14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is very close to finalizing the development of Windows 10 20H1, officially called version 2004, and now the company is preparing to begin the testing process of the next feature update for Windows 10.
Often referred to as Windows 10 20H2, this update is codenamed Manganese, and according to Microsoft, should land for the first users in the Windows Insider program rather sooner than later.
Microsoft typically ships early Windows 10 preview builds to the Skip Ahead ring, however, it remains to be seen if the same approach would be used this time.
This year’s fall update is a rather small pack of improvements that many described as a “a little bit more than a service pack,” and if the 2020 fall update is built on the same concept, there’s a chance the first preview builds are shipped directly to both the Skip Ahead and the Fast rings.
Windows 10 20H1
Microsoft hasn’t yet provided an ETA as to when the first Windows 10 20H2 builds would be shipped to insiders, but Brandon LeBlanc, Senior Program Manager, Windows Insider Program, said the company is now giving the finishing touches to the first releases.
“We are looking to begin releasing new builds from our development branch. This means we will be releasing builds to Insiders in the Fast ring from the RS_PRERELEASE development branch again instead of the VB_RELEASE branch. This also means the desktop watermark will be returning with these builds. As is normal with pre-release builds, these builds may contain bugs and be less stable. Now is the time to check your Windows Insider Settings and switch to the Slow ring before if you wish to remain on 20H1,” LeBlanc revealed.
According to people familiar with Microsoft’s plans, Windows 10 20H1 is projected to be finalized as soon as the next month, at which point the company should switch the focus to the 20H2 update in the Windows Insider program.