Windows 10 – Revised End of Service Date for Windows 10 Version 1809

Summary:

Microsoft extends End of Service date for Windows 10 Version 1809

Comments:

• Microsoft announced on April 14, 2020 that the ‘End-of-Service’ date for Windows 10 1809 has been extended to November 10, 2020 instead of expiring on May 12, 2020
• The extension adds another six(6) months of support for receiving security updates
• The extension applies to the following editions of Windows 10 1809
  • Home, Pro, Pro Education, and Pro for Workstations
• Security updates will continue to be available through the same channels
  • Windows Update, Microsoft Catalog and Windows Server Update services
• This End-of-Service revision also places a temporary pausing of Microsoft initiated feature upgrades from Windows 10 Version 1809 to a later Windows 10 Version(e.g. 1903, 1909)

Additional Information:

• Microsoft Articles:
  • Revised end of service date for Windows 10, version 1809: November 10, 2020
  • Windows 10 Lifecycle Fact Sheet
  • Lifecycle changes to end of support and servicing dates

Revisions:

Apr 15 2020:  Initial Draft and Original  Publish Date

Apr 18 2020:  Added 2nd and 3rd items in the Additional Information section.

Windows 10 – Known Issues for Windows 10 Versions

Summary:

How and where to find Known Issues and their current status for Windows 10 versions

Comments:

• Known Issues and their current status for each Windows 10 version is available from Microsoft
• Known Issues and their current status for each Windows 10 version is included as additional information for Windows 10 Release Information
• Each released Windows 10 version has its own dedicated itemized list of:
  • Known Issues
  • Resolved Issues
• Each released Windows 10 version Known Issues list is broken down by:
  • Known Issues by Originating update, Status, and latest status date in table form
    • Originating Update is the Windows update involved that is causing or related to or reported to and/or validated as the cause and appearance the issue(i.e. wide scope of  actual or possible reasons)
  • Details of the known issue – supplemental information on each issue
  • Issue status by month – chronological history
• Each released Windows 10 version Resolved Issues list is broken down by:
  • Resolved Issue by Originating update, Status, Date resolved
  • Details of the resolved issue – supplemental information on each issue
  • Issue status by month – chronological history
• All the above information is available on Microsoft’s web site
  • https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-information/

 

How To:

1. Open a browser and navigate to the Microsoft web site -  Windows 10 Release Information
2. Look on the left hand side to see a list of all released Windows 10 versions
3. Click on any Windows 10 version(e.g. 1909, 1903, etc.) to expand the version specific additional categories(‘Known issues and notifications’ or ‘Resolved issues'(see below graphic)
4. Click on the ‘Known Issues and notifications’ or ‘Resolved Issues’ categories for additional information viewable on the web page

   5.  Available information and content, as expected, is dynamic and updated when necessary

  

Revisions:

Feb  1 2020: Initial and Final Draft Date

Feb  2 2020: Original Publish Date

Feb 14 2020:  Added Resolved Issues section in Comments, corrected typo(Thanks Erin – HVD!)

Windows 10 – Avast AVG Compatibility Issues

Summary:

Compatibility Issues with some earlier versions of Avast and AVG anti-virus editions affecting Windows 10

 Comments:

• Microsoft and Avast have identified problems with using earlier/outdated versions of Avast and AVG anti-virus software on Windows 10 Versions 1909 and 1903
• These compatibility issues prevent upgrading Windows 10 from an earlier version to later Windows 10 versions – 1903(May 2019 Update) and 1909(November 2019 Update)
  • Note: The inability to upgrade impacts upgrading via Windows Update, the Media Creation Tool created media, and the online Upgrade Now methods
• The compatibility issues surfaced in late November 2019
• Avast and AVG versions 19.5 and lower are no longer compatible with Windows 10
• Devices with installed versions of Avast or AVG 19.5 or lower will not be offered or capable to upgrade to Windows 10 1909 or Windows 10 1903
• End users of Avast and AVG products should/need to download and install an updated version of their Avast or AVG application – Editor Note: Preferably the latest available version
• End users of Avast or AVG anti-virus software that install the latest version will no longer have the compatibility issue preventing upgrading Windows 10 from an earlier version to Windows 10 versions 1909 or 1903

Additional Information:

