Microsoft explains how Dynamic Updates work on Windows 10

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Dynamic Updates play a role when Windows 10 feature updates are installed on a PC; this can be as part of a new installation or an update, e.g. from Windows 10 version 1809 to the May 2019 Update.

Dynamic Updates are supported by previous versions of Windows, including Windows 8.1 or Windows Server 2012.

Dynamic Updates are enabled by default but can be disabled by the user or system administrator. Their main purpose is to download certain components relevant to the update process or system stability during installation.

Without Dynamic Updates, a system's administrator would have to install certain components, e.g. new cumulative updates or updated drivers, after the initial installation.

Windows 10 Dynamic Updates

Dynamic Updates may include the following components according to Microsoft:

* Setup -- Fixes for files required for Setup.
* SafeOS -- Fixes for the Safe OS which Microsoft uses to update the recovery environment.
* Servicing Stack Update (SSU) / Critical -- Address any Servicing Stack Update issues.
* Latest Cumulative Updates / General Distribution Release -- Installs the latest cumulative update for the operating system version.
* Language Pack / Feature on Demand -- To preserve language packs and optional features.
* Driver -- Drivers targeted for Dynamic Update release.

The Dynamic Update step is one of the first that Windows Setup invokes during installation. It involves contacting Microsoft and retrieving updated content that is then applied to the installation media.

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