Microsoft’s first Windows Phone 7 update appears to be imminent.

The software giant began pushing out a small Zune update on Tuesday which could be distributed to prepare the Zune client for the forthcoming Windows Phone 7 update. The update is small and does not change the software version, still at 4.7.1404.0. The update has patched the ZuneWMdu.dll (Windows Mobile Device Updater) file, as well as its related resources. Microsoft has also stopped approving new Windows Phone 7 applications for its Marketplace according to WP7applist. The third party tracking service says that 122 apps are updated on average each day but for the past two days no applications have been added or updated in the Windows Phone Marketplace.

Microsoft’s first platform update will include the highly anticipated copy and paste feature. Windows Phone 7 copy and paste has been demonstrated earlier this week in full thanks to an unlocked emulator. Microsoft’s first update will also improve application start-up and resume times. Microsoft posted a support article recently that details the update process for Windows Phone 7 devices. The support article has led many to believe that the update is due imminently.

Microsoft has shipped 2 million devices to carriers and is expected to announce further progress and updates at the Mobile World Congress exhibition in Barcelona next week. Nokia is also rumored to be partnering with Microsoft to produce a Windows Phone 7 smartphone. Stephen Elop, ex-Microsoft employee and current Nokia CEO, will detail Nokia’s new company strategy on Friday February 11. Analysts and operators have called for Nokia to adopt Windows Phone 7 over Android to create better competition in the mobile market.

Microsoft spokespeople refused to confirm whether the Zune update is connected to Windows Phone 7. Employees on Microsoft’s official Zune Support Twitter account refused to share details on what the update contains.