diff --git a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deployment-considerations.md b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deployment-considerations.md index 90d0c547cb..4d8bf0ff3e 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deployment-considerations.md +++ b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-deployment-considerations.md @@ -36,46 +36,13 @@ Windows 10 also introduces two additional scenarios that organizations should c So how do you choose? At a high level: - ---- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Consider ...For these scenarios
In-place upgrade
    -

  • When you want to keep all (or at least most) existing applications

    • -

  • When you do not plan to significantly change the device configuration (for example, BIOS to UEFI) or operating system configuration (for example, x86 to x64, language changes, Administrators to non-Administrators, Active Directory domain consolidations)

    • -

  • To migrate from Windows 10 to a later Windows 10 release

    • -
Traditional wipe-and-load
    -

  • When you upgrade significant numbers of applications along with the new Windows OS

    • -

  • When you make significant device or operating system configuration changes

    • -

  • When you “start clean”. For example, scenarios where it is not necessary to preserve existing apps or data (for example, call centers) or when you move from unmanaged to well-managed PCs

    • -

  • When you migrate from Windows Vista or other previous operating system versions

    • -
Dynamic provisioning
    -

  • For new devices, especially in “choose your own device” scenarios when simple configuration (not reimaging) is all that is required

    • -

  • When used in combination with a management tool (for example, an MDM service like Microsoft Intune) that enables self-service installation of user-specific or role-specific apps

