Microsoft is reportedly considering flighting Windows Server previews to customers in the same way it does normal Windows Insider builds. At the moment, the two sides of Windows have differing update strategies, even though they are on similar release patterns. Microsoft may be looking to change that.
When I say update pattern, I mean that both Windows consumer and Windows Server previews receive regular updates on the Insider program. However, Microsoft uses two distinct approaches in flighting updates to users.
Windows 10 and Windows 11 consumer builds arrive on channels for the Windows Insider Program through Windows Update. For Windows Server preview releases, Microsoft sends out ISO files to registered users.
However, a Tech Community post from Microsoft suggests the company may be looking to move Windows Server previews to the Windows consumer update model. The company posted a survey for Server admins to provide feedback on if they would prefer to receive previews through Windows Update instead of ISO files.
Potential Change
This means Microsoft is at least considering making this shift and is courting admin feedback. I guess if admins look at this option favorably, the company will look towards implementing it. However, Microsoft points out there are some caveats to taking the Windows Update approach:
- Windows Server update instances would need to be online and connected to the internet.
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) does not support flighting updates.
If Microsoft does change the way Server updates are provided, the company says it will still keep ISO files as an option. It will be interesting to see the result of the survey and how it will inform Microsoft’s decision moving forward.
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