Fans and just interested parties are seriously concerned about the release of a new OS from Microsoft, which promises to be not just the "next numbered", but generally a new era in the history of operating systems. Despite the fact that even now anyone with access to the Internet can touch the fruits of the developers' work with their hands, there are still a lot of questions about. This is even assuming that Microsoft regularly holds all kinds of conferences and communicates closely with users. Main question, which is absolutely interested in the entire frozen in anticipation of the IT world, is it when Windows 10 will be released?
Not so simple
When asking such a question, it is important to remember that this system should work not only for personal computers and laptops, but also on other devices, including mobile phones... And the main forces of developers are now thrown into the finalization of the "older" system, and the release date for other modifications will be slightly different. Now only an approximate date for all devices has been named - the second half of the year.
However, when asked when Windows 10 for computers will be released, Microsoft answered unequivocally: Windows 10 officially starts on July 29, 2015.
This date will start new era for the entire Windows ecosystem. Following the older OS, a mobile edition, a version for Xbox one and all the rest, more highly specialized modifications.
Preliminary versions
For those users who cannot or do not want to wait for the appearance of the system in stores and in windows menu Update (for), as well as for those who want to help developers catch as many errors as possible and create a system that will appeal to most people on their own, a program called "Insider" is now running, and it allows you to download and install on your computer preliminary version OS.
For this you need:
- Go to insider.windows.com.
- Confirm your participation in the program by specifying email from account Microsoft.
- Get links to download the system and install it, which should not be difficult for an experienced user.
Important! If you are not experienced user, that is, you cannot boast of great experience with a computer, you don’t work as a tester, or you simply don’t know how to cope with a problem that has arisen on your computer - it’s better not to try the preliminary version and wait until the final assembly appears.
Mobile devices
Windows 10 Mobile is no less expected than its older sister, however, no data was reported on the exact release date for the mobile edition. It is expected to appear in the fall, along with the release of a new one, namely the Lumia 940.
It is worth remembering that for the mobile edition also applies Insider program, which allows you to see all the innovations of the system with your own eyes. However, it is worth remembering that this system is at an even earlier stage of development than its desktop version, and incorrect actions or errors that occur can simply kill the device.
The wait is coming to an end, and very little is left before new systems appear on the market. It is noticeable how competitors are trying to implement ideas and functions that became known from the announcements and press releases of Microsoft, it is clear that the whole world is also wedging into this idea of "universality" and true "cross-platform". In short, Microsoft reserves the title of the most progressive and innovative company, and will confirm this once again when Windows 10 comes out.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Windows 10 servicing model (Windows-as-a-Service), formerly known as branches Windows servicing(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 latest features, Features and Enhancements for Windows 10 Devices. Microsoft releases two feature updates a year, in March and September. Since functional updates contain full copy operating system, they can be used to install a fresh version of Windows 10 on Windows computers 7 or Windows 8.1, as well as new devices without an OS.
Cumulative updates (Quality Updates)... Cumulative updates are similar to monthly security updates and patches used before exit windows 10, but have a number of significant differences. First, cumulative updates target a specific version of Windows 10. Second, Microsoft plans to release as many cumulative updates as needed for the supported versions of Windows 10. These updates are aimed at improving the quality of the OS.
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 predominantly intended for ordinary consumers and system administrators who want to test the latest features and enhancements before they go public).
- Current Branch - Availability new version Windows 10 immediately after public release.
- Current Branch For Business (CBB) - Enterprise-Ready Windows version 10, becomes available approximately 4 months after its public release.
- Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) - a branch with a long-term technical support, designed for ATMs, production equipment and other critical specialized devices that do not require regular updates.
An updated Windows 10 servicing model was introduced in Spring 2017. this moment organizations can choose from three service options. Choose the option that best suits your requirements:
- Program preliminary assessment Windows Insider- majority large enterprises contain 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 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 throughout the period using windows 10 - up to 10 years. This option Great for ATM machines, 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 release of Fall Creators Update October 17, 2017, update of the semi-annual channel Fall creators Update will not work. The initial update is the final update.
V this section it will be about the Semi-Annual Channel service type for Windows 10 Enterprise and Education, because the long-term servicing channel does not receive functional updates, and the 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.
- Next update The 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 your Windows 10 version number, type in search string winver press Enter and you will see a dialog box with information about current version OS.