    • -
+| Consider ... | For these scenarios | +|---|---| +| In-place upgrade | - When you want to keep all (or at least most) existing applications
- When you do not plan to significantly change the device configuration (for example, BIOS to UEFI) or operating system configuration (for example, x86 to x64, language changes, Administrators to non-Administrators, Active Directory domain consolidations)
- To migrate from Windows 10 to a later Windows 10 release | +| Traditional wipe-and-load | - When you upgrade significant numbers of applications along with the new Windows OS
- When you make significant device or operating system configuration changes
- When you “start clean”. For example, scenarios where it is not necessary to preserve existing apps or data (for example, call centers) or when you move from unmanaged to well-managed PCs
- When you migrate from Windows Vista or other previous operating system versions | +| Dynamic provisioning | - For new devices, especially in “choose your own device” scenarios when simple configuration (not reimaging) is all that is required.
- When used in combination with a management tool (for example, an MDM service like Microsoft Intune) that enables self-service installation of user-specific or role-specific apps | + -  ## Migration from previous Windows versions For existing PCs running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, in-place upgrade is the recommended method for Windows 10 deployment and should be used whenever possible. Although wipe-and-load (OS refresh) deployments are still fully supported (and necessary in some scenarios, as mentioned previously), in-place upgrade is simpler and faster, and enables a faster Windows 10 deployment overall. @@ -105,7 +72,7 @@ In either of these scenarios, you can make a variety of configuration changes to ## Stay up to date -For computers already running Windows 10 on the Semi-Annual Channel, new upgrades will be deployed two times per year. You can deploy these upgrades by using a variety of methods: +For computers using the [General Availability Channel](../update/waas-overview.md#general-availability-channel), you can deploy these upgrades by using a variety of methods: - Windows Update or Windows Update for Business, for devices where you want to receive updates directly from the Internet. - Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), for devices configured to pull updates from internal servers after they are approved (deploying like an update). diff --git a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-enterprise-faq-itpro.yml b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-enterprise-faq-itpro.yml index 8ca699331f..a8e1aa8c67 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-enterprise-faq-itpro.yml +++ b/windows/deployment/planning/windows-10-enterprise-faq-itpro.yml @@ -103,7 +103,7 @@ sections: - question: | What are the servicing channels? answer: | - To align with the new method of delivering feature updates and quality updates in Windows 10, Microsoft introduced the concept of servicing channels to allow customers to designate how aggressively their individual devices are updated. For example, an organization may have test devices that the IT department can update with new features as soon as possible, and then specialized devices that require a longer feature update cycle to ensure continuity. With that in mind, Microsoft offers two servicing channels for Windows 10: Semi-Annual Channel, and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC). For details about the versions in each servicing channel, see [Windows 10 release information](https://technet.microsoft.com/windows/release-info.aspx). For more information on each channel, see [servicing channels](../update/waas-overview.md#servicing-channels). + To align with the new method of delivering feature updates and quality updates in Windows 10, Microsoft introduced the concept of servicing channels to allow customers to designate how aggressively their individual devices are updated. For example, an organization may have test devices that the IT department can update with new features as soon as possible, and then specialized devices that require a longer feature update cycle to ensure continuity. With that in mind, Microsoft offers two servicing channels for Windows 10: General Availability Channel, and Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC). For details about the versions in each servicing channel, see [Windows 10 release information](https://technet.microsoft.com/windows/release-info.aspx). For more information on each channel, see [servicing channels](../update/waas-overview.md#servicing-channels). - question: | What tools can I use to manage Windows as a service updates? diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/WIP4Biz-intro.md b/windows/deployment/update/WIP4Biz-intro.md index ae8c69d273..c5e07f7751 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/update/WIP4Biz-intro.md +++ b/windows/deployment/update/WIP4Biz-intro.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ --- title: Introduction to the Windows Insider Program for Business description: In this article, you'll learn about the Windows Insider Program for Business and why IT Pros should join. -keywords: updates, servicing, current, deployment, semi-annual channel, feature, quality, rings, insider, WiP4Biz, enterprise, rings, flight +keywords: updates, servicing, current, deployment, General Availability Channel, semi-annual channel, feature, quality, rings, insider, WiP4Biz, enterprise, rings, flight ms.custom: seo-marvel-apr2020 ms.prod: w10 ms.mktglfcycl: manage @@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ ms.topic: article > **Looking for information about Windows 10 for personal or home use?** See [Windows Update: FAQ](https://support.microsoft.com/help/12373/windows-update-faq) -For many IT Pros, it's valuable to have visibility into feature updates early--before they’re available in the Semi-Annual Channel. With Windows 10, feature flighting enables participants in the Windows Insider Preview program can consume and deploy preproduction code to test devices, gaining early visibility into the next build. This is better for your organization because you can test the early builds of Windows 10 to discover possible issues with the code or with device and app compatibility in your organization before the update is ever publicly available. We at Microsoft also appreciate it because Insiders can report issues back to us in time for us to make improvements in a release before it is more generally available. +For many IT Pros, it's valuable to have visibility into feature updates early--before they’re available in the General Availability Channel. With Windows 10, feature flighting enables participants in the Windows Insider Preview program can consume and deploy preproduction code to test devices, gaining early visibility into the next build. This is better for your organization because you can test the early builds of Windows 10 to discover possible issues with the code or with device and app compatibility in your organization before the update is ever publicly available. We at Microsoft also appreciate it because Insiders can report issues back to us in time for us to make improvements in a release before it is more generally available. The Windows Insider Program for Business gives you the opportunity to: @@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ The Windows Insider Program for Business gives you the opportunity to: Microsoft recommends that all organizations have at least a few devices enrolled in the Windows Insider Program, to include the Windows Insider Program in their deployment plans, and to provide feedback on any issues they encounter to Microsoft via our Feedback Hub App. -The Windows Insider Program doesn't replace Semi-Annual Channel deployments in an organization. Rather, it provides IT Pros and other interested parties with pre-release Windows builds that they can test and ultimately provide feedback on to Microsoft. +The Windows Insider Program doesn't replace General Availability Channel deployments in an organization. Rather, it provides IT Pros and other interested parties with pre-release Windows builds that they can test and ultimately provide feedback on to Microsoft. [![Illustration showing the Windows Insider PreviewFast Ring for exploration, the Slow Ring for validation, the Semi-Annual Channel Targeted ring for Pilot deployment, and the Semi-Annual Channel for broad deployment.](images/WIP4Biz_deployment.png)](images/WIP4Biz_deployment.png)
