In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Windows 10 servicing model (Windows-as-a-Service), formerly known as Windows Branching. This topic has caused a lot of confusion since the introduction of the Windows as a Service model.
In this article, we will try to clarify and tell you in detail about the updated Windows 10 servicing model and operating system release schedules.
Cumulative and functional updates for Windows 10
System administrators and IT pros need to be familiar with the Windows 10 maintenance schedule. However, there are a few important terms to understand before looking at the current release schedule.
The first step is to clearly understand the difference between Feature Upgrades and Quality Updates.
Feature Upgrades... As the name suggests, feature updates include the latest features, components, and enhancements for Windows 10 devices. Microsoft releases two feature updates a year, in March and September. Because functional updates contain a complete copy of the operating system, they can be used to install the latest version of Windows 10 on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 computers, as well as new devices without an operating system.
Cumulative updates (Quality Updates)... Cumulative updates are similar to the monthly security updates and patches that were used before Windows 10, but with a few significant differences. First, cumulative updates are designed for a specific version of Windows 10. Second, Microsoft plans to release as many cumulative updates as needed for supported versions of Windows 10. These updates are aimed at improving the quality of the operating system.
Windows 10 servicing types
When Microsoft first introduced the Windows 10 Branching Model, enterprises could choose from four available branches. They differed in the availability of functional updates and the length of the support period:
- Windows Insider Program (This program is primarily intended for consumers and sysadmins who want to test the latest features and improvements before they go public).
- Current Branch - Availability of the new version of Windows 10 immediately after the public release.
- Current Branch For Business (CBB), an enterprise-ready version of Windows 10, becomes available approximately 4 months after its public release.
- Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) is a branch with long-term technical support for ATMs, manufacturing equipment and other critical specialized devices that do not require regular updates.
In Spring 2017, an updated Windows 10 servicing model was introduced. Organizations currently have three servicing options to choose from. Choose the option that best suits your requirements:
- Windows Insider Program- Most large enterprises maintain a small staff of experts who are testing preliminary versions of future updates for improved adaptation and deployment and to address potential compatibility issues.
- Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)- Replaces the concepts of Current Branch (CB) and Current Branch for Business (CBB). IT teams in organizations can now use the six-month channel in System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for pilot deployment and testing. The enterprise then decides when to move to wider deployment.
- Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)- formerly known as the Long Term Service Branch (LTSB). Suitable for organizations that are deploying Windows 10 for an extended period of time and are looking to limit minor changes. Customers will receive regular security updates for their entire life of Windows 10 - up to 10 years. This option is great for ATMs, manufacturing equipment, and other critical specialized devices.
You may also come across the terms “Semi-Annual Channel (pilot)” and “Semi-Annual Channel (Wide)” in Microsoft articles. They correspond to “Current Branch” and “Current Branch for Business”. The terms Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) and Semi-Annual Channel are now used instead.
It is important to emphasize one point that can be confusing. After the initial release is published, enterprise-ready updates will not be released. For example, 4 months after the Fall Creators Update was released on October 17, 2017, the Fall Creators Update semi-annual channel will not be released. The initial update is the final update.
This section will focus on the Semi-Annual Channel service type for Windows 10 Enterprise and Education, because the long-term service channel does not receive functional updates, and Windows 10 Insider Preview versions precede public releases.
Chart updated on September 13, 2018.
As you can see in the graph above, Microsoft published the first release of Windows 10 for the current branch in July 2015. Version “1507” denotes the release date in year / month format (YYMM). With this version, Microsoft deviated slightly from the plan. It was originally planned to end support for Windows 10 version 1507 on March 26, 2017, but the date has since been pushed back to May 9, 2017. Only the LTSC channel continues to receive updates at the moment.
- In November 2015, Microsoft released the first functional update (version 1511 or the so-called November Update) for the current branch. For Current Branch for Business, this version became available in March 2016.
- On August 2, 2016, Microsoft released the Anniversary Update (version 1607), which has been widely deployed across organizations.
- On April 11, 2017, Windows 10 Creators Update (version 1703) became available for the current branch. Microsoft released this update to its Current Branch for Business on July 27, 2017, and is therefore rated as ready for organizations.
