When Microsoft introduced Windows 10 in 2015, a big part of that announcement was the new servicing model for the operating system. Microsoft announced plans to provide feature updates two or three times a year for Windows 10. By 2017, that timetable evolved into two Windows 10 feature updates per year. And that was still one too many for many IT pros.
Microsoft continued to try to soften the impact of multiple feature updates per year by changing the ability for administrators to delay updates. It also changed the support timetable so that the Windows 10 feature update, which the company typically released in the spring, got 18 months of support, while the 'fall' feature update got 30 months of support. That shift meant many IT pros just ignored the first annual feature update, leaving it to consumers to further test it, and instead, deployed only the fall update each year.
Also: Best Windows 10 laptop in 2021
With Windows 11, Microsoft is shifting servicing gears yet again. But this time, in a way that IT will likely find much more palatable.
Microsoft is moving to a single annual update per year for Windows 11. The Home and Pro editions will get 24 months of support. Enterprise and Education will get 36 months of support.
Microsoft will continue to make available regular cumulative updates with patches and fixes throughout the year for all Windows 11 users. Feature updates will continue to be delivered as they are now via Windows Update. Microsoft officials said today that updates would be 40% smaller and happen in the background.
Microsoft officials shared the good news on June 24, the day the company unveiled Windows 11.
Other news of IT Pro interest shared (and not shared) today:
Microsoft officials are saying the majority of apps, peripherals and PCs that work with Windows 10 will automatically work with Windows 11 since they are built on top of the same (Windows 10) core. The existing App Assure program will be there for those who encounter problems.
Windows 11 will be available preloaded on new hardware this holiday season, Microsoft officials said and will be available for existing PCs starting from this holiday and continuing into early 2022.