Windows 10 Insider Preview builds enable organizations to prepare sooner for Windows Semi-Annual releases and reduce the overall validation effort required with traditional deployments. @@ -56,8 +56,8 @@ Along with exploring new features, you also have the option to validate your app - Get a head start on your Windows validation process - Identify issues sooner to accelerate your Windows deployment - Engage Microsoft earlier for help with potential compatibility issues -- Deploy Windows 10 Semi-Annual releases faster and more confidently -- Maximize the 18-month support Window that comes with each Semi-Annual release. +- Deploy Windows 10 General Availability Channel releases faster and more confidently +- Maximize the support Window that comes with each General Availability Channel release. |Objective |Feature exploration| |---------|---------| diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools.md b/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools.md index f1d6c2488e..a9cda4ed31 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools.md +++ b/windows/deployment/update/get-started-updates-channels-tools.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ --- title: Windows client updates, channels, and tools description: Brief summary of the kinds of Windows updates, the channels they are served through, and the tools for managing them -keywords: updates, servicing, current, deployment, semi-annual channel, feature, quality, rings, insider, tools +keywords: updates, servicing, current, deployment, General Availability Channel, semi-annual channel, feature, quality, rings, insider, tools ms.prod: w10 ms.mktglfcycl: manage author: jaimeo @@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ version of the software. We include information here about many different update types you'll hear about, but the two overarching types that you have the most direct control over are *feature updates* and *quality updates*. -- **Feature updates:** Released as soon as they become available. Feature updates add new features and functionality to Windows 10. Because they are delivered frequently (rather than every 3-5 years), they are easier to manage. +- **Feature updates:** Released annually. Feature updates add new features and functionality to Windows 10. Because they are delivered frequently (rather than every 3-5 years), they are easier to manage. - **Quality updates:** Quality updates deliver both security and non-security fixes. Quality updates include security updates, critical updates, servicing stack updates, and driver updates. They are typically released on the second Tuesday of each month, though they can be released at any time. The second-Tuesday releases are the ones that focus on security updates. Quality updates are *cumulative*, so installing the latest quality update is sufficient to get all the available fixes for a specific feature update, including any out-of-band security fixes and any *servicing stack updates* that might have been released previously. - **Servicing stack updates:** The "servicing stack" is the code component that actually installs Windows updates. From time to time, the servicing stack itself needs to be updated in order to function smoothly. If you don't install the latest servicing stack update, there's a risk that your device can't be updated with the latest Microsoft security fixes. Servicing stack updates are not necessarily included in *every* monthly quality update, and occasionally are released out of band to address a late-breaking issue. Always install the latest available quality update to catch any servicing stack updates that might have been released. The servicing stack also contains the "component-based servicing stack" (CBS), which is a key underlying component for several elements of Windows deployment, such as DISM, SFC, changing Windows features or roles, and repairing components. The CBS is a small component that typically does not have updates released every month. You can find a list of servicing stack updates at [Latest servicing stack updates](https://portal.msrc.microsoft.com/security-guidance/advisory/ADV990001). For more detail about servicing stack updates, see [Servicing stack updates](servicing-stack-updates.md). - **Driver updates**: These update drivers applicable to your devices. Driver updates are turned off by default in Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), but for cloud-based update methods, you can control whether they are installed or not. @@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ The first step of controlling when and how devices install updates is assigning ### General Availability Channel -In the General Availability Channel, feature updates are available as soon as Microsoft releases them. As long as a device isn't set to defer feature updates, any device in this channel will install a feature update as soon as it's released. If you use Windows Update for Business, the channel provides three months of additional total deployment time before being required to update to the next release. +In the General Availability Channel, feature updates are released annually. As long as a device isn't set to defer feature updates, any device in this channel will install a feature update as soon as it's released. If you use Windows Update for Business, the channel provides three months of additional total deployment time before being required to update to the next release. ### Windows Insider Program for Business diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/waas-manage-updates-wsus.md b/windows/deployment/update/waas-manage-updates-wsus.md index 8bfab4700e..bb91408f6f 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/update/waas-manage-updates-wsus.md +++ b/windows/deployment/update/waas-manage-updates-wsus.md @@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ When using WSUS to manage updates on Windows client devices, start by configurin 3. Right-click **Your_Domain**, and then select **Create a GPO in this domain, and Link it here**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig3.png) + ![Create a GPO in this domain example in the UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig3.png) >[!NOTE] >In this example, the **Configure Automatic Updates** and **Intranet Microsoft Update Service Location** Group Policy settings are specified for the entire domain. This is not a requirement; you can target these settings to any security group by using Security Filtering or a specific OU. @@ -73,13 +73,13 @@ When using WSUS to manage updates on Windows client devices, start by configurin 7. Right-click the **Configure Automatic Updates** setting, and then click **Edit**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig4.png) + ![Configure Automatic Updates in the UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig4.png) 8. In the **Configure Automatic Updates** dialog box, select **Enable**. 9. Under **Options**, from the **Configure automatic updating** list, select **3 - Auto download and notify for install**, and then click **OK**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig5.png) + ![Select Auto download and notify for install in the UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig5.png) >[!IMPORTANT] > Use Regedit.exe to check that the following key is not enabled, because it can break Windows Store connectivity: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\DoNotConnectToWindowsUpdateInternetLocations @@ -91,12 +91,12 @@ When using WSUS to manage updates on Windows client devices, start by configurin 11. In the **Specify intranet Microsoft update service location** dialog box, select **Enable**. -12. Under **Options**, in the **Set the intranet update service for detecting updates** and **Set the intranet statistics server** options, type http://Your_WSUS_Server_FQDN:PortNumber, and then select **OK**. +12. Under **Options**, in the **Set the intranet update service for detecting updates** and **Set the intranet statistics server** options, type `http://Your_WSUS_Server_FQDN:PortNumber`, and then select **OK**. >[!NOTE] >The URL `http://CONTOSO-WSUS1.contoso.com:8530` in the following image is just an example. In your environment, be sure to use the server name and port number for your WSUS instance. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig6.png) + ![Set the intranet statistics server in the UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig6.png) >[!NOTE] >The default HTTP port for WSUS is 8530, and the default HTTP over Secure Sockets Layer (HTTPS) port is 8531. (The other options are 80 and 443; no other ports are supported.) @@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ You can use computer groups to target a subset of devices that have specific qua 2. Go to *Server_Name*\Computers\All Computers, and then click **Add Computer Group**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig7.png) + ![Add Computer Group in the WSUS Administration UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig7.png) 3. Type **Ring 2 Pilot Business Users** for the name, and then click **Add**. @@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ When new computers communicate with WSUS, they appear in the **Unassigned Comput 2. Select both computers, right-click the selection, and then click **Change Membership**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig8.png) + ![Select Change Membership in the UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig8.png) 3. In the **Set Computer Group Membership** dialog box, select the **Ring 2 Pilot Business Users** deployment ring, and then click **OK**. @@ -162,7 +162,7 @@ Another way to add multiple computers to a deployment ring in the WSUS Administr 3. In the search results, select the computers, right-click the selection, and then click **Change Membership**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig9.png) + ![Select Change Membership to search for multiple computers in the UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig9.png) 4. Select the **Ring 3 Broad IT** deployment ring, and then click **OK**. @@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ The WSUS Administration Console provides a friendly interface from which you can 1. Open the WSUS Administration Console, and go to *Server_Name*\Options, and then click **Computers**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig10.png) + ![Select Comptuers in the WSUS Administration Console.](images/waas-wsus-fig10.png) 2. In the **Computers** dialog box, select **Use Group Policy or registry settings on computers**, and then click **OK**. @@ -203,7 +203,7 @@ Now that WSUS is ready for client-side targeting, complete the following steps t 5. Right-click the **WSUS – Client Targeting – Ring 4 Broad Business Users** GPO, and then click **Edit**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig11.png) + ![Select the WSUS ring 4 and edit in group policy.](images/waas-wsus-fig11.png) 6. In the Group Policy Management Editor, go to Computer Configuration\Policies\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Update. @@ -213,7 +213,7 @@ Now that WSUS is ready for client-side targeting, complete the following steps t 9. In the **Target group name for this computer** box, type *Ring 4 Broad Business Users*. This is the name of the deployment ring in WSUS to which these computers will be added. