14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has started to automatically update some devices to Windows 10 version 2004 as the next phase of the gradual rollout the company kicked off a few weeks ago.
More specifically, Microsoft is now upgrading devices running Windows 10 version 1809, or the October 2019 Update, to Windows 10 May 2020 Update via Windows Update.
Until now, version 2004 was only available for seekers, which are the users who manually check for updates in Windows Update.
The automatic update, however, is not a forced update. Windows 10 version 2004 is only downloaded automatically in Windows Update and users are then prompted to restart their devices to complete the installation of the new feature update.
October update next to hit EOL
Microsoft confirms on the Windows 10 update dashboard that this phase includes the automatic update of only devices that are approaching the end of support.
“Windows 10, version 2004 is available for users with devices running Windows 10, versions 1903 and 1909, who manually seek to “Check for updates” via Windows Update. We are continuing our phased approach on initial availability, as we listen, learn, and adjust. Today we are slowly beginning the training of our machine learning (ML) based process used to intelligently select and automatically update devices approaching end of service. The recommended servicing status is Semi-Annual Channel,” Microsoft says.
Windows 10 version 1809 was originally scheduled to reach the end of support on May 12 this year, but due to the global health crisis, the company decided to extend the support until later this year. This is because many system administrators were working remotely due to the lockdowns in their countries, so managing an OS end of support would have been rather difficult without physical access to some devices.
As a result, Windows 10 October 2019 Update is still supported until November 10, 2020.