Version 1703 shipped to all compatible Windows 10 devices

Jul 28, 2017 04:54 GMT  ·  By

Microsoft started the Windows 10 Creators Update rollout in April, and the company committed to a staged release, meaning that compatible devices would get it in waves, as the reported bugs and issues with hardware were fixed.

In an announcement today, Microsoft reveals that Windows 10 Creators Update is now available for all compatible devices that are currently on Windows 10, and the company recommends everyone to install it as soon as possible given the security enhancements in this version.

“We are excited to make the Creators Update fully available to all our customers. We also encourage commercial organizations to begin broadly deploying Windows 10, version 1703, if you haven’t already done so. Staying up to date on both the latest feature and quality updates assures you of being on the most secure version of Windows 10 ever (version 1703),” John Cable, Director of Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery, explained.

New semi-annual release schedule

In addition to the Windows 10 Creators Update availability, Microsoft also announced a new feature update model that replaces the existing Current Branch (CB) and Current Branch for Business (CBB).

Basically, Microsoft wants to align the Windows operating system with Office 365 ProPlus, a move that the company claims would be specifically helpful for IT pros, who can simplify and synchronize deployment across their organizations.

As a result, Windows feature updates would be shipped in March and September, and both feature releases would be serviced for 18 months after the launch. The Creators Update becomes the first version to be part of the Semi-Annual Channel approach.

The Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) - now called Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) - remains unchanged and would continue to be serviced for 10 years from the date of release. This is specifically aimed at enterprises where less frequent releases are needed. The next release that’s part of LTSC will take place in 2019.