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig12.png) + ![Enter the WSUS deployment ring name.](images/waas-wsus-fig12.png) > [!WARNING] > The target group name must match the computer group name. @@ -230,7 +230,7 @@ Now you’re ready to deploy this GPO to the correct computer security group for 3. Under **Security Filtering**, remove the default **AUTHENTICATED USERS** security group, and then add the **Ring 4 Broad Business Users** group. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig13.png) + ![Remove the default AUTHENTICATED USERS security group in group policy.](images/waas-wsus-fig13.png) The next time the clients in the **Ring 4 Broad Business Users** security group receive their computer policy and contact WSUS, they will be added to the **Ring 4 Broad Business Users** deployment ring. @@ -239,7 +239,7 @@ The next time the clients in the **Ring 4 Broad Business Users** security group For clients that should have their feature updates approved as soon as they’re available, you can configure Automatic Approval rules in WSUS. >[!NOTE] ->WSUS respects the client device's servicing branch. If you approve a feature update while it is still in one branch, such as Insider Preview, WSUS will install the update only on devices that are in that servicing branch. When Microsoft releases the build for Semi-Annual Channel (or General Availability Channel), the devices in that will install it. Windows Update for Business branch settings do not apply to feature updates through WSUS. +>WSUS respects the client device's servicing branch. If you approve a feature update while it is still in one branch, such as Insider Preview, WSUS will install the update only on devices that are in that servicing branch. When Microsoft releases the build for the [General Availability Channel](waas-overview.md#general-availability-channel), the devices in that will install it. Windows Update for Business branch settings do not apply to feature updates through WSUS. **To configure an Automatic Approval rule for Windows client feature updates and approve them for the Ring 3 Broad IT deployment ring** @@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ This example uses Windows 10, but the process is the same for Windows 11. 3. In the **Add Rule** dialog box, select the **When an update is in a specific classification**, **When an update is in a specific product**, and **Set a deadline for the approval** check boxes. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig14.png) + ![Select the update and deadline check boxes in the WSUS Administration Console.](images/waas-wsus-fig14.png) 4. In the **Edit the properties** area, select **any classification**. Clear everything except **Upgrades**, and then click **OK**. @@ -265,7 +265,7 @@ This example uses Windows 10, but the process is the same for Windows 11. 8. In the **Step 3: Specify a name** box, type **Windows 10 Upgrade Auto-approval for Ring 3 Broad IT**, and then click **OK**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig15.png) + ![Enter the ring 3 deployment name.](images/waas-wsus-fig15.png) 9. In the **Automatic Approvals** dialog box, click **OK**. @@ -300,7 +300,7 @@ To simplify the manual approval process, start by creating a software update vie 5. In the **Step 3: Specify a name** box, type **All Windows 10 Upgrades**, and then click **OK**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig16.png) + ![Enter All Windows 10 Upgrades for the name in the WSUS admin console.](images/waas-wsus-fig16.png) Now that you have the **All Windows 10 Upgrades** view, complete the following steps to manually approve an update for the **Ring 4 Broad Business Users** deployment ring: @@ -308,21 +308,21 @@ Now that you have the **All Windows 10 Upgrades** view, complete the following s 2. Right-click the feature update you want to deploy, and then click **Approve**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig17.png) + ![Approve the feature you want to deploy in WSUS admin console.](images/waas-wsus-fig17.png) 3. In the **Approve Updates** dialog box, from the **Ring 4 Broad Business Users** list, select **Approved for Install**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig18.png) + ![Select Approve for install in the WSUS admin console.](images/waas-wsus-fig18.png) 4. In the **Approve Updates** dialog box, from the **Ring 4 Broad Business Users** list, click **Deadline**, click **One Week**, and then click **OK**. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig19.png) + ![Select a one week deadline in the WSUS admin console.](images/waas-wsus-fig19.png) 5. If the **Microsoft Software License Terms** dialog box opens, click **Accept**. If the deployment is successful, you should receive a successful progress report. - ![Example of UI.](images/waas-wsus-fig20.png) + ![A sample successful deployment.](images/waas-wsus-fig20.png) 6. In the **Approval Progress** dialog box, click **Close**. diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview.md b/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview.md index 5947bdc897..543f0e96db 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview.md +++ b/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview.md @@ -1,7 +1,7 @@ --- title: Overview of Windows as a service description: Windows as a service is a way to build, deploy, and service Windows. Learn how Windows as a service works. -keywords: updates, servicing, current, deployment, semi-annual channel, feature, quality, rings, insider, tools +keywords: updates, servicing, current, deployment, General Availability Channel, semi-annual channel, feature, quality, rings, insider, tools ms.prod: w10 ms.mktglfcycl: manage author: jaimeo @@ -90,9 +90,9 @@ There are three servicing channels. The [Windows Insider Program](#windows-insid ### General Availability Channel -In the General Availability Channel, feature updates are available as soon as Microsoft releases them. This servicing model is ideal for pilot deployments and testing of feature updates and for users such as developers who need to work with the latest features immediately. Once the latest release has gone through pilot deployment and testing, you will be able to choose the timing at which it goes into broad deployment. +In the General Availability Channel, feature updates are available annually. This servicing model is ideal for pilot deployments and testing of feature updates and for users such as developers who need to work with the latest features. Once the latest release has gone through pilot deployment and testing, you will be able to choose the timing at which it goes into broad deployment. -When Microsoft officially releases a feature update, we make it available to any device not configured to defer feature updates so that those devices can immediately install it. Organizations that use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, or Windows Update for Business, however, can defer feature updates to selective devices by withholding their approval and deployment. In this scenario, the content available for the Semi-Annual Channel will be available but not necessarily immediately mandatory, depending on the policy of the management system. For more details about servicing tools, see [Servicing tools](#servicing-tools). +When Microsoft officially releases a feature update, we make it available to any device not configured to defer feature updates so that those devices can immediately install it. Organizations that use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, or Windows Update for Business, however, can defer feature updates to selective devices by withholding their approval and deployment. In this scenario, the content available for the General Availability Channel will be available but not necessarily immediately mandatory, depending on the policy of the management system. For more details about servicing tools, see [Servicing