- The Fall Creators Update (version 1709) was originally scheduled for September but released on October 17, 2017.
- The Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) - originally the Spring Creators Update - was scheduled for release on March 14, 2018, but delayed until April 30, 2018 due to discovered issues.
- The next Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809, codenamed Redstone 5) was originally released on October 2, 2018, but was then withdrawn as soon as significant data loss bugs were discovered. The final version of version 1809 was re-released on November 13, 2018.
Let's mark the most important release and version support dates:
Windows 10 Initial Release 1507 RTM (OS Build: 10240.17236)
- Current Branch Release Date: 7/29/2015
- End of Support for Current Branch: 05/09/2017 (Microsoft confirmed April 13, 2017)
- Not available for the semi-annual channel
- Current Branch Release Date: 11/10/2015
- Release Date for Current Branch for Business: 04/08/2016
- End of support: 10/04/2018 (Microsoft)
- Release Date for Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted): March-April 2019
- End of support: September-October 2020 (earlier than two releases before)
* expected in line with Windows 10 extended support announced by Microsoft on September 6, 2018.
Note: Sometimes it can be difficult to find out the version number of the system. To quickly find the version number of Windows 10, type winver into the search bar, press Enter, and you will see a dialog box with information about the current OS version.
When will support end for my version of Windows 10?
Microsoft originally announced that it would support two versions of Current Branch for Business (for example, 1511 and 1607) at the same time. This means that as soon as the N + 2 version is published to the Current Branch for Business, a 60-day period will begin until the end of the life of the N version.
For example, if you are running Current Branch for Business version 1511, then you have 10 months from when current Branch version 1703 was launched (April 2017). you will be able to do this until January 2018. In extreme cases, organizations will be able to use the same version for no more than 16 months, and a constant update cycle will ensure that security measures are met.
However, in practice, the exact deadlines may not be met. Following this policy, support for version 1507 was supposed to end in January 2017, but it has been extended until May 9th.
New simplified release schedule
On April 20, 2017, Microsoft announced that functional updates for Windows 10 will be released twice a year, synchronously with updates to Office 365 ProPlus and Microsoft SCCM - in September and March. The duration of the support period will be 18 months.
However, in November 2017, Michael Niehaus, a former director of product marketing at Microsoft, announced that the software giant would provide businesses and educational institutions currently running Windows 10 version 1511 with an additional six months to fix “critical "And" critical "security vulnerabilities. And in February 2018, Microsoft announced that it would also provide a 6-month End of Support (EoL) extension for Windows 10 versions 1607, 1703, and 1709.
Most of the initially simplified support times have been revised to a new support model: starting September 6, 2018, Microsoft has extended the support window for all currently supported Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions (versions 1607, 1703, 1709, and 1803) to 30 months. In addition, starting in 1809, all Fall updates will also receive extended support to 30 months, while all Spring updates will receive only 18 months.
Skipping updates
To facilitate the deployment of Cumulative Security Updates and Functional Updates, they are delivered cumulatively. includes all previous improvements as well as new changes. This means that after installing the new version, your device will receive the most current version of the operating system.
If you are in doubt as to whether you should install all the updates or should you skip some of them, remember that you can safely skip one or two functional updates. This is made even easier with the new extended support from Microsoft.
However, since new versions are available for a limited period of time, it is very important to install all fixes and features on time. In doing so, it is important to consider the end date of support for a particular version to keep your systems as secure as possible.
Conclusion
It is now clear that the sheer variety of management options and the forced nature of updates are forcing IT departments to quickly adapt to the new update culture that is part of Windows as a Service.
Older versions of Windows 10 are approaching their end of life each month, and organizations must prepare for the latest functional updates. In the future, this can lead to depreciation of old system functions that may be used in some mission-critical applications in the enterprise.
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Read on for a comparison of the characteristics of the best versions of the Windows operating system. Find out which Windows is best for your computer.
We will compare all operating systems according to three most important criteria:
- Interface and usability;
- Safety;
- The speed of work and the requirements for the hardware.
