Windows 11: one feature update per year and longer support cycles

[harlan4096]

Microsoft's upcoming Windows 11 operating system will receive one feature update per year and each version will be supported for a longer period.

Windows 11 shares many features with Windows 10, but there are also fundamental differences between the two operating system versions.

One of the core differences is the switch from releasing two feature updates per year for Windows 10 to releasing a single feature update for Windows 11.

The feature update for Windows 11 will always be released in the second half of the year, and it will be supported for 24 months on the consumer side and for 36 months on the Enterprise.

Compared to Windows 10, Home users and Enterprise customers do get an extra 6 month of support, when compared to the second feature update release of the year.

Edition                                                       Servicing timeline (one release per year)

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Windows 11 Enterprise
Windows 11 Education                               36 months from release date
Windows 11 IoT Enterprise

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Windows 11 Pro
Windows 11 Pro Education                          24 months from release date
Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
Windows 10 Home

Home editions are the only edition of Windows 11 that don't support the deferral of feature updates. Microsoft notes in its Lifecycle FAQ that these "receive a new version of Windows 11 prior to the end-of-servicing date shown".

User feedback and a change to Microsoft's overall update approach were the main drivers for extending the servicing period and the switching to a single feature update per year release schedule.

The upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 on consumer devices is only available to systems that meet the new hardware requirements. Updates are made available to administrators who check for updates manually. Microsoft did not reveal if it plans to change the upgrade process closer to Windows 10's end of servicing.

While updates using Windows Update are out of the question for devices that are not compatible, it may be possible to update these using other means, e.g. direct installations.

Enterprise customers will be able to use the same tools and services that are available on Windows 10 when it comes to Windows 11. Tools like Windows Update for Business, Microsoft Endpoint Manager or Windows Autopilot are available for use in these environments.

Microsoft will release Windows 10 version 21H2 in the second half of the year. A new Windows 19 LTSC (Long-Term Servicing Channel) edition will be released as well around the time. Windows 11 will also be released in the second half of 2021, likely in October 2021.

Closing Words

Longer support periods and less frequent feature updates make the administration of Windows 11 devices less stressful.

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