tools](#servicing-tools). > [!NOTE] @@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ The Long-term Servicing Channel is available only in the Windows 10 Enterprise L ### Windows Insider -For many IT pros, gaining visibility into feature updates early--before they’re available to the Semi-Annual Channel — can be both intriguing and valuable for future end user communications as well as provide the means to test for any issues on the next General Availability release. Windows Insiders can consume and deploy preproduction code to their test machines, gaining early visibility into the next build. Testing the early builds helps both Microsoft and its customers because they have the opportunity to discover possible issues before the update is ever publicly available and can report it to Microsoft. +For many IT pros, gaining visibility into feature updates early--before they’re available to the General Availability Channel — can be both intriguing and valuable for future end user communications as well as provide the means to test for any issues on the next General Availability release. Windows Insiders can consume and deploy preproduction code to their test machines, gaining early visibility into the next build. Testing the early builds helps both Microsoft and its customers because they have the opportunity to discover possible issues before the update is ever publicly available and can report it to Microsoft. Microsoft recommends that all organizations have at least a few devices enrolled in the Windows Insider Program and provide feedback on any issues they encounter. For information about the Windows Insider Program for Business, go to [Windows Insider Program for Business](/windows-insider/at-work-pro/wip-4-biz-get-started). @@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ Microsoft recommends that all organizations have at least a few devices enrolled There are many tools you can use to service Windows as a service. Each option has its pros and cons, ranging from capabilities and control to simplicity and low administrative requirements. The following are examples of the servicing tools available to manage Windows as a service updates: -- **Windows Update (stand-alone)** provides limited control over feature updates, with IT pros manually configuring the device to be in the Semi-Annual Channel. Organizations can target which devices defer updates by selecting the **Defer upgrades** check box in **Start\Settings\Update & Security\Advanced Options** on a Windows client device. +- **Windows Update (stand-alone)** provides limited control over feature updates, with IT pros manually configuring the device to be in the General Availability Channel. Organizations can target which devices defer updates by selecting the **Defer upgrades** check box in **Start\Settings\Update & Security\Advanced Options** on a Windows client device. - **Windows Update for Business** includes control over update deferment and provides centralized management using Group Policy or MDM. Windows Update for Business can be used to defer updates by up to 365 days, depending on the version. These deployment options are available to clients in the General Availability Channel. In addition to being able to use Group Policy to manage Windows Update for Business, either option can be configured without requiring any on-premises infrastructure by using Microsoft Intune. - **Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)** provides extensive control over updates and is natively available in the Windows Server operating system. In addition to the ability to defer updates, organizations can add an approval layer for updates and choose to deploy them to specific computers or groups of computers whenever ready. - **Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager** provides the greatest control over servicing Windows as a service. IT pros can defer updates, approve them, and have multiple options for targeting deployments and managing bandwidth usage and deployment times. diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/waas-quick-start.md b/windows/deployment/update/waas-quick-start.md index f9c793095d..59bb0e9b9a 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/update/waas-quick-start.md +++ b/windows/deployment/update/waas-quick-start.md @@ -1,14 +1,14 @@ --- title: Quick guide to Windows as a service (Windows 10) description: In Windows 10, Microsoft has streamlined servicing to make operating system updates simpler to test, manage, and deploy. -keywords: updates, servicing, current, deployment, semi-annual channel, feature, quality, rings, insider, tools +keywords: updates, servicing, current, deployment, General Availability Channel, semi-annual channel, feature, quality, rings, insider, tools ms.prod: w10 ms.mktglfcycl: manage author: jaimeo ms.localizationpriority: high ms.author: jaimeo ms.reviewer: -manager: laurawi +manager: dougeby ms.topic: article --- @@ -25,12 +25,13 @@ Here is a quick guide to the most important concepts in Windows as a service. Fo ## Definitions Some new terms have been introduced as part of Windows as a service, so you should know what these terms mean. -- **Feature updates** are released twice per year, around March and September. As the name suggests, these updates add new features, delivered in bite-sized chunks compared to the previous practice of Windows releases every 3-5 years. + +- **Feature updates** are released annually. As the name suggests, these updates add new features, delivered in bite-sized chunks compared to the previous practice of Windows releases every 3-5 years. - **Quality updates** deliver both security and non-security fixes. They are typically released on the second Tuesday of each month, though they can be released at any time. Quality updates include security updates, critical updates, servicing stack updates, and driver updates. Quality updates are cumulative, so installing the latest quality update is sufficient to get all the available fixes for a specific Windows 10 feature update. The "servicing stack" is the code that installs other updates, so they are important to keep current. For more information, see [Servicing stack updates](servicing-stack-updates.md). - **Insider Preview** builds are made available during the development of the features that will be shipped in the next feature update, enabling organizations to validate new features and confirm compatibility with existing apps and infrastructure, providing feedback to Microsoft on any issues encountered. - **Servicing channels** allow organizations to choose when to deploy new features. - - The **General Availability Channel** receives feature updates as they become available. - - The **Long-Term Servicing Channel**, which meant only for specialized devices (which typically don't run Office) such as those that control medical equipment or ATM machines, receives new feature releases every two to three years. + - The **General Availability Channel** receives feature updates annually. + - The **Long-Term Servicing Channel**, which meant only for specialized devices (which typically don't run Office) such as those that control medical equipment or ATM machines, receives new feature releases every two to three years. - **Deployment rings** are groups of devices used to initially pilot, and then to broadly deploy, each feature update in an organization. See [Overview of Windows as a service](waas-overview.md) for more information. @@ -51,6 +52,6 @@ To stay up to date, deploy feature updates at an appropriate time after their re Extensive advanced testing isn’t required. Instead, only business-critical apps need to be tested, with the remaining apps validated through a series of pilot deployment rings. Once these pilot deployments have validated most apps, broad deployment can begin. -This process repeats with each new feature update as they become available. These are small deployment projects, compared to the large projects that were necessary with the old three-to-five-year Windows release cycles. +This process repeats with each new feature update. These are small deployment projects, compared to the large projects that were necessary with the old three-to-five-year Windows release cycles. Other technologies such as BranchCache and Delivery Optimization, both peer-to-peer distribution tools, can help with the distribution of the feature update installation files. diff --git a/windows/deployment/update/waas-servicing-channels-windows-10-updates.md b/windows/deployment/update/waas-servicing-channels-windows-10-updates.md index cbf9133ff3..65880f7388 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/update/waas-servicing-channels-windows-10-updates.md +++ b/windows/deployment/update/waas-servicing-channels-windows-10-updates.md @@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ The General Availability Channel is the default servicing channel for all Window >The LTSC edition is only available through the [Microsoft Volume Licensing Center](https://www.microsoft.com/Licensing/servicecenter/default.aspx). >[!NOTE] ->Devices will automatically receive updates from the Semi-Annual Channel, unless they are configured to receive preview updates through the Windows Insider Program. +>Devices will automatically receive updates from the General Availability Channel, unless they are configured