• Microsoft November 2019 Release information documentation
  • https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-information/status-windows-10-1909#november-2019
• Avast support  article
  • https://support.avast.com/en-ww/article/253
• AVG Support article
  • https://support.avg.com/SupportArticleView?urlName=AVG-Antivirus-Windows-10-update

 

Revisions:

Nov 23 2019: Initial Draft Date

Nov 26 2019: Final Draft Date

Dec 1 2019: Original Publish Date

Dec 7 2019:  Added ‘Note’ and ‘Editor Note’ in the  ‘Comments’ section

Windows 10 Version 1909 November 2019 Update

Summary:

Microsoft releases Windows 10 Version 1909 November 2019 Update

Comments:

1. Microsoft released the latest major feature update(named November 2019 Update) for Windows 10 Version 1909 Build 18363.418 today(Nov. 12, 2019)
2. Windows 10 Version 1909 is now available to mainstream consumers and business users that wish to manually install the feature update via Windows Update ‘Check for Updates’  (Note: Not all devices may be deemed ready to install Windows 10 1909 – the most common reason would be due to a compatibility issue where a ‘safeguard hold is in place’ by Microsoft to ensure a good update experience for the respective device)
3. Windows 10 Version 1909 is also available via The Windows 10 download site, and via the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.  (Note: Not all devices may be deemed ready – see Note in Comment #2 above). Editor Note:  The Windows 10 Download site’s ”Update Assistant – Update Now’ option for 1909 will be available the week of November 18th)
4. Windows 10 Version 1909 will be deployed/rolled out automatically via Windows Update(not all capable devices will receive the feature update at the same time since the deployment – rollout is staged)
5. Windows 10 Version 1909 will update a Windows 10 device from the installed prior version of Windows 10(e.g. Windows 10 Version 1903, 1809, etc.)

 

Additional Information:

• Windows 10 Download site – Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
  • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
• Windows 10 Version 1909
  • Windows 10, version 1909 and Windows Server, version 1909 – Windows Release Information Microsoft Docs
    • Hyperlink above includes the following information
      • Release Information
      • Current Status
      • Known Issues (Mitigated and Investigating)
      • Issue Details (Mitigated and Investigating)
  • Windows 10 Release Information
    • Includes Servicing Channel Information for 1909 and earlier versions
  • What’s new for IT Pros Windows in Windows 10 Version 1909
    • New Features, FAQs, Kits/Tools/Resources
  • Windows 10 Version 1909 Delivery Options (For IT Pros)
    • Delivery, What’s new about delivering, How to get, Additional Details(Versioning, Disk Space, Uninstall, Windows Server, 30 months support)
  • Windows Blog – How to get the Windows 10 November 2019 Update
    • General notice, how to obtain, highlights on new features and continued transparency on controlling the management and installation of updates

 

Revisions:

Nov 12 2019: Initial Draft

Nov 13 2019: Original Publish Date

Nov 14 2019: Added Editor Note in Comment #3 (Thank you for the ping, Rangiku[from Tokyo!])

Windows 10 – Updates may fail to install – Error 0x80073701

Summary:

• Installation of Windows updates may fail with the message – "Updates Failed’ with ‘Error 0x80073701’

 

Comments:

• This article applies to Windows 10 Version 1903
• This article applies to Windows Update
• The failure to update is suspected to be caused by KB4497935 May 29, 2019 Quality Update(an optional non-security update that included a number of ‘quality’ fixes)
  • Unknown at this time if the issue is related to Windows Update, Window 10 or Windows 10 Component Store/Image
• This issue does not impact all Windows 10 devices having first appeared in isolated cases when attempting to install Windows updates automatically or manually in June through July 2019

Editor Note: This issue is now resolved by installing KB4524570 and applicable to Windows 10 1903(and 1909). If the issue still persists see Recommendation #3 below(or optionally see/reference KB4528159)

Recommendations:

1.  Use the Windows 10 Troubleshooter for Windows Update. The Windows 10 Troubleshooter is located  in ”Settings/Update and Security/Troubleshoot/Windows Update’

2.  Use the DISM’s tool command line interface to Check, Scan, and Restore Windows 10 System Image

3. Use the DISM’s tool command interface for Analyzing and Cleanup of the Windows 10 Component Store

Revisions:

