Windows 10: Do CPU Microcode Updates Need to be Reinstalled if Win is Renstalled?

Microsoft has been releasing some of Intel's CPU Microcode updates to patch Spectre flaws as part of KB4090007. This update has to be downloaded and installed manually from the Windows Update Catalog - it won't just download automatically through Windows Update.

I'm not really familiar with Microcode updates. Is the Microcode update something that Windows applies or loads like a driver each time Windows is booted or is it permanent like a firmware update?

In other words, what I really want to know is whether I only need to install this once for my system or will I need to reinstall it if I reinstall a clean copy of Windows?

:)

 

Intel microcode update

The microcode updates in question are developed by Intel, not Microsoft. Microsoft is just the delivery boy. Don't shoot the messenger. It's Intel that hasn't provided the update that you're looking for.

 

Intel microcode update

my pc is out of Support in HP but my windows is still supported and my cpu is still supported so it's microsoft responsibility to deliver intel microcode updates as it delivered microcode updates to other chips.

Right now windows loads an old version of microcode into processor and It's microsoft responsibility to load the new microcode since they made themselves responsible for delivering drivers and every manufacturer says that windows 10 drivers will be delivered
through windows updates

OR they can at least make a tool for us to update microcode but I'm sure they won't!!

 

Some microcode updates are supplied as a bios update from the manufacturer, other are loaded at boot by the OS.

This KB4090007 from Microsoft installs a file named mcupdate_GenuineIntel.dll in System32 which Windows loads at boot. So yes, you'll need to reinstall it after a clean install.

 

Thanks. I very much appreciate your taking the time to answer this for me.

 

You're welcome.

I have a personal interest in this as my OEM is not planning to issue a new bios for my older machine and MS have not (yet?) issued an update for my particular CPU.