to receive preview updates through the Windows Insider Program. ## Enroll devices in the Windows Insider Program diff --git a/windows/deployment/upgrade/windows-10-upgrade-paths.md b/windows/deployment/upgrade/windows-10-upgrade-paths.md index c50df27515..600631905f 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/upgrade/windows-10-upgrade-paths.md +++ b/windows/deployment/upgrade/windows-10-upgrade-paths.md @@ -15,6 +15,7 @@ ms.topic: article --- # Windows 10 upgrade paths + **Applies to** - Windows 10 @@ -25,194 +26,73 @@ This topic provides a summary of available upgrade paths to Windows 10. You can If you are also migrating to a different edition of Windows, see [Windows 10 edition upgrade](windows-10-edition-upgrades.md). Methods and supported paths are described on this page to change the edition of Windows. These methods require that you input a license or product key for the new Windows edition prior to starting the upgrade process. Edition downgrade is also supported for some paths, but please note that applications and settings are not maintained when the Windows edition is downgraded. -> **Windows 10 version upgrade**: You can directly upgrade any semi-annual channel version of Windows 10 to a newer, supported semi-annual channel version of Windows 10, even if it involves skipping versions. Work with your account representative if your current version of Windows is out of support. See the [Windows lifecycle fact sheet](https://support.microsoft.com/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet) for availability and service information. -> -> In-place upgrade from Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or [Windows 10 semi-annual channel](/windows/release-health/release-information) to Windows 10 LTSC is not supported. **Note**: Windows 10 LTSC 2015 did not block this upgrade path. This was corrected in the Windows 10 LTSC 2016 release, which will now only allow data-only and clean install options. You can upgrade from Windows 10 LTSC to Windows 10 semi-annual channel, provided that you upgrade to the same or a newer build version. For example, Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB can be upgraded to Windows 10 Enterprise version 1607 or later. Upgrade is supported using the in-place upgrade process (using Windows setup). You will need to use the Product Key switch if you want to keep your apps. If you don't use the switch the option 'Keep personal files and apps' will be grayed out. The command line would be **setup.exe /pkey xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx**, using your relevant Windows 10 SAC product key. For example, if using a KMS, the command line would be **setup.exe /pkey NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43**. -> -> **Windows N/KN**: Windows "N" and "KN" SKUs (editions without media-related functionality) follow the same upgrade paths shown below. If the pre-upgrade and post-upgrade editions are not the same type (e.g. Windows 8.1 Pro N to Windows 10 Pro), personal data will be kept but applications and settings will be removed during the upgrade process. -> -> **Windows 8.0**: You cannot upgrade directly from Windows 8.0 to Windows 10. To upgrade from Windows 8.0, you must first install the [Windows 8.1 update](https://support.microsoft.com/help/15356/windows-8-install-update-kb-2919355). +- **Windows 10 version upgrade**: You can directly upgrade any General Availability Channel version of Windows 10 to a newer, supported General Availability Channel version of Windows 10, even if it involves skipping versions. Work with your account representative if your current version of Windows is out of support. See the [Windows lifecycle fact sheet](https://support.microsoft.com/help/13853/windows-lifecycle-fact-sheet) for availability and service information. + +- **In-place upgrade from Windows 7, Windows 8.1, or [Windows 10 General Availability Channel](/windows/release-health/release-information)** to Windows 10 LTSC is not supported. Windows 10 LTSC 2015 did not block this in-place upgrade path. This issue was corrected in the Windows 10 LTSC 2016 release, which only allows data-only and clean install options. + + You can upgrade from Windows 10 LTSC to Windows 10 General Availability Channel, provided that you upgrade to the same or a newer build version. For example, Windows 10 Enterprise 2016 LTSB can be upgraded to Windows 10 Enterprise version 1607 or later. Upgrade is supported using the in-place upgrade process (using Windows setup). You will need to use the Product Key switch if you want to keep your apps. If you don't use the switch, the option **Keep personal files and apps** option is grayed out. The command line would be `setup.exe /pkey xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx`, using your relevant Windows 10 SAC product key. For example, if using a KMS, the command line would be `setup.exe /pkey NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43`. + +- **Windows N/KN**: Windows "N" and "KN" SKUs (editions without media-related functionality) follow the same upgrade paths shown below. If the pre-upgrade and post-upgrade editions are not the same type (e.g. Windows 8.1 Pro N to Windows 10 Pro), personal data will be kept but applications and settings will be removed during the upgrade process. + +- **Windows 8.0**: You cannot upgrade directly from Windows 8.0 to Windows 10. To upgrade from Windows 8.0, you must first install the [Windows 8.1 update](https://support.microsoft.com/help/15356/windows-8-install-update-kb-2919355). + +## Windows 10 + +✔ = Full upgrade is supported including personal data, settings, and applications. -✔ = Full upgrade is supported including personal data, settings, and applications.
D = Edition downgrade; personal data is maintained, applications and settings are removed. -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
       Windows 10 HomeWindows 10 ProWindows 10 Pro EducationWindows 10 EducationWindows 10 Enterprise
Windows 7
Starter✔✔✔✔
Home Basic✔✔✔✔
Home Premium✔✔✔✔
ProfessionalD✔✔✔✔
UltimateD✔✔✔✔
Enterprise✔✔
Windows 8.1
(Core)✔✔✔✔
Connected✔✔✔✔
ProD✔✔✔✔
Pro StudentD✔✔✔✔
Pro WMCD✔✔✔✔
Enterprise✔✔
Embedded Industry✔
Windows RT
Windows Phone 8.1
Windows 10
Home✔✔✔
ProD✔✔✔
EducationD
Enterprise✔
+--- +| | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro Education | Windows 10 Education | Windows 10 Enterprise | +|---|---|---|---|---|---| +| **Home** | | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | +| **Pro** | D | | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | +| **Education** | | | | | D | +| **Enterprise** | | | | ✔ | | +--- + +## Windows 8.1 + +✔ = Full upgrade is supported including personal data, settings, and applications. + +D = Edition downgrade; personal data is maintained, applications and settings are removed. + +--- +| | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro Education | Windows 10 Education | Windows 10 Enterprise | +|---|---|---|---|---|---| +| **(Core)** | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | +| **Connected** | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | +| **Pro** | D | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | +| **Pro Student** | D | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | +| **Pro WMC** | D | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | +| **Enterprise** | | | | ✔ | ✔ | +| **Embedded Industry** | | | | | ✔ | + +--- + +## Windows 7 + +✔ = Full upgrade is supported including personal data, settings, and applications. + +D = Edition downgrade; personal data is maintained, applications and settings are removed. + +--- +| | Windows 10 Home | Windows 10 Pro | Windows 10 Pro Education | Windows 10 Education | Windows 10 Enterprise | +|---|---|---|---|---|---| +| **Starter** | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | +| **Home Basic** | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | +| **Home Premium** | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | | +| **Professional** | D | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | +| **Ultimate** | D | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | +| **Enterprise** | | | | ✔ | ✔ | + +--- ## Related Topics -[Windows 10 deployment scenarios](../windows-10-deployment-scenarios.md)
-[Windows upgrade and migration considerations](windows-upgrade-and-migration-considerations.md)