Aug 15 2019: Initial Draft Date

Aug 18 2019: Original Publish Date

Nov 14 2019: Added Editor Note in Comments – Issue resolved by KB4524570

Windows 10 Update History–Version 1809 (October 2018 Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates for Windows 10 Version 1809 October 2018 Update

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1809(October 2018 Update) Build 17763 updates
  • Windows 10 1809 Update History
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build number.Subversion number
  • e.g. 17763.1 = Build number 17763 Subversion number 1  (Initial Release, October 2, 2018)
    • Subsequent updates will be deployed via Windows Update and only modify the ‘Subversion number’
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Improvements and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

Additional Information:

• Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10)
  • Windows 10 update history
• Windows as a service – Overview
• Windows 10 release information (blog article with link to historical Windows 10 release info)
• Windows Update: FAQ

 

Revisions:

Nov  2 2018: Initial Draft

Nov 15 2018: Initial Publish Date

Windows 10 Version 1809 – October 2018 Update

Summary:

Microsoft released Windows 10 Version 1809 October 2018 Update on October 2, 2018

Comments:

1. Microsoft released the latest major feature update(named October 2018 Update) for Windows 10 Version 1809 Build 17763.1 today(October 2, 2018)
2. Windows 10 1809 update is available at this time via Windows Update, The Windows 10 download site, and via the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.  (Note: Not all devices may be deemed ready to install Windows 10 1809)
3. Windows 10 1809 Update will be deployed/rolled out automatically via Windows Update(not all devices will receive the feature update at the same time)
4. Windows 10 1809 Update will update a Windows 10 device from the installed prior version of Windows 10(e.g. Windows 10 Version 1803, 1709,  etc.)
5. Windows 10 1809 includes new privacy controls that enhance the privacy choice and controls available to users for managing their own privacy.  Additionally each new account on a device can personally tailor the main privacy settings, instead of only the initial user who sets up the device. 

How To:

• To obtain Windows 10 Version 1809 Build 17763.1
  • Access Windows Update on Windows 10 and manually check for updates
  • Visit the Microsoft Windows 10 Software Download site and choose the ‘Update Now’ option
  • Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool(MCT) executable(*.exe) file from the Microsoft Windows 10 Software Download web site then run the MCT exe file to create USB or DVD media or optionally create and save an ISO file which can be used for mounting or creating media

Additional Information:

• Microsoft released articles
  • Windows 10 Software Download web site (Update Now or Media Creation Tool)
  • How to get the Windows 10 October 2018 Update
  • What’s new in the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (Technical article intended for ITPros)

 

 

Revisions:

Oct 2 2018: Initial Draft and Publish Date

Oct 3 2018: Corrected typo – Comments section Item #5

Windows 10 Microcode Updates – Intel CPUs

Summary: 

Intel Processor(CPU) microcode updates for Windows 10 addressing Spectre security vulnerabilities

Comments:

• Windows 10 Intel microcode updates are stand-alone updates available in the Microsoft Catalog
• Windows 10 versions will also receive the microcode update via Windows Update
• Microcode updates include previous released microcode updates
• Applicable to Windows 10 versions listed below in the Knowledge Base(KB) article section
• Each KB article provides the Intel supported CPU and listed in table form by Code Name, Product Collection, Product Name, CPUID, and Intel microcode update revision

Microsoft KB article:

• Windows 10 1803 April Update KB4346084
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346084/kb4346084-intel-microcode-updates
• Windows 10 1709 Fall Creators Update KB4346085
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346085/kb4346085-intel-microcode-updates
• Windows 10 1703 Creators Update KB4346086
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346086/kb4346086-intel-microcode-updates
• Windows 10 1607 Anniversary Update KB4346087
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346087/kb4346087-intel-microcode-updates
• Windows 10 1507 RTM KB4346088
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4346088/kb4346088-intel-microcode-updates

Additional Information:

• Intel – Microcode Revision Guidance (PDF file)
  • https://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/sa00115-microcode-update-guidance.pdf
• Summary of Intel Microcode Updates
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4093836/summary-of-intel-microcode-updates
    • Editor Note: Nov. 29, 2018 – The above summary article has updated revised information and latest KB article for applicable Windows 10 supported versions
• Spectre Security Vulnerability (Wiki)
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectre_(security_vulnerability)

 

 

Revisions:

Sept 1 2018:  Initial Draft Date

Sept 8 2018: Initial Publish Date

Nov 28 2018: Updated – added comment – Microcode deployment/availability via Windows Update

Nov 29, 2018: Updated – added  information – Summary of Intel Microcode Updates; Editor Note

Windows 10 Update History–Version 1803 (April 2018 Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates for Windows 10 Version 1803 April 2018 Update

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1803(April 2018 Update) Build 17134 updates
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4099479
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build number.Subversion number
  • e.g. 17134.1 = Build number 17134 Subversion number 1  (Initial Release, April 30, 2018)
    • Subsequent updates will be deployed via Windows Update and only modify the ‘Subversion number’
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Improvements and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

Additional Information:

• • Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10)
    • Windows 10 update history
  • Windows as a service – Overview
  • Windows 10 release information (blog article with link to historical Windows 10 release info)
  • Windows Update: FAQ
  • Progressing Windows as a service ((Note: Technical article intended for IT Pros)

 

Revisions:

April 30 2018: Initial Draft

May 01 2018: Initial Publish Date

OOBE Updates for Windows 10 1703 and 1607

Summary:

Microsoft Windows 10 December 2017 OOBE updates for Windows 10 Version 1703 and 1607 providing an option to upgrade to Windows 10 Version 1709

Comments:

1. What is OOBE -  Out-of-box experience (OOBE pronounced oo-bee) is the experience a consumer (or user) has when preparing to first use a new product. In relation to computing, this includes the setup process of installing and/or performing initial configuration of a piece of hardware or software on a computer.
2. Each December 2017 OOBE Update for Windows 10 versions 1703 and 1607 will be deployed automatically via Windows Update and offer the end-user the option to upgrade to the latest released Windows 10 Version 1709
3. The purpose of each applicable update is to improve the Windows 10 Version 1703 and 1607 out-of-box experience (OOBE) by offering end-users the option to update to the latest Windows 10 Version 1709 during the OOBE process(i.e. first use of Windows 10 on a new device). Note: This update applies only to the Windows 10 Version 1703 and 1607 OOBE process and will be available only when OOBE updates are installed.
4. The Knowledge Base article(dated Dec. 7th) for Windows 10 1703 is KB4054505  [1]
5. The Knowledge Base article(dated Dec. 7th) for Windows 10 1607 is KB4054507

More Information:

• Knowledge Base Articles
  • KB 4054505 (for Windows 10 1703) [1]
    •   https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4054505/oobe-update-for-windows-10-version-1703-march-23-2018-kb4054505
  • KB 4054507 (for Wiindows 10 1607)
    • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4054507/oobe-update-for-windows-10-version-1607-december-7-2017-kb4054507
• Windows Updates during OOBE
  • Microsoft document explaining the automatic and required updates occurring during OOBE
    • https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/customize/desktop/windows-updates-during-oobe

Notes:

[1]  Microsoft has routinely updated KB 4054505 since Windows 10 Version 1703 is still in ‘Support’ phase under the ‘Windows-as-a-Service’ policy.  The latest update/revision for KB4054505 is March 2018.  (Editor Comment – Note added after feedback from blog follower; Thanks Rhonda )

 

Revisions:

Dec. 7, 2017: Initial Draft

Dec. 7, 2017: Initial Publish Date

Mar. 24, 2018: Added Note section and Note [1]

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1709 (Fall Creators Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates for Windows 10 Version 1709 Creators Update

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1709(Fall Creators Update) Build 16299 updates
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4018124
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build number.Subversion number
  • e.g. 16299.19 = Build number 16299 Subversion number 19  (Initial Release, October 17, 2017)
    • Subsequent updates will be deployed via Windows Update and only modify the ‘Subversion number’
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Improvements and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

 

• Additional Information:
  • Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10) 
    • • • Windows 10 update history
  • Windows as a service – Overview
  • Windows 10 release information (blog article with link to historical Windows 10 release info)
  • Windows Update: FAQ
  • Progressing Windows as a service ((Note: Technical article intended for IT Pros)

 

 

Revisions:

October 18, 2017:  Initial Draft Date

October 19, 2017: Initial Publish Date

November 14, 2017: Added link for ‘Progressing Windows as a service’ in Additional Information section; Minor edit content and links

 

Windows 10–Fall Creators Update Available October 17th

Summary:  Microsoft makes Windows 10 Fall Creators Update available on October 17, 2017