Windows 7
Immediately after its release in 2009, Windows 7 received a lot of criticism due to flaws and constantly flying out bugs. Over time, the developers managed to improve the work of the system and today it is rightfully called the most successful implementation of Windows.
Peculiarities
Despite the release of new modern versions of the OS, the seven is still popular among users. More than 45% of Windows computers use the seventh generation of the operating system.
First of all, it should be noted the remarkable compatibility with any device. You can easily connect your phone to your computer or find a version of your favorite game that suits the seven.
Desktop. It was he who became the main feature of the OS. Despite the external resemblance to the previous version - Windows XP, the workspace of the 7 is better thought out, has a convenient interface and arrangement of elements. Lovers of the classic Start menu will appreciate the interface.
Support for widgets. Windows 7 is distinguished by the presence of a huge number of widgets for convenient organization of work. Add a calendar, to-do list, clock, stickers and other useful things to your desktop.
Convenient search. The Start menu provides a convenient search field for files on your computer. Just enter the title or part of the content you want to have the OS automatically detect the elements you want.
Task bar. With an organized taskbar, you can switch between pinned programs, the Start menu, open packs and files. In the tray, we see the notification area and a key to instantly collapse all open tabs.
Organization of the conductor. In the standard Windows 7 file explorer, users can create their own libraries or use existing partitions. A library is a folder that automatically recognizes files of the same subject and format.
Media center. The built-in Windows 7 Media Center utility makes it easy to manage all the media content on your computer. Listen to music, watch movies, pictures in one program.
Hardware requirements
Specifications for installing Windows 7:
- Processor with a minimum clock speed of 1 GHz and a bit depth of 32x (86x) or 64x;
- 1 GB of RAM (for 32x architecture) or 2 GB (for 64x architecture);
- DirectX 9 graphics module device.
Safety
Windows 7 security is based on the User Account Control module. Compared to earlier versions of Windows, the 7 supports secure user control and also restricts work for users who are not. The UAC service requires confirmation before performing any important action on the system (installing the program, working with antivirus, changing system settings, and so on).
This approach guarantees protection against system breakdown "inadvertently", and also limits the circle of persons and programs that can access the contents of the system
BitLocker Drive Encryption protects all of your personal data from theft and unauthorized copying.
Biometric security. Windows 7 has support for biometric user control programs. For example, if your computer has a fingerprint scanner, you can easily install the utility for this device to work.
Pros and cons
Among the advantages of Windows 7 are the following:
- Simplified recovery system;
- Support for modern games and applications;
- Intuitive interface;
- There are no special hardware requirements.
Cons of OS:
- Lack of basic support from Microsoft;
- A simple explorer with a limited set of functions;
- Poor performance;
- Long startup of the OS.
Overall, users from all over the world have been praising Windows 7 for years. Particularly popular are the simple organization of functionality and the ability to customize the desktop. A huge amount of compatible software and small hardware requirements are another reason for the popularity of the system among a multimillion audience.
Prospects for use
In 2015, Microsoft announced the end of mainstream support for the seven. However, service packs are still being delivered to users. The OS security service and built-in utilities are being improved.
In the coming years, the developer is unlikely to deprive the multimillion-dollar number of users of his favorite OS. Rather, the transition to newer versions will be done gradually and at the will of the users themselves.
If you have a desire to put a seven on your computer, feel free to start the installation, because the system will work for a decent amount of time. If necessary, you can always update your Windows 7 license for a similar build of Windows 10.
Windows 8 and 8.1
Windows 8 is an innovative project from Microsoft that was released in 2012. The new version of the beloved OS has undergone significant changes, which caused a lot of criticism and discontent among users.
The main novelty is the tiled interface
Among the main innovations of the eight, the Metro interface should be noted - this is a technology for presenting information in a tiled mode. The developers decided to move away from the familiar desktop and Start menu and now users will be able to work on the Home screen.
Each element of the "Home screen" is a virtual tile (or "tile"), by clicking on which, you can open a program, a document, a file pinned to the workspace, and so on. The design of the new interface also shook the usual idea of Windows - bright colors, animation, lack of familiar control areas.
