14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 is becoming Windows as a Service and that changes the way we receive updates, but Microsoft is yet to detail how exactly this would impact consumers and business users who upgrade to the new operating system.
In a report today, Microsoft watcher Mary Jo Foley claims that, with Windows 10, Microsoft will offer three different servicing branches, namely Current Branch (CB), Current Branch for Business (CBB), and Long Term Servicing Branch (LTSB).
Depending on the installed version, users will be offered a different branch, and the current plan is as follows:
Windows 10 Home users (consumers) - Current Branch Windows 10 Pro/Education users - Current Branch or Current Branch for Business Windows 10 Enterprise users - CB, CBB, or LTSB (they are allowed to choose)
Consumers cannot choose
The biggest difference between the three is related to the timing of update install. In the Current Branch, updates are delivered when they're ready and there are no options to delay deployment or to refuse them. Sure, you could unplug your Ethernet cable, but we all know that's not a viable option.
This way, consumers' computers would remain up to date all the time and would get new fixes and improvements exactly when they are ready.
On the other hand, Windows 10 Pro users are allowed to choose between CB and CBB. The latter comes with Windows Update for Business, which gives them additional control and enables them to configure when and what to deliver to users. They can also choose additional distribution channels, such as P2P, and decide which devices get the updates first.
The LTSB customers can choose whatever they want and need and can also defer updates, but not indefinitely. This way, enterprises have full control over the updates shipped to their computers, so they can install what they want, when they want, where they want.
Right now, it's not yet clear if Windows 10 Mobile users would be offered any of these options, but expect most of the devices to fall in the CB category and get updates when they're ready.