 

Comments:

• Windows 10 Creators Update, the next version major release for Windows 10, is now available as of 10 P.M. PDT October 17, 2017
• Microsoft previously announced the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update would be rolled out in stages
• A variety of methods/options are available to obtain the Fall Creators Update. The primary consumer methods are noted below. Also see the ‘How-To’ section for specific information on each method.
  • • • • Media Creation Tool
        • Update Assistant
        • Windows 10 Windows Update (Manually check for updates)
• The above methods are primarily intended for early adopters interested in installing the Windows 10 Fall Creator’s update in advance of the scheduled staged rollout automatically via Windows Update

• • Note: Staged rollout = Deployed automatically via Windows Update. Not everyone will receive the new Windows 10 Fall Creator bits at the same time.   If past history is an indication of timing, a staged-rollout may last for months.

 

How To:

• Media Creation Tool – (Microsoft tool on the Windows 10 Software Download web page for creating Windows 10 USB/DVD media and optionally an ISO file for mounting or creating media)
  • Visit the Windows 10 Software Download web page, download and save the Media Creation Tool executable file(MediaCreationTool.exe), close all open applications, and Run the executable in Admin mode
  • https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
• Update Assistant
  • Visit the Windows 10 Software Download web page and choose the ‘Update Now’ option
• Windows Update
  • Windows 10 – Settings/Update and Security/Windows Update/Check for Updates)

 

 

Additional Information:

• Windows 10 Media Creation Tool blog article
  • https://windowsunplugged.blog/2017/03/28/windows-10-media-creation-tool-creating-installation-media/
• Get Windows 10 Fall Creators Update
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4028685/windows-10-get-the-fall-creators-update
• What’s new in the Fall Creators Update
  • https://blogs.windows.com/windowsexperience/2017/10/17/whats-new-windows-10-fall-creators-update/#j2RdYg0likkLlhor.97

 

Revisions:

October 17, 2017:  Initial Draft Date

October 18, 2017:  Initial Publish Date

October 18, 2017:  Added ‘What’s New’ link in Additional Information section; final editing/correction

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1703 (Creators Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates for Windows 10 Version 1703 Creators Update

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1703(Creators Update) Build 15063 updates
  • https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4018124
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build number.Subversion number
  • e.g. 15063.138 = Build number 15063 Subversion number 138  (Initial Release, April 11th, 2017)
    • Subsequent updates will be deployed via Windows Update and only modify the ‘Subversion number’
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Information and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

 

• Additional Information:
  • Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10 1703) 
    • • • Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 update history
  • Windows as a service – Overview
  • Windows 10 release information
  • Windows Update: FAQ

 

 

Revisions:

April 11, 2017:  Initial Draft Date

April 12, 2017: Initial Publish Date

 

Windows 10 – Creators Update Available April 5th

Summary:  Microsoft makes Windows 10 Creators Update available early on April 5th, 2017

 

Comments:

• Windows 10 Creators Update, the next version major release for Windows 10, is now available as of April 5th
• Microsoft previously announced the Windows 10 Creators Update would be rolled out in stages on April 11th
• A variety of methods/options are available to obtain the Creators Update in advance of the previously announced scheduled deployment date.  The primary consumer methods are noted below. Also see the ‘How-To’ section for specific information on each method.
  • • • • Media Creation Tool
        • Upgrade Assistant
        • Windows 10 Windows Update
        • Windows 10 Refresh option
• The above methods are primarily intended for early adopters interested in installing the Windows 10 Creator’s update in advance of the scheduled staged rollout starting on April 11, 2017
  • • Note: Staged rollout = Not everyone will receive the new Windows 10 Creator bits at the same time

 

How To:

• Media Creation Tool – (Microsoft tool on the Windows 10 Software Download web page for creating Windows 10 USB/DVD media and optionally an ISO file for mounting or creating media)
  • Visit the Windows 10 Software Download web page, download and save the Media Creation Tool executable file(MediaCreationTool.exe), close all open applications, and Run the executable in Admin mode
• Update Assistant
  • Visit the Windows 10 Software Download web page and choose the ‘Upgrade Now’ option
• Windows Update
  • Windows 10 – Settings/Update and Security/Windows Update)
• Windows 10 Refresh Option
  • Windows 10 – Settings/Update and Security/Recovery/More Recovery Options)

