Normally, updates for Windows operating systems are handled on the second Tuesday of the month, which has become known as "Patch Tuesday". Now there"s word that Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows RT will be receiving a new platform update on Tuesday, February 26th, which may be a clue as to the launch date for the final version of Internet Explorer 10 for Windows 7.
The Microsoft Support Page has word that there will be a platform update released on that day for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. In fact, you can download a pre-release version of that update right now. The update is supposed to offer "improved features and performance" and is a prerequisite for IE10.
The same support page shows that there will also be a software update for Windows 8, Windows RT, and Windows Server 2012 on that day, along with an update rollup for Windows Server 2012 Essentials. At the moment, the only information on what"s included in those updates is that they are supposed to "resolve issues in Windows".
Finally, Microsoft will release a new System Update Readiness Tool on Tuesday for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Vista. The change log says:
This tool is being offered because an inconsistency was found in the Windows servicing store which may prevent the successful installation of future updates, service packs, and software. This tool checks your computer for such inconsistencies and tries to resolve issues if found.
Thanks to Sam for the tip!
Source: Microsoft