Microsoft will push out its first Windows Phone 7 update on Monday but it’s not what you’re expecting.

The software giant will issue a Windows Phone 7 patch on Monday to address issues with the update mechanism for the operating system. “This first update for Windows Phone is designed to improve the software update process itself. So while it might not sound exciting, it’s still important because it’s paving the way for all future goodie-filled updates to your phone, such as copy and paste or improved Marketplace search,” said Microsoft’s Michael Stroh.

Microsoft says it will start issuing the patch today. “To help ensure the process goes smoothly, it won’t be sent to everyone at once. So you might see an update message before your spouse, co-worker, or neighbor (or vice versa),” says Stroh. Windows Phone 7 users will need to connect their device to the  Zune software for PC or the Windows Phone 7 Connector for Mac.

Microsoft’s first update will not bring the enhancements that everyone is waiting on. The update today is simply a platform patch to ready the operating system for the “NoDo” update due in early March. Speaking at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer promised the “NoDo” update would be distributed to existing devices in “early March”. Microsoft’s first update will be distributed by the Zune desktop client, allowing full backup and restore points to ensure a smooth upgrade process.

Microsoft’s first platform update will include the highly anticipated copy and paste feature. Windows Phone 7 copy and paste has been demonstrated recently 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.

“NoDo”, the codename for Microsoft’s first Windows Phone 7 update, has been ready for some time. The software giant RTM’d the update in December and has been busy preparing the Zune client software and Marketplace to handle the updated software. WinRumors understands the update has been delayed a number of times due to concerns from operators and device manufacturers.

Microsoft revealed in January that it has now shipped 2 million devices to carriers. Microsoft and Nokia both announced a strategic partnership on Friday allowing Nokia to create a range of Windows Phone 7 devices. Nokia says it is aiming to bring Windows Phone 7 hardware to the market by the end of the year. Ballmer said recently that hardware will be unveiled in the coming weeks or months. Nokia CEO Stephen Elop confirmed that the company will be able to create a Windows Phone 7 quickly thanks to joint-engineering efforts.