Windows 10 November 2021 Update is now available (Windows 10 version 21H2)

Microsoft today released the Windows 10 November 2021 Update, also known as Windows 10 version 21H2. The new version of Windows 10 is a smaller update that is rolling out gradually for the entire device population.

Note that the update does not seem to be pushed to the devices through automatic updates yet. Windows 10 administrators who are interested in the update can go to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update to hit the “check for updates” button on the page. The new feature update must be returned during verification, and administrators can select the “download and install” link to start the update download.

Microsoft Vice President, Windows Program Management, Service and Delivery, John Cable, notes that Windows 11 may also be offered on some devices, depending on compatibility with the new version of Microsoft’s Windows operating system.

The update installs as a monthly feature update on devices running Windows 10 version 2004, 20H2, or 21H1. The update will take longer on devices running earlier versions of Windows 10.

Administrators may want to check the status panel of the official version of Windows to verify this. Known issues among other things. Microsoft lists only one known issue at the time:

OCTOBER 2021
Connections to shared printers through the print server may encounter errors

Commercial customers should start with Cable-specific deployments to “validate that their applications, devices, and infrastructure are working as expected with the new release.” Windows 10 version 21H2 is available through WSUS, Windows Update for Business, and the Volume Licensing Service Center.

Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2021 was also released today.

New release cadence

Windows 10 will move to a new release cadence to align releases with Windows 11. Microsoft’s new operating system receives a new feature update every year, and Windows 10 in the future will also receive a single feature update per year. Previously, Microsoft released two feature updates per year.

The next feature update for Windows 10 will be released in the second half of 2022, around the same time that the next feature update for Windows 11 will be released.

Windows 10 Home and Pro editions receive 18 months of service and support, Enterprise and Education editions 30 months. Microsoft chose the second version of the annual support cycle as the new service and support cycle for Windows 10.

Support cycles are slightly shorter than for devices running Windows 11. Windows 11 Home and Pro editions are supported for 24 months, while Enterprise and Education editions are supported for 36 months.

Should I install the Windows 10 version 21H2 update right now?

If you’re managing devices running Windows 10, you might be wondering if it’s a good idea to install the feature update right now. The feature update is just a smaller update, and that means there is less chance of it causing problems on the device.

On the other hand, it is usually a good idea to wait weeks, if not months, before installing new feature updates. Most feature updates have bugs, some of which are discovered after the release of the feature update.

In any case, it is a good idea to create a system backup before installing the update. It installs quickly, and while you can use the rollback option that’s built into Windows 10, up to 30 days after installation, it’s best to have a second option if something breaks.

Now you: running Windows 10? When will you install the new update?

advertising