Tiles can be changed in size and color. If you want to add more items to the work area, scroll to the right. Also, in the main window of the system there is a search menu for quick access to other programs and files.
The absence of the familiar "Start" key has become the reason for mass criticism of the eight and the refusal of users from the new system. People began to return to Windows 7 en masse. After that, Microsoft developers, trying to mitigate the situation, released the Windows 8.1 update. In fact, the update has become a new, improved version of the operating system, which should have been released instead of Windows 8.
If you compare Windows 8 and 8.1, you can immediately note the return of the long-awaited "Start" button and desktop. Note that the usual "Start" menu is absent, and when you press the main key, the metro interface appears / disappears. Thus, the user can conveniently switch between normal desktop and tiles.
In general, the new OS interface is focused on touch screens. Since, starting in 2012, an increasing number of tablet PCs and laptops with a touch pen began to appear on the market. The system is completely ready for use on ordinary computers.
Applications
With the release of the eight, Microsoft also introduced its official app store. Now you can download programs with it. The ability to download regular EXE files from the Internet remains.
Hardware Requirements
The technical requirements for installing the system are as follows:
- 1GHz processor with support for PAE, SSE2, NX;
- RAM 1 GB or 2 GB (for x86 or x64 architecture, respectively);
- Video card with support for DirectX 9. Also, support for WDMM versions 1.0+ is required;
- Free space on hard disk - 16 GB (for x86) or 20 GB (for x 64).
As you can see, the system requirements are almost identical for Windows 7 and Windows 8, so you can have problems installing an updated version of the OS. This will not affect performance. On the contrary, you will get faster OS startup (in just 15-17 seconds) and instant response of all functions.
Safety
The security system of Windows 8 has been significantly improved and improved when compared with previous generations of the OS.
User account. Now all browsers are controlled not locally in the system, but on the Microsoft server. To create an administrator or regular user account, you must bind an email address to your computer. Also, the integration of each account with OneDrive has been configured.
New authentication methods. Now you can configure several login methods at once and use only one of them for authorization - password, digital pin-code, pattern, fingerprint (if your computer has a corresponding scanner).
Updated task manager with improved encryption algorithms. Now third-party programs will not be able to influence running processes and harm the system. Also, the technology for encrypting files on the hard drive and on connected external drives has been improved.
Recovery system. Now the user can run the built-in diagnostics and automatic troubleshooting of the OS, or reset the settings to the original ones.
Common pros and cons
When determining which Windows is best for you, pay attention to the specifications of the device you are using, your personal preferences and the support of the software you use most often.
Pros of Windows 8:
- Improved work area;
- Quick search;
- Protection system;
- Minimum technical requirements;
- Support from Microsoft;
- Quick start of the OS;
- Compatible with touch screens.
Cons of Windows 8:
- Difficult adaptation. For a user who is used to working with Windows 7 it may not be easy to get used to the new OS functionality;
- Lack of familiar program windows;
- A small number of applications.
Should I install?
If you want to work with a fundamentally new interface, but remain a Windows user, we recommend installing the eight. The organization of the tiled interface and the completely new concept of the OS will appeal to experimenters and ordinary users who are looking for a good system for a touchscreen monitor.
Windows 10
Windows 10 is an extreme version of Windows that is rapidly gaining popularity among users around the world. The system has all the best from the beloved seven and the innovations of the eighth version. The latest system updates can be downloaded from the official Microsoft website - https://www.microsoft.com
By redefining their views, Microsoft canceled their goal of completely eliminating the familiar interface. Instead, they successfully stacked the two systems, adding improved styling and even faster performance.
Updated Start Button
Unlike Windows 8, the tenth version still received support for the standard "Start" menu, so users who abandoned the previous version of the OS just because of the lack of their favorite functionality can install the top ten without any problems.
The main feature of the Start menu is the simultaneous support for both regular fields and a tiled interface. This way, you can add shortcuts to programs or web pages to the menu.