 

Additional Information:

• Windows 10 Media Creation Tool blog article
  • https://windowsunplugged.blog/2017/03/28/windows-10-media-creation-tool-creating-installation-media/
• Use Refresh Windows Tool in Windows 10 tutorial
  • https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/53637-use-refresh-windows-tool-windows-10-a.html
• List of all Windows 10 Creators Update Download Options
  • https://windows10.help/blogs/entry/32-list-of-all-windows-10-creators-update-download-options/

 

Revisions:

April 6th, 2017:  Initial Draft Date

April 7, 2017:  Draft Published

April 8, 2017: Initial Publish date with final edits

Windows 10 – Creators Update Rollout April 11

Summary:    Microsoft will begin rolling out the Windows 10 Creators Update on April 11, 2017

 

Comments:

• Microsoft will begin to deploy the Creators Update on April 11, 2017
• The Creators Update will be deployed via Windows Update
• Deployment will, as in the past for major o/s feature updates, be a measured/staged rollout
  • • i.e. not everyone receiving the new bits at the same time
• The Creators Update is Version 1703 with an expected Build Number of 15063
• Installation of 1703 will most likely download additional fixes and patches(during or immediately after installation)
• On or shortly after the April 11th rollout the Media Creation Tool should be updated to allow Windows 10 end-users to create USB/DVD installation media and/or an ISO file for creating DVD media or mounting
  • Note: if creating a DVD then Dual Layer DVD media will most likely be required
• Notable new features included in the Creators Update are Paint 3D, improved Start Menu, Windows Defender Security Center, and additional Personalization options
• Highly recommended to backup your operating system and data prior to installing the Creators Update
  • • •  ===> Image your operating system and backup your data to external media

 

Additional Information:

•  Windows 10 Creators Update coming April 11 (Microsoft Windows Blog article)
• Windows 10 partner devices bring Windows 10 Creators Update experiences to life (Microsoft Windows Blog article)
• Microsoft confirms Windows 10 Creators Update rollout to begin April 11 (ZDNet, M.J.Foley)
• Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

 

Revisions:

March 30, 2017:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1607 (Anniversary Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1607(Anniversary Update) Build 14393 updates
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build version.Subversion number
  • e.g. Version 1607 Build 14393.10  (1607’s initial release)
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Information and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

Additional Information:

• Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10 1607) 
  • Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 update history

Revisions:

February 2, 2017:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

 

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1511 (November Update)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1511(November Update) Build 10586 updates
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build version.Subversion number
  • e.g. Version 1511 Build 10586.3  (1511’s initial release)
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Information and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

 

Additional Information:

• Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10 1511) 
  • Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 update history

 

 

 

Revisions:

February 1, 2017:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

 

Windows 10 Update History – Version 1507 (RTM, Initial Release)

Summary:  Microsoft web site for the latest and past released feature and security updates

Comments:

• Reference site for Windows 10 Version 1507(RTM, Initial Release) Build 10240 updates
• Contains updates for each  released KB(Knowledge Base) update by Build version.Subversion number
  • e.g. Version 1507 Build 10240.16405  (1507’s RTM, Initial release – July 2015)
• Each KB contains(when applicable) a section describing:
  • Information and Fixes
  • Known issues
  • How to obtain the update (including Update Replacement and File Information)
    • Update Replacement identifies if the KB replaces or doesn’t replace a prior update
    • File Information is provided by linking to a downloadable *.csv file

Additional Information:

• Reference (Click on the link below to access the updates released for Windows 10 1507) 
  • Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 update history

Revisions:

January 31, 2017:  Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

Microsoft Surface update history

Summary:   Microsoft Surface web site for the latest and past released software and firmware updates

 

Comments:

• Microsoft’s Surface Update History (Software and Firmware) web site for Surface devices
• Applies to the following Surface devices
  • Surface, Surface Pro
  • Surface 2, Surface Pro 2
  • Surface 3, Surface Pro 3
  • Surface Pro 4
  • Surface Book, Surface Book with Performance Base
  • Surface Studio
• Direct links to obtain update history for the above Surface devices
• Surface Updates are automatically installed via Windows Update
• Note: Surface Updates files can also be downloaded and installed manually for most Surface devices
  • The file name format is the Surface version, followed by the operating system, followed by the release number.
  • To obtain, download and install Surface Updates manually follow the steps in this procedure
    • Download and install Surface updates manually
      • As an example here are the updates available for the Surface 3 which contain all current software, firmware, and drivers for the Surface 3 and also includes the optional WinTab drivers.