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 windows updates 10 will be released twice a year, in sync with Office updates 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 enterprises and educational institutions currently running Windows 10, version 1511, 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.
Much of the initially simplified support timeline has been revised to a new support model: starting September 6, 2018, Microsoft has extended the support window for all currently supported Windows editions 10 Enterprise and Education (versions 1607, 1703, 1709, and 1803) up to 30 months. In addition, starting in 1809, all Fall updates will also receive extended support to 30 months, and 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 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. That being said, it is important to consider the end date of support for a particular version in order to maintain maximum safety systems.
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 new culture updates, which is part of Windows as a Service.
Monthly older versions of Windows 10 are nearing completion date life cycle and organizations must prepare for the latest functional updates. In the future, this may lead to depreciation of old system functions, which may be applied in some critical important applications at the enterprise.
Found a typo? Press Ctrl + Enter
Fans and just interested parties are seriously concerned about the release of a new OS from Microsoft, which promises to be not just the "next numbered", but generally a new era in the history of operating systems. Despite the fact that even now anyone with Internet access can touch the fruits of the developers' labors, there are still a lot of questions about Windows 10. This is even assuming that Microsoft regularly holds all kinds of conferences and communicates closely with users. The main question that interests absolutely the entire frozen in anticipation of the IT world is when will Windows 10 come out?
Not so simple
When asking this question, it is important to remember that this system should work not only on personal computers and laptops, but also on other devices, including mobile phones. And the main forces of developers are now thrown into the finalization of the "older" system, and the release date for other modifications will be slightly different. Now only an approximate date for all devices has been named - the second half of the year.
However, when asked when Windows 10 for computers will be released, Microsoft answered unequivocally: Windows 10 officially starts on July 29, 2015.
This date will begin a new era for the entire Windows ecosystem. Following the older OS, the mobile edition, the Xbox One version and all other more highly specialized modifications will be released in order of priority.
Preliminary versions
For those users who cannot or do not want to wait for the system to appear in stores and in the menu Windows Update(to update the current system), as well as for those who want to personally help developers to catch as many errors as possible and create a system that will appeal to most people, a program called "Insider" is currently running, and it allows you to download and install a preliminary OS version.
For this you need:
- Go to insider.windows.com.
- Confirm your participation in the program by entering your email from your Microsoft account.
- Get links to download the system and install it, which should not be difficult for an experienced user.
Important! If you are not an experienced user, that is, you cannot boast of great experience with a computer, don’t work as a tester, or simply don’t know how to cope with a problem on your computer, it’s better not to try the preliminary version and wait until the final assembly appears.
Mobile devices
Windows 10 Mobile is no less expected than its older sister, however, no data was reported on the exact release date for the mobile edition. It is expected to arrive in the fall, along with the release of Microsoft's new flagship device, the Lumia 940.
It is worth remembering that the Insider program also operates for the mobile editorial office, which allows you to see all the innovations of the system with your own eyes. However, it is worth remembering that this system is at an even earlier stage of development than its desktop variation, and incorrect actions or errors that have occurred can simply kill the device.
The wait is coming to an end, and very little is left before new systems appear on the market. It is noticeable how competitors are trying to implement ideas and functions that became known from the announcements and press releases of Microsoft, it is clear that the whole world is also wedging into this idea of "universality" and true "cross-platform". In short, Microsoft reserves the title of the most progressive and innovative company, and will confirm this once again when Windows 10 comes out.
At an event in Redmond, which Microsoft held on January 21 this year, it was once again announced that the release time full version Windows 10. The release will take place immediately in 190 countries around the world in the summer, and devices with a pre-installed new OS will go on sale in early autumn. While more exact date no way out. It turns out, as the saying goes, that you have to wait for the promised three years.
It will be three years since the release of the previous version in the fall. The management of the corporation believes that 10 most closely matches the name of the new OS to the volume of changes made compared to Windows 8. So, no Next, Threshold or 9 (there were such rumors). Moreover, the management of the corporation convinced the audience at the presentations that the “ten” is absolutely New Product... A product that, no less, brings ecosystems together mobile gadgets and PCs with laptops in one piece.
