Changes Coming for Windows 10 Users
The much-maligned Microsoft scheduled rollout of two Windows 10 feature updates (version updates) a year may finally end in 2021. Not so much to appease disgruntled users, but to make it easier on Microsoft development teams working on Windows 10X as well as Windows 10. Windows 10X is the upcoming version of Windows 10 specifically designed to power foldable PCs and dual-screen laptops.
Wow! Only one new feature update (version) each year?
According to information obtained by Windows Latest, 2021 may be the year when Windows 10 users will only have to worry about “feature” updates – known to all of us as “version” updates – once each year. Microsoft has already started moving in this direction by releasing one major feature update and one minor feature update beginning in 2019
Windows 10 version 1903 (April 2019) was a major feature update, while Windows 10 version 1909 (October 2019) was a minor feature update. This is also true of feature updates in 2020, with version 2004 (May 2020) being the major update for 2020.
If Microsoft decides to release only one feature (update) update per year beginning in 2021, it’s great news for all Windows 10 users. Not only because one feature update a year means less worry and stress for users, but also because with only one feature update a year, Microsoft should have more time to focus on getting the update right the first time, rather than ending up spending the first few months after each feature update patching all the bugs in it.
Alas, Microsoft is not making the one features update per year official yet, but it sure looks like a big break for Windows 10 users is coming next year if Microsoft does change to one feature update a year instead of two.
The second feature (version) update of 2020 will be released in October or November. But it won’t be called Windows 10 version 2010. Microsoft is changing how it numbers updates. After years of naming version updates for the year and month – 1903 for example – Microsoft is making a major change.
A new naming scheme coming for Windows 10 versions
Microsoft has announced that the second feature update in 2020 will be called version 20H2 — it will not be called Windows 10 version 2010 or whatever.
In the future, Microsoft will use the H1 and H2 branding in version numbers to indicate that a Windows 10 version update (feature update) was released in the first or second half of the year, respectively.
So, if there is only one feature update of Windows 10 in 2021, and it is released on or before June 30, 2021, it will be called version 21H1. If it’s released after June 30, 2021, it will be called Windows 10 version 21H2.
Two new features you might see in the next version of Windows 10
A new touch keyboard
A new touch keyboard that features an emoji picker, clipboard tool, and search box.
A new emoji panel and picker
A new emoji panel and picker that allows you to access your clipboard history. Also, the new touch keyboard gives users access to dynamic GIFs as well as recently used emojis. Also, the new emoji picker features a search box where users can search for emoji and GIFs.
Oh no not another update coming in October or November, the last two have been a real pain for me. They have both taken over 24hrs to download. The message has been repairing Drive J which is my lTB hard drive. I have been trying to check this hard drive without much success, I am wondering if I can just unplug it if its going to be a problem with every update. I have had it for several years it is telling me it has heaps of space left, I can’t seem to find anywhere on its properties where I can check if it is working ok. Just can’t remember how I set it up all those years ago. WHen I check its content there are just photos on there but none from recent times. Maybe it is just past its useby and I need to purchase a new one. Your advice would be helpful
You should always unplug all external drives, USB flash drives, and/or memory cards before you update.
You can check your external drive by opening File Explorer (Windows key + E) and then clicking on This PC. Locate your external drive, right-click on it, choose “Properties”, click on the “Tools” tab and click on the “Check” button.
And I was so happy just two weeks ago in the weekly newsletter where you explained how Microsoft names the Version updates. They must have a team to confuse owners besides working on these new Versions. I will be happy when 2021 is here for a ton of reasons, Microsoft Versions one of them. Thank you for this information.
Thanks! Since then they’ve changed it. Now it will be Windows 20H2, 21H1, 21H2, 22H1,22H2. The last 2 digits of the year. H1= first half of that year and H2= last half of that year.
Hi TC & EB,
After 2 attempts and waiting ages to for version 2004 to download, then reverting back to version 1903/1909 I give up, and a small message appears of what I deem to be nonsense.
My computer ticks like a well-oiled clock, regularly cleaned and maintained and no Microsoft issues.
If Microsft want me to update to the latest version then they can solve the problem because seeking assistance from their site one may as well get a brick to be their ‘impersonal’ assistant because the current one merely ‘spins a roulette wheel’.
At some point in time, you’ll have two choices – upgrade or use an unsupported version of Windows 10. Version 1909 is supported until May 2021 – and in the meantime, Windows 10 20H2 will be released (supposed in October). It’s also possible that Microsoft will release Windows 10 version 21H1 before version 1909 goes unsupported in May 2021.