Microsoft is preparing to launch Windows 10 20H1 (Version 2004, May 2020 Update) this month. Windows Insiders are already working with previews for Windows 20H2. However, it seems this year’s second “major” Windows update won’t be that major at all. In fact, ZDNet reports Microsoft is planning for 20H2 to be a minor update.
Microsoft announced last year a dramatic change to its update schedule. The company said it will reduce main feature updates to once a year. The second half of the year major Windows 10 release would be for ensuring stability on the previous build.
According to the company, the goal was to sync its Windows 10 and Azure update cycles. However, Microsoft quickly changed its mind after customers reacted negatively to the proposal. As such, Windows Update releases reverted to normal before Microsoft had the change to implement the change.
In today’s report, ZDNet says the features Microsoft is developing on the Inside may not be for Windows 10 20H2. Fast Ring Insiders have been testing those features believing them to be for the 20H2 branch, but that may not be the case.
According to the latest rumors, it seems history may be repeating itself, as Windows 10 20H2 may also end up being a minor update.
Microsoft has not confirmed if this is the case. Luckily, users won’t have to wait long as Windows 10 20H1 is arriving soon. Once it is released, Microsoft will make its plans for the next update clearer.
Individual Updates?
As we reported last month, Microsoft is also exploring the idea of individual feature updates for Windows 10.
Preview builds for Windows 10 version 2004 (20H1) and the 20H2 release now show “Windows Feature Experience Pack” in Settings>Menu>About. This could mean Microsoft is planning to treat Windows features like individual apps. In other words, update features are sent out when they are ready, like on mobile or Windows Store apps.
Twice yearly updates would still arrive but would not be as focused on delivering features. Again, Microsoft has not officially confirmed this is happening although the idea is being tested internally.
