Good News From Microsoft: Only One Version Update Per Year?
Not another Windows 10 version update!
Those of you who have been using for more than a few years probably remember the old service packs. Windows XP had two service packs — SP1 and SP2 — and Windows 7 had one, SP1. It looks like service packs for Windows are making a comeback. We’re going to tell you why – and why that could be good news for all of us who are running Windows 10.
It appears that Microsoft is actively rethinking its bi-annual Windows 10 version release schedule and may be changing to a single version update each year plus a service pack-like update containing performance improvements and quality enhancements instead of a lot of new features.
We think that’s really good news — if it’s true that Microsoft is going to change to a new release schedule of one version update and one service pack a year. Does that mean Windows 10 users will only have to bite the bullet once a year – instead of twice a year as many do now?
Well, it does appear, that for the near future at least, that Microsoft is acquiescing to its users.
Those of you who have Windows 10 version 1903, and those of you who will be, updating to Windows 10 version 1903 soon, will find that the next “version” update — version 1909 — will not be a version update at all, but will be delivered as a regular monthly update. This should result in a much faster update experience and much less misery for Windows 10 users.
Microsoft plans on releasing the service pack, ahem, Windows 10 version 1909 in September 2019. Those of you who are running Windows 10 version 1903 when the version 1909 is released will get the service pack as a regular monthly update. Those who are running version 1809 will get version 1909 as a regular feature update – which means a separate update and a slower – maybe much slower update process.
So, if you’re running Windows 10 version 1903 now — or if you will be running version 1903 before Windows 10 version 1909 rolls out in September 2019 — you’ll be pleasantly surprised when version 1909 (the service pack update) is delivered to you with the regular monthly updates.
Here’s the scoop from Microsoft. John Cable, Director of Program Management, Windows Servicing and Delivery writes…
“The next feature update for Windows 10 (known in the Windows Insider Program as 19H2) will be a scoped set of features for select performance improvements, enterprise features and quality enhancements. 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…
The next feature update for Windows 10 (known in the Windows Insider Program as 19H2) will be a scoped set of features for select performance improvements, enterprise features and quality enhancements. 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…
OK Windows 10 users, what do you think? Do you think one version update a year is enough? Or would you rather Microsoft keep their current schedule of two version updates per year?
Once is enough
Either way is good for me.
Thank goodness!
THEY LISTENED
Sounds good I just hope they can keep up to the necessary updates with once a year. Malware etc changes regularly so have to reacte at once..
Too late, I switched to Linux Mint last year because of those stupid forced updates.
Finally, Microsoft can put the welding machine in the cellar and lock the door.
I’m not SURE exactly just what version of Windows 10, I have on my computer. PLEASE HELP this old fart and tell me, and a few others maybe, just “HOW TO DETERMINE JUST WHAT VERSION WE HAVE, & DO IT SIMPLY PLEASE”. Not everyone is a computer expert. Sorry to be so blunt BUT!!!!
Arnie in Nova Scotia.
I like the idea of once a year.
Thank you Cloud Eight for letting us know.
You all are awesome.
Hi Arnie
You can find out what version of Windows 10 your computer is running by typing WINVER in the taskbar search and pressing Enter.
You can also find out by right-clicking the Start button, clicking on Run. In the run box type WINVER and press enter.
And you can also hold down the Windows key and tap the “R” key to open a Run box. Type WINVER in the run box and press Enter.
I’m a great supporter of your program, CloudEight is the greatest and I have followed you for many many years. I’m now 80 and have been in the computer line of work since 1980 when I built my first computer, a Heath Kit! Actually I built a binary code machine when I was 14 but all that did was add two numbers.. it was a very very simplistic device.
I have in the last 25 years devoted to helping older people, (I was once young….) (another side note… I really enjoy your essays) back to older people… I help them with computer work…. God gave me the gift to do so and I love working so I’m still at it……
As for Windows updating… I’m all for the new approach. I feel we as a society and a people are trying to make things too complicated and too sophisticated. Case in point… the aircraft 747 MAX… they made it so complicated and did not take in to account the “pilots reaction time and method” (another side… I’m a retired helicopter pilot with 5000 hours).. BACK to windows and MS… too complicated and contestant changing… why I think it is done because of $$$ money. From a christian prospective… money is NOT a good reason for doing something! Also Christians in the old days… tried to built a tower to heaven to reach god… that didn’t work out too well. We as a society are trying to build a computer (AIE) that is smarter than a human… IS That a good idea? I don’t think so …..
Enought of my rant…. YEA for MS slowing down the updates….
Please keep up the good work you are doing a great job with your Cloudeight project. God Bless.
Digital Dave
I know this is for CloudEight but I keep coming back and reading your comment. The lower part of your comment is the same way I feel. Well said Digital Dave. Have a good evening.
Although I have been a fortunate one so far without troubles from new version updates ; I think this new plan sounds good and sufficient for everyone ! Guess we’ll find out !
David — Ontario, Canada.
Thanks TC, now I know for sure that I have 1903 and look forward to the new STUFF.
Arnie
I’ve enjoyed knowing (and getting) the twice-yearly updates. I suppose I treated them like a comfort blanket. I like my PC to be up-to-date and problem-free. This new process will hopefully provide the same reassurance. With that in mind, I suppose I’m OK with the planned change.