windows 10 Anniversary edition when its ready to install.