For fans of the metro interface, it is possible to remove the Start menu and turn on the main screen mode in the form of tiles (with the ability to go to the desktop).
The appearance of the system is presented in a minimalist style: smooth transitions between windows, lack of window frames and ease of learning - it's all about Windows 10.
Notification Center
This feature has been adopted from mobile devices. Now you can track all notifications in a special window located on the right side of the desktop. You can open it by pressing a special key in the tray.
At the bottom of the action center window there are tiles, clicking on which you go to the system settings or manage available connections and devices.
Also, you can note the modified explorer, in which users can manually add folders to the quick access panel.
Hardware requirements
- Installed on a PC Windows 8, 8.1 or 7;
- 1 GHz processor;
- RAM 1 GB or 2 GB (for different architectures);
- 20 GB of disk space;
- The minimum screen resolution is 800x600 pixels;
- DirectX 9 compatible graphics card or higher.
Pros and cons
Pros of Windows 10:
- Built-in Windows Defender;
- Fast turn on in 15 seconds;
- Rational distribution of PC resources;
- Compatible with modern games and applications;
- Regularly receive service packs and security improvements;
- Interface;
- Stable work.
Cons of Windows 10:
- Not all old computers are in the top ten;
- On some devices, it may be difficult to install the OS manually;
- Problems with region settings.
Should I install?
Definitely yes. With the new Windows 10, you will be able to receive automatic OS updates and install them without losing your personal data and files. Also, the new system is constantly being improved, new functionality is being added, the interface and the function of supporting connected devices are being improved.
We hope you have received an answer to your question about which Windows is the best, and now you will use the ideal system for your computer. Leave in the comments your thoughts on comparing the three most popular operating systems in the Windows family.
Back in May 2015, Microsoft officially announced that Windows 10 would be the latest version of the operating system, and users shouldn't wait for Windows 11.
Redmond believes that within a few years, 90% of computers around the world will be running Windows 10.
Microsoft New Development Leader Jerry Nixon said:
Windows 10 will be the last operating system in the Windows family, and we will be working on it.
Instead of releasing fundamentally new versions of the operating system every few years, Microsoft switched to a different release model, which is also used by Apple. In line with the new strategy, Microsoft will deliver new features and improvements to the operating system through regular updates.
Windows as a Service
In the olden days, Windows users could go to the store, purchase a copy of Windows, and install it on their computer. After the release of Windows 10, Microsoft radically changed the way Windows updates.
Immediately after its release, Windows 10 became available as a free update for all users of Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1. For a whole year after the release of the new operating system, users could upgrade to Windows 10 using Windows Update for free.
Microsoft will continue to improve the system by delivering regular updates, following the concept of Windows as a Service or Windows as a Service. Users are left with several options to quickly download updates. For example, they can download updates from Microsoft servers or use local, Internet-connected computers that have already received the updates.
Microsoft's new approach
According to Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, the company has moved to a new approach for itself with a priority of cloud technologies and a focus on mobile devices. Moreover, this approach is reflected in Windows. Windows will use a strategy similar to how mobile operating systems separate core components to deliver faster updates.
Start menu and built-in apps are now separate from the main OS so users can get updates faster. Rather than waiting for a full Windows update, Microsoft provides small, offline updates for individual apps.
It was this disaggregation approach that allowed smartphone manufacturers to update core applications - such as the camera, gallery, mail, and others - without having to wait for developers to release a major system update.
Windows 11 won't
With the release of Windows 10, Microsoft is no longer planning to release new operating systems, so unless the strategy changes, we won't see Windows 11 in the near term. Instead, the company has focused on improving the functionality of Windows 10 through regular feature updates that are released twice a year - in the spring and fall.
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Windows 7 and 8 were followed by Windows 10. An almost logical continuation would have been the release of Windows 11. However, Microsoft changed its strategy: most likely, there will be no "successor" to Windows 10 under the eleventh number.
It will likely remain the latest version of the OS. In the future, the operating system will exist as "Windows as a Service". Unlike the current strategy, Windows will be distributed in the form of copies available for purchase. For the first time, the concept of getting the system as downloading an update was applied to Windows 10.
