Just prior to the launch of Windows 10 Anniversary edition in August, Microsoft is delivering some required changes through its cumulative update for July 2016. No new features were incorporated in the CU this month, but there are security fixes and changes. Additionally, Microsoft is laying the groundwork for the big upgrade in August.

And, incidentally, you’re not crazy to think that the CU download is taking longer than normal. Many are reporting that the download for this month’s CU is taking up to 2 hours in some cases. However, it does eventually download. Maybe – just maybe – Pokemon Go is slowing down the Internet.

Version 1511

1511 represents the most current, official version of Windows 10. Here’s what was changed through the CU:

• Improved reliability of Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer 11, Windows Explorer, Miracast, and Windows kernel.
• Fixed issue with some people seeing a black screen instead of the lock screen when resuming from connected standby.
• Fixed issue with DirectAccess where the Disconnect button appears in some cases when the connection isn't fully established.
• Fixed issue where local user accounts weren't locked after a number of failed sign in attempts.
• Improved support for video playback in certain apps that didn't render video correctly after resuming from sleep.
• Fixed issue with Windows Phone losing user authentication certificates after upgrading to Windows 10 Mobile in some cases.
• Improved support of the backup settings of apps on Windows 10 Mobile.
• Fixed issue where Microsoft Silverlight based apps wouldn't install on Windows 10 Mobile after joining Azure Active Directory.
• Fixed additional issues in .NET, Windows Kernel, Windows Update, authentication, revised daylight saving time, support for PDF files, Bluetooth, Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer 11, networking, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Security updates for Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer 11, Kernel Mode Drivers, Windows Kernel, .NET Framework, Windows Secure Kernel Mode, and Microsoft Print Spooler.

The full knowledge base article is here: Cumulative update for Windows 10 Version 1511 and Windows Server 2016 Technical Preview 4: July 12, 2016

Original July 2015 Release

Here’s the changes in the CU for those still running the originally delivered release from July 2015 (those that didn’t update to the 1511 version):

• Improved reliability of Internet Explorer 11, Windows Explorer, and Windows Update.
• Fixed issue in the NT File system (NTFS) that caused some systems to hang while restarting.
• Improved support for USB 3.0 to mount Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) CD-ROM devices.
• Fixed issue that caused some drivers to fail during installation.
• Fixed issue that caused some apps to become unresponsive when used with an Input Method Editor.
• Fixed additional issues in Microsoft Graphics component, Internet Explorer 11, Scheduled Tasks, and .NET Framework.
• Security updates for Microsoft Edge, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Print Spooler, Windows Kernel, Secure Kernel, Kernel Mode Drivers, .NET Framework, JScript, and VBScript.

The full knowledge base article is here: Cumulative update for Windows 10: July 12, 2016