If you want Windows Installer 3.1 to optimize the patching process so that it reduces the time that is required to apply the current patch, select Yes. If the patch only modifies a select list of tables, Windows Installer 3.1 ignores the actions that are associated with all other tables. For more information, including the list of tables, see "Patch Optimization" in the Windows Installer Help Library.

If you select Yes for this property, Microsoft Corporation recommends that you test your patch extensively to ensure that it behaves as expected.

If you do not want Windows Installer 3.1 to optimize the patching process for the current patch, select No. Windows Installer will run a complete repair of the application when the patch is applied to the target machine.

Versions of Windows Installer earlier than 3.1 ignore this property. Windows Installer 3.0 optimizes patches if the patch only modifies the select list of tables. To avoid patch optimization by Windows Installer 3.0, you must use the DisableFlyWeightPatching policy. For more information, see "DisableFlyWeightPatching" in the Windows Installer Help Library.

Versions of Windows Installer earlier than 3.0 run a complete repair of the installation when a patch is applied.