Windows 10 will become the standard OS
Microsoft is using Apple's strategy: the Mac OS version is already available only for download from the developer. Users don't need to go to the store, they can download the latest version straight to their Mac without much effort.
Completely new systems will no longer appear on the market at intervals of a couple of years. Instead, Windows 10 is defined as the standard and constantly evolving version. All innovations will be introduced through regular updates.
Each version of Windows has a specific lifespan. According to the Windows Lifecycle Fact Sheet, support for Windows 10 will end in 2025. But this does not mean the end of the tenth system and the appearance of Windows 11. Most likely, the end of support will refer to a specific update, which guarantees updates for several more years.
I welcome everyone. Since I am an employee of Microsoft and an internal tester of Windows assemblies, I release inside information on the channel from time to time and this release will not be an exception. This means, firstly, Microsoft is abandoning the development of Windows 10, as the company realized that it was moving in the wrong direction. The Spring Creators Update will be the last one and no Redstone 5 should be expected. If you remember, Microsoft said back in the days of Windows 8 that there would be no new Windows numbered parts. We've heard the same thing in the case of Windows 10, but Microsoft knows how to twist it around the finger. Windows 7 came out in 2009, Windows 8 in 2012, Windows 10 in 2015, and in turn Windows 11, according to the secret roadmap, will be released at the end of 2019. The new OS will go back to basics and will be very similar to Windows 7. Windows 10 version LTSB (LTSC) was liked by the majority of users and Microsoft, based on feedback from the same users, decided to globally redesign the system. The company will completely cut out Metro applications and concentrate on classic Win32 applications, as Microsoft says they are the future. Aero and the usual transparency will return to the system interface.
The Microsoft Store will be completely cut out of the system, and standard applications will return to their places, as well as games like Klondike and Spider. Xbox services will also be cut from the system, and they will be replaced by the Steam service, which will be preinstalled in the operating system. Support at the system level for applications like Origin and Uplay is expected later.
Various tracking services will be completely cut out of the system, since there was too much criticism of the company because of this, and the tracking itself greatly damaged the sales of the system.
The Internet Explorer browser will also return. In Windows 10, Microsoft replaced it with the new Edge browser, but the browser was so unfortunate that the company decided to return with the good old Internet Explorer. The browser will be updated to version 12 and will be built on a heavily modified Trident engine, thanks to which the new IE will receive support for modern web technologies. Many useful things, such as extensions and the ability to read various PDF-documents, will become possible in the new version of the Internet Explorer browser.
Development of Windows Media Player will also resume. The new 13th version will receive a modern interface and support for new audio formats.
The Start menu will return to the classic look without the use of Metro tiles and other heresy. But among other things, Windows 11 will receive a feature for managing tabs in File Explorer, which has been rumored for a long time.
Skype will also be integrated into Windows 11, but only the desktop version, since nobody really liked its Modern version.
In addition, Microsoft will also release DirectX 13 along with Windows 11. The new API should become a doped version of DirectX 12, since DX12 itself turned out to be a rather crude API, but it should be noted that only new video cards will support DirectX 13. New The API will be several times faster than the DirectX 12 API. It sounds incredible, but the fact is that Microsoft is also involved in artificial intelligence and the development of a quantum computer. Some developments will be included in the new API, including new technology for tracing light rays. Games with DirectX 13 support are expected next year and in theory this API will repeat the success of DirectX 9 and DirectX 11.
The upcoming Office 2019 will now be integrated into the system, and the Windows 11 system itself will be completely free.
In general, Microsoft is trying to make Windows 11 the perfect system that will be perfect in everything and suit every user. Microsoft realized its mistakes, Windows 11 will be as easy and accessible as possible.
Do not listen to people who say something about Windows 10 and about a single OS, all this is not true. There will be Windows 11 this year, and in 2022 - Windows 12. Windows 12 should generally elevate functionality to the Absolute, but so far development has been concentrated only on Windows 11.
What are you expecting from Windows 11? Write about it in the comments.
Read 14041 once Last modified on Tuesday, 08 January 2019 01:48
