Microsoft is rolling out a cumulative update today ahead of an official service pack for Windows 8. The update includes power and performance improvements as well as some driver fixes and updates to some core Windows 8 applications. It is unusual for Microsoft to roll out cumulative patches (other than service packs) but with Windows 8 adoption rates cratering, they must put their best foot forward.
Microsoft said:
“By developing better test automation and test coverage tools we are happy to say that Windows 8 will be totally up to date for all customers starting at General Availability. If you are an MSDN or enterprise customer, these updates will be available for your Windows 8 PCs via Windows Update as of today (October 9), following our standard cadence for Windows Updates on the second Tuesday of each month at about 10:00am (PT).”