-[Windows 10 edition upgrade](windows-10-edition-upgrades.md) \ No newline at end of file +[Windows 10 deployment scenarios](../windows-10-deployment-scenarios.md) + +[Windows upgrade and migration considerations](windows-upgrade-and-migration-considerations.md) + +[Windows 10 edition upgrade](windows-10-edition-upgrades.md) diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-10-media.md b/windows/deployment/windows-10-media.md index 0e160f2943..3595e295f0 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/windows-10-media.md +++ b/windows/deployment/windows-10-media.md @@ -34,43 +34,12 @@ When you select a product, for example “Windows 10 Enterprise” or “Windows > [!NOTE] > If you do not see a Windows 10 release available in the list of downloads, verify the [release date](https://technet.microsoft.com/windows/release-info.aspx). -In Windows 10, version 1709 the packaging of volume licensing media and upgrade packages is different than it has been for previous releases. Instead of having separate media and packages for Windows 10 Pro (volume licensing version), Windows 10 Enterprise, and Windows 10 Education, all three are bundled together. The following section explains this change. - -### Windows 10, version 1709 - -Windows 10, version 1709 is available starting on 10/17/2017 in all relevant distribution channels. Note: An updated [Windows ADK for Windows 10](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/windows-assessment-deployment-kit) is also available. - -For ISOs that you download from the VLSC or Visual Studio Subscriptions, you can still search for the individual Windows editions. However, each of these editions (Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, and Windows 10 Education) will point to the same ISO file, so you only need to download the ISO once. A single Windows image (WIM) file is included in the ISO that contains all the volume licensing images: - -![Images.](images/table01.png) - -When using the contents of these ISOs with tools such as the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit or Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, make sure you select the appropriate image index in any task sequences that you create or update. - -For packages published to Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), you’ll also notice the change because, instead of having separate packages for each Windows edition, there will be just one package: - -
- -| Title | Classification | Description | -| --- | --- | --- | -| Feature update to Windows 10, version 1709, \ | Upgrades | Package to upgrade Windows 10 Pro (VL), Windows 10 Enterprise, or Windows 10 Education to version 1709 | -| Windows 7 and 8.1 upgrade to Windows 10, version 1709, \ | Upgrades | Package to upgrade Windows 7 Professional (VL), Windows 7 Enterprise, Windows 8.1 Professional (VL), or Windows 8.1 Enterprise to Windows 10 1709 | - -
- -When you approve one of these packages, it applies to all of the editions. - -This Semi-Annual Channel release of Windows 10 continues the Windows as a service methodology.  For more information about implementing Windows as a service in your organization in order to stay up to date with Windows, see [Update Windows 10 in the enterprise](./update/index.md). - +Instead of having separate media and packages for Windows 10 Pro (volume licensing version), Windows 10 Enterprise, and Windows 10 Education, all three are bundled together. ### Language packs -- **Windows 10 versions 1507 and 1511**: you can select **Windows 10 Enterprise Language Pack**, click **Download** and then select **English** and **64-bit** to see these downloads.  - **Windows 10 1607 and later**: you must select **Multilanguage** from the drop-down list of languages. -See the following example for Windows 10, version 1709: - -![Windows 10, version 1709 lang pack.](images/lang-pack-1709.png) - ### Features on demand [Features on demand](/archive/blogs/mniehaus/adding-features-including-net-3-5-to-windows-10) can be downloaded by searching for "**Windows 10 Enterprise Features on Demand**" and then following the same download process that is described above. diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-10-subscription-activation.md b/windows/deployment/windows-10-subscription-activation.md index b1ac84715b..46c4eef1ae 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/windows-10-subscription-activation.md +++ b/windows/deployment/windows-10-subscription-activation.md @@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ Applies to: - Windows 10 - Windows 11 -Starting with Windows 10, version 1703, Windows 10 Pro supports the Subscription Activation feature, enabling users to “step-up” from Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro to **Windows 10 Enterprise** or **Windows 11 Enterprise**, respectively, if they are subscribed to Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 or E5. +Windows 10 Pro supports the Subscription Activation feature, enabling users to “step-up” from Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro to **Windows 10 Enterprise** or **Windows 11 Enterprise**, respectively, if they are subscribed to Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 or E5. With Windows 10, version 1903 and later, the Subscription Activation feature also supports the ability to step-up from Windows 10 Pro Education or Windows 11 Pro Education to the Enterprise grade editions for educational institutions—**Windows 10 Education** or **Windows 11 Education**. @@ -44,9 +44,10 @@ For information on how to deploy Enterprise licenses, see [Deploy Windows 10/11 ## Subscription Activation for Windows 10/11 Enterprise -With Windows 10, version 1703 and later both Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 and Windows 10/11 Enterprise E5 are available as online services via subscription. Deploying Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise in your organization can now be accomplished with no keys and no reboots. +Windows 10/11 Enterprise E3 and Windows 10/11 Enterprise E5 are available as online services via subscription. Deploying Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise in your organization can now be accomplished with no keys and no reboots. If you are running Windows 10, version 1703 or later: + - Devices with a current Windows 10 Pro license or Windows 11 Pro license can be seamlessly upgraded to Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise, respectively. - Product key-based Windows 10 Enterprise or Windows 11 Enterprise software licenses can be transitioned to Windows 10 Enterprise and Windows 11 Enterprise subscriptions. @@ -109,8 +110,6 @@ An issue has been identified with Hybrid Azure AD joined devices that have enabl To resolve this issue: -If the device is running Windows 10, version 1703, 1709, or 1803, the user must either sign in with an Azure AD account, or you must disable MFA for this user during the 30-day polling period and renewal. - If the device is running Windows 10, version 1809 or later: - Windows 10, version 1809 must be updated with [KB4497934](https://support.microsoft.com/help/4497934/windows-10-update-kb4497934). Later versions of Windows 10 automatically include this patch. @@ -166,7 +165,7 @@ The IT administrator assigns Windows 10 Enterprise to a user. See the following When a licensed user signs in to a device that meets requirements using their Azure AD credentials, the operating system steps up from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 Enterprise (or Windows 10 Pro Education to Windows 10 Education) and all the appropriate Windows 10 Enterprise/Education features are unlocked. When a user’s subscription expires or is transferred to another user, the device reverts seamlessly to Windows 10 Pro / Windows 10 Pro Education edition, once current subscription validity expires. -Devices running Windows 10 Pro, version 1703 or Windows 10 Pro Education, version 1903 or later can get Windows 10 Enterprise or Education Semi-Annual Channel on up to five devices for each user covered by the license. This benefit does not include Long Term Servicing Channel. +Devices running Windows 10 Pro Education, version 1903 or later can get Windows 10 Enterprise or Education General Availability Channel on up to five devices for each user covered by the license. This benefit does not include Long Term Servicing Channel. The following figures summarize how the Subscription Activation model works: @@ -190,19 +189,7 @@ You are using Windows 10, version 1803 or above, and just purchased Windows 10 E All of your Windows 10 Pro devices will step-up to Windows 10 Enterprise, and devices that are already running Windows 10 Enterprise will migrate from KMS or MAK activated Enterprise edition to Subscription activated Enterprise edition when a Subscription Activation-enabled user signs in to the device. -#### Scenario #2 - -You are using Windows 10, version 1607, 1703, or 1709 with KMS for activation, and just purchased Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 subscriptions (or have had an E3 or E5 subscription for a while but haven’t yet deployed Windows 10 Enterprise). - -To change all of your Windows 10 Pro devices to Windows 10 Enterprise, run the following command on each computer: - -```console -cscript.exe c:\windows\system32\slmgr.vbs /ipk NPPR9-FWDCX-D2C8J-H872K-2YT43 -``` - -The command causes the OS to change to Windows 10 Enterprise and then seek out the KMS server to reactivate.  This key comes from [Appendix A: KMS Client Setup Keys](/previous-versions/windows/it-pro/windows-server-2012-R2-and-2012/jj612867(v=ws.11)) in the Volume Activation guide.  It is also possible to inject the Windows 10 Pro key from this article if you wish to step back down from Enterprise to Pro. - -#### Scenario #3 +#### Scenario #2 Using Azure AD-joined devices or Active Directory-joined devices running Windows 10 1709 or later, and with Azure AD synchronization configured, just follow the steps in [Deploy Windows 10 Enterprise licenses](deploy-enterprise-licenses.md) to acquire a $0 SKU and get a new Windows 10 Enterprise E3 or E5 license in Azure AD. Then, assign that license to all of your Azure AD users. These can be AD-synced accounts.  