It remains to wait quite a bit and see if Microsoft can actually make a shot at the top ten or if it will repeat itself sad story with Windows 8. You can also read about the upcoming release mobile version"Tens" in the article ""
What the coming day has in store for us (represented by Microsoft)
Test show windows 10 for corporate clients was organized in October last year. The so-called Consumer Preview has received a number of new features and touch capabilities. They were not in the desktop version of the Technical Preview. The corporation plans to inform the developers Additional information about Windows 10 at the Build conference.
So far, we can say that the management of the corporation has realized the danger of categorical statements that they know the wishes of users best of all. And because of this, the user need not even ask. As a result, many people simply did not accept Windows 8, continuing to use older versions. Even such a move by the corporation as refusing to update Windows XP, let alone its predecessors, could not force users to change their position.
And the previously overwhelming popularity of "windows" began to fall. This is especially noticeable due to the rapid proliferation of tablets and smartphones. Apparently, the conclusions have been made - the traditional design and the "Start" menu, which has long become familiar and suddenly disappeared in the previous version, have returned. This return to basics has been enhanced with new OS features.
So, the full version of Windows 10, it will become the operating system for the most various devices, from PC to Xbox One. Accordingly, a general store of universal applications will be available. The Russian-speaking population will also not be left without attention, it remains only to wait for the release of Windows 10 in Russian. In the desktop version, it will be possible to create several desktops and the ability to switch between them.
Windows 8 apps will open in windowed mode. PCs and tablets will receive a voice assistant function. Users using the Start menu will be able to customize programs, applications, contacts, and pin or remove tiles from the menu. After official release Windows 10, all devices will ship with the new Spartan browser.
With the help of a modified Snap functions users will be able to open four applications at the same time. In this case, the program will prompt which currently more applications are running, and will also give advice on how these applications can be positioned. Will be organized Feedback with help Windows applications Feedback. This application will help users to communicate their wishes and errors found.
But voice assistant Cortana, which is integrated into the search bar, is not very interesting to us yet - it will only be available in America. But then half the world will learn to say: "Hey, Cortana." Said, and voice activation will start looking for applications, files. Help send the message. Almost like in oriental tales and advertising about a Google analogue.
Applications from department store will open in windowed mode. Introduced new button(it is located in the header), with which the user can expand the application to full screen. It is also possible to save applications on a memory card, not just on your hard drive. To do this, Windows 10 has a Storage Sense feature. The Action Center will allow you to sync notifications with other devices that also run Windows 10.
It remains to wait until the full version of Windows 10 is released, and see how Microsoft's promises will match reality. So far, everything announced by the management of the corporation is certainly interesting.
Today, millions of users around the world will have access to the operating system Windows 10. "Ten" seems to be the most elaborate version of the OS Microsoft latest years. There are a lot of arguments in favor of the update: free, improved interface, Edge browser with support for advanced web technologies, universal applications... However, Windows 10, like any new product, has inherent weak spots... What threatens a hasty update, Vesti.Hi-tech found out.
Non-switchable auto-updates... In Windows 10, the company has stopped releasing packages Service updates Pack and security "patches" coming out strictly on schedule. The Ten, unlike Windows 7 and Vista, will regularly check, download and install updates and drivers automatically. This change turned out to be one of the controversial ones - after all, many users want to have full control over your system and everything that changes in it.
Firstly, the installation of Windows 10 updates will occur without the knowledge of users - they are obliged to do this. license agreement. "Software periodically checks for system and application updates, downloads and installs them for you ... By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive automatic updates without additional notice", - said in the document. After downloading and installing the update, Windows 10 users will be prompted to restart their computer (automatically or manually).
Second, give up automatic download updates or select only some of them, as before, is no longer possible. The new rules apply only to the "home" edition of the operating system (Windows 10 Home). Users of the business version of the "10" (Windows 10 Pro), albeit with some restrictions, will still be able to postpone the download of updates indefinitely.
You need to understand that updates are installed automatically in order to ensure that the user's device is as protected as possible. The user can only "roll back" 1 release back, again for security purposes. As for the transition from older versions of Windows, then within a month after Windows installations 10 user can return to previous version The OS that was originally installed on his device, provided that this OS is Windows 7, Windows 8 or Windows 8.1.
Limited free... Windows 10 - the first operating Microsoft system, which will be available to users for free. True, provided that you are the owner of a device with a licensed copy of Windows 7 or 8.1. Make a direct upgrade to "ten" from Vista, Windows XP or more old version OS is not allowed. In addition, the PC must have the latest version of Windows that it supports. It can be Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) or Windows 8.1 Update.
