14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has officially kicked off the development of the next feature update for Windows 10.
Codenamed Windows 10 19H2, this release is more likely to be a service pack rather than a full feature update, as Microsoft will focus specifically on performance and under-the-hood refinements.
Furthermore, the software giant explains that it will deliver this update to insiders just like a typical cumulative update.
“To deliver these updates in a less disruptive fashion, we will deliver this feature update in a new way, using servicing technology (like the monthly update process) for customers running the May 2019 Update who choose to update to the new release. In other words, anyone running the May 2019 Update and updating to the new release will have a far faster update experience because the update will install like a monthly update,” John Cable, Director of Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery, says.
Launch later this year
Windows 10 19H2 is projected to be finalized in September, Microsoft says.
“As this release is a September-targeted release of Windows, commercial customers using Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions of version 19H2 will continue to enjoy 30 months of servicing,” Cable continues.
Windows 10 19H2 will thus be released as a typical update for devices where Windows 10 May 2019 Update is already running. The May update, or version 1903, was released in late May and is now available as a manual download for seekers via Windows Update. By the time 19H2 gets the green light, it should go live for everyone as an automatic update.
With this approach, Microsoft clearly suggests that Windows 10 19H2 won’t be a typical feature update, but rather a release mostly focused on improving the overall reliability and stability of the operating system.
On the other hand, Windows 10 20H1, the feature update that’s already available for Fast ring insiders and due in the spring of 2020, will introduce more significant changes, including a possible UI makeover based on rounded corners.