The device will automatically change from Windows 10 Pro to Windows 10 Enterprise when that user signs in. diff --git a/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/demonstrate-deployment-on-vm.md b/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/demonstrate-deployment-on-vm.md index b47dd4d0f2..ac69de04a3 100644 --- a/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/demonstrate-deployment-on-vm.md +++ b/windows/deployment/windows-autopilot/demonstrate-deployment-on-vm.md @@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ These are the things you'll need to complete this lab: | | Description | |:---|:---| -|**Windows 10 installation media**|Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise (ISO file) for a supported version of Windows 10, semi-annual channel. If you don't already have an ISO to use, a link is provided to download an evaluation version of Windows 10 Enterprise.| +|**Windows 10 installation media**|Windows 10 Professional or Enterprise (ISO file) for a supported version of Windows 10, General Availability Channel. If you don't already have an ISO to use, a link is provided to download an evaluation version of Windows 10 Enterprise.| |**Internet access**|If you're behind a firewall, see the detailed networking requirements. Otherwise, just ensure that you have a connection to the internet.| |**Hyper-V or a physical device running Windows 10**|The guide assumes that you'll use a Hyper-V VM, and provides instructions to install and configure Hyper-V if needed. To use a physical device, skip the steps to install and configure Hyper-V.| |**An account with Azure Active Directory (AD) Premium license**|This guide will describe how to obtain a free 30-day trial Azure AD Premium subscription that can be used to complete the lab.| diff --git a/windows/whats-new/TOC.yml b/windows/whats-new/TOC.yml index b7b6b4220a..176668f48e 100644 --- a/windows/whats-new/TOC.yml +++ b/windows/whats-new/TOC.yml @@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ - name: Windows 10 expanded: true items: + - name: What's new in Windows 10, version 21H2 + href: whats-new-windows-10-version-21H2.md - name: What's new in Windows 10, version 21H1 href: whats-new-windows-10-version-21H1.md - name: What's new in Windows 10, version 20H2 diff --git a/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-21H2.md b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-21H2.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..2640bff4c6 --- /dev/null +++ b/windows/whats-new/whats-new-windows-10-version-21H2.md @@ -0,0 +1,78 @@ +--- +title: What's new in Windows 10, version 21H2 for IT pros +description: Learn more about what's new in Windows 10 version 21H2, including servicing updates, Windows Subsystem for Linux, the latest CSPs, and more. +ms.reviewer: +manager: dougeby +ms.prod: w10 +ms.mktglfcycl: deploy +ms.sitesec: library +ms.pagetype: mobile +ms.author: mandia +author: MandiOhlinger +ms.localizationpriority: medium +ms.topic: article +--- + +# What's new in Windows 10, version 21H2 + +**Applies to**: + +- Windows 10, version 21H2 + +Windows 10, version 21H2 is the next feature update. This article lists the new and updated features IT Pros should know. Windows 10, version 21H2 is also known as the Windows 10 November 2021 Update. It includes all features and fixes in previous cumulative updates to Windows 10, version 21H1. + +Windows 10, version 21H2 is an [H2-targeted release](/lifecycle/faq/windows#what-is-the-servicing-timeline-for-a-version--feature-update--of-windows-10-), and has the following servicing schedule: + +- **Windows 10 Professional**: Serviced for 24 months from the release date. +- **Windows 10 Enterprise**: Serviced for 36 months from the release date. + +Windows 10, version 21H2 is available through Windows Server Update Services (including Configuration Manager), Windows Update for Business, and the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC). For more information, see [How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2021/11/16/how-to-get-the-windows-10-november-2021-update/) and [IT tools to support Windows 10, version 21H2 blog](https://aka.ms/tools-for-21h2). + +Devices running Windows 10, versions 2004, 20H2, and 21H1 can update quickly to version 21H2 using an enablement package. For more information, see [Feature Update through Windows 10, version 21H2 Enablement Package](https://support.microsoft.com/help/5003791). + +To learn more about the status of the November 2021 Update rollout, known issues, and new information, see [Windows release health](/windows/release-health/). + +## Updates and servicing + +Windows 10, version 21H2 feature updates are installed annually using the General Availability Channel. Previous feature updates were installed using the Semi-Annual Channel. For more information on this change, see the [How to get the Windows 10 November 2021 Update](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/?p=176473). + +Quality updates are still installed monthly on patch Tuesday. + +For more information, see: + +- [Feature and quality update definitions](/windows/deployment/update/waas-quick-start#definitions) +- [Windows servicing channels](/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview#servicing-channels) + +## GPU compute support for the Windows Subsystem for Linux + +Starting with Windows 10 version 21H2, the Windows Subsystem for Linux has full graphics processing unit (GPU) compute support. It was available to Windows Insiders, and is now available to everyone. The Linux binaries can use your Windows GPU, and run different workloads, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) development workflows. + +For more information, and what GPU compute support means for you, see the [GPU accelerated ML training inside the Windows Subsystem for Linux blog post](https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2020/06/17/gpu-accelerated-ml-training-inside-the-windows-subsystem-for-linux/). + +## Get the latest CSPs + +The [KB5005101 September 1, 2021 update](https://support.microsoft.com/topic/september-1-2021-kb5005101-os-builds-19041-1202-19042-1202-and-19043-1202-preview-82a50f27-a56f-4212-96ce-1554e8058dc1) includes about 1400 CSPs that were made available to MDM providers. + +These CSPs are built in to Windows 10, version 21H2. These settings are available in Endpoint Manager in the [Settings Catalog](/mem/intune/configuration/settings-catalog). [Group Policy analytics](/mem/intune/configuration/group-policy-analytics) also includes these GPOs in its analysis. + +For more information on the CSPs, see the [Configuration service provider reference](/windows/client-management/mdm/configuration-service-provider-reference). + +## Apps appear local with Azure Virtual Desktop + +Azure virtual desktop is a Windows client OS hosted in the cloud, and runs virtual apps. You use the cloud to deliver virtual apps in real time, and as-needed. Users use the apps as if they're installed locally. + +You can create Azure virtual desktops that run Windows 10 version 21H2. + +For more information, see: + +- [What is Azure Virtual Desktop?](/azure/virtual-desktop/overview) +- [What's new in Azure Virtual Desktop?](/azure/virtual-desktop/whats-new) +- [Set up MSIX app attach with the Azure portal](/azure/virtual-desktop/app-attach-azure-portal) + +## Wi-Fi 6E support + +Also known as 802.11ax, Wi-Fi 6E support is built in to Windows 10, version 21H2. Wi-Fi 6E has new channel frequencies that are dedicated to 6E devices, and is more performant for apps that use more bandwidth. + +## Related articles + +- [Release notes for Microsoft Edge Stable Channel](/deployedge/microsoft-edge-relnote-stable-channel) diff --git a/windows/whats-new/windows-11-whats-new.md b/windows/whats-new/windows-11-whats-new.md index 4eafe42218..af406cd7e7 100644 --- a/windows/whats-new/windows-11-whats-new.md +++ b/windows/whats-new/windows-11-whats-new.md @@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ For more information on the security features you can configure, manage, and enf - Your Windows 10 apps will also work on Windows 11. **[App Assure](https://www.microsoft.com/fasttrack/microsoft-365/app-assure)** is also available if there are some issues. - You can continue to use **MSIX packages** for your UWP, Win32, WPF, and WinForm desktop application files. Continue to use **Windows Package Manager** to install Windows apps. Use **Azure Virtual desktop with MSIX app attach** to virtualize desktops and apps. For more information on these features, see [Overview of apps on Windows client devices](/windows/application-management/apps-in-windows-10). + You can continue to use **MSIX packages** for your UWP, Win32, WPF, and WinForm desktop application files. Continue to use **Windows Package Manager** to install Windows apps. You can create **Azure virtual desktops** that run Windows 11. Use **Azure Virtual desktop with MSIX app attach** to virtualize desktops and apps. For more information on these features, see [Overview of apps on Windows client devices](/windows/application-management/apps-in-windows-10). In the **Settings** app > **Apps**, users can manage some of the app settings. For example, they can get apps anywhere, but let the user know if there's a comparable app in the Microsoft Store. They can also choose which apps start when they sign in.