According to the official Microsoft website, users upgraded from Windows 7 / 8.1 will receive a similar "edition" of Windows 10. For example, Windows 10 Home will be installed on a PC with a "seven" (for Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium), for Professional or Ultimate - Windows 10 Pro. So for the transition from "home" Windows 7 to the business version, obviously, you will have to pay extra.
Lack of Windows media player Media Center (WMC). The WMC media player is missing from Windows 10. The application that plays music, photos and streaming TV has not been included in the new OS "due to the decline in popularity," Microsoft explained. However, many users have long been accustomed to WMC, which debuted back in 2002 with the release of Windows XP.
The player was mainly used to play DVD movies and watch TV shows recorded from the TV in the living room on the computer. The company did not include an alternative to WMC in Windows 10 (to watch DVD, you will have to install third party application), but promised to "provide another use case for this feature in the future."
Windows 10 includes a new application called Music and Video to play any kind of multimedia content. Supported music files in lossless compression formats (FLAC, etc.), as well as video in the .mkv container.
From Windows 10 also classic elements such as desktop gadgets, Solitaire and Minesweeper games will be gone(new versions will take their place). Moreover, users will be forced to play solitaire with advertising. You can get rid of it, as well as get bonus features, only for money ($ 1.49 per month / $ 9.99 per year). Microsoft followed the same strategy in Windows 8 / 8.1, however, the game was not bundled with the operating system, but was available as an additional download.
At any operating system at the time of exit may contain errors and vulnerabilities that were not identified during the beta testing phase. For this reason, some cautious users will probably want to wait a month or two until Microsoft fixes the most obvious bugs. Yes, the 5 million volunteers who tested the technical beta of the OS did their best to catch mistakes. But now Windows 10 will probably be installed where more people, so it is likely that some flaws will surface - in the end, without them, not a single software, even more so - as complex as an OS. For too long, however, it is better not to wait - from July 29, 2016, the transition to the top ten will be paid for all users.
A few days before the release of Windows 10, for example, it turned out that devices with a new "axis" work up to 10% less... True, the problem was identified on non-final OS assemblies, talk about the presence of a problem in final version yet premature. Accelerated discharge has been detected on some PCs equipped with Intel chips... The company has already recognized the flaw and started working on driver optimization. So if you want to install the top ten on July 29, you should be ready to install service packs on the same day.
In announcing Windows 10, Microsoft cited the Cortana smart assistant as one of the essential functions"tens". It allows you to control the system using voice commands(launch applications, play music, search for files, etc.) like Siri on i-devices. However, by the time Windows 10 launches, Secretary will only be available in a small number of countries, namely the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, China, France, Italy, Germany, and Spain. Unlike the same Siri, Cortana does not speak Russian yet, and it is not known when she will learn it... The delay is due to the high degree of integration of the "assistant" into the operating system and Microsoft services.
Microsoft has strengthened Windows security 10, providing support for biometric passwords. The top ten can be configured to log on only when scanning a fingerprint, eye shell, or face recognition. These functions, however, will work when available. compatible equipment ... For Windows 10 to recognize the owner, it needs an infrared camera in a laptop or PC, and an appropriate sensor to scan a fingerprint.
No matter how active the marketing campaign is, Microsoft cannot convince all users to switch to Windows 10. Some are guided by the "don't fix it if it's not broken" principle, and are quite happy with older versions of the OS: they can return classic menu"Start" by setting third party program(For example Classic Shell) do not plan to use the Cortana assistant or play games (therefore DirectX availability 12 in the top ten is not an argument for them).
They do not particularly see the need to switch to the top ten right now Windows users 7, the most popular OS in the world. Despite the fact that the G7's main support expired in January, it will continue to receive free updates security for another five years - until January 14, 2020. Other improvements can be made in addition to vulnerability fixes by paying for extended support. As for Windows 8, this Microsoft version will support until 2023.
Social media and blogs also cite the laborious upgrade process as arguments against switching to Windows 10, since creating backups all files and system configuration, if installed on a computer with outdated hardware, may take several hours. Moreover, it is absolutely necessary to test applications for compatibility with the top ten. Not all developers took part in the Microsoft beta testing program, so after installation new system it may turn out that your favorite program is incompatible with it, and you won't be able to "roll back" the update.
However, not everything is so bad.
Windows 10