Additional Information:

• Microsoft Surface Update History
• Install Surface and Windows updates
• Trouble installing Surface updates
• Download and install Surface updates manually

 

Revisions:

November 22, 2016: Initial Draft and Initial Publish Date

December 8, 2016: Revised Comment section; Added ‘Applies to’ comment

January 14, 2017:  Added example picture to better explain the multiple files available for download and installation.

Windows 10–Windows Update for Windows As A Service

Summary:  Windows 10’s Windows Update applicability to the ‘Windows as a Service’ process

 

Comments:

• Since July 2015 there have been three major Windows 10 versions released
  • Version 1507(Initial release, July 2015, aka 10.0 version), Build 10240.x
  • Version 1511 (November 2015) Build 10586.x
  • Version 1607 (July 2016, Anniversary Update) Build 14393.x
• MSFT follows the N+2 model for servicing Windows versions for security and o/s system updates – i.e. only the two most current versions declared as Current Branch For Business(CBB) are supported
  • The last update(security and o/s) for Windows 10 Version 1507 will be March 2017
  • At the end of March 2017 only Windows 10 versions 1511 and 1607 will be serviced and supported.  Eventually, the next version of Windows(Creators Update) will be declared CBB and sometime after that declaration Windows 10 Version 1511 will be given an end-of-support date for servicing and support with Windows updates.
  • This ‘N+2’ model explains a piece of the Windows 10 ‘Windows-as-a-Service’ model with respect to the version of Windows 10 installed on a given device
    • ‘Supported’ does not necessarily mean the useful life of the device.   ‘Supported’ from a service standpoint is the support cycle for a version of Windows 10 on a device for the supported lifetime of the device – i.e. the device must be capable(assuming the hardware can handle it) of upgrading to a version within the confines of the N+2 model.     
    • e.g. Windows 10 will still work on a device with Windows 10’s initial version 1507 installed(released July 2015), but in the case of 1507 no updates will be available after March 2017. And in time, Windows 10 second major release 1511 will follow the same pattern(end of support) in the future after the next Win10 major version(The Creators Update) is released next spring.
  • Windows 10 1507 was the version released and available under the terms of the  free-Windows 10 upgrade offer which just recently ended on July 29, 2016.
    • The ‘free-upgrade’ offer from a support standpoint was often misrepresented and misunderstood with many falsely referring or stating support for Windows 10 1507 as  being applicable to the the ‘life of the device on which the free Windows 10’ was installed.   The free-upgrade offer version(1507) still falls under the N+2 servicing model – no upgrades for the version after March 2017.
      • Thus,  to retain the privilege of being supported a device with the Windows 10 1507 free-upgrade version(as well as purchased or OEM installed devices with Windows 10 1507) is required to upgrade to a version of Windows 10 within the confines of the ‘N+2’ servicing model – thus after March 2017, only Windows 10 1511 and 1607 will be the supported operating systems, and likewise, as noted above, once the next version is released(Creator’s Update) Windows 10 1511 will eventually fall off the ‘Windows-as-a-Service’ support lifecycle.

 

Additional Information:

• Windows 10 1607 is now a Current Branch for Business (CBB) release 
  • Technet Blog article by Microsoft’s Michael Niehaus, Nov. 29th, 2016)

As we described in the Windows as a service docs at http://aka.ms/waas, we service and support two CBB releases at all times, so the end of servicing for a particular release is dependent on the timing of the N+2 release. It will be at least 18 months, but can be longer when releases are more than six months apart.

Because there are two newer CBB releases, Windows 10 1507 will not be serviced much longer – as I mentioned in a previous reply, the 60-day countdown (the grace period described in the Windows as a service docs) will start in January, meaning the last updates for Windows 10 1507 will be in March.

For Windows 10 1511, the end of servicing will be about six months after the CBB declaration for the next Windows 10 feature update (the Creators Update, due out early next year). So Windows 10 1511 will be serviced at least through the middle of 2017, possibly longer depending on the actual release date of the next feature update.

 

Revisions:

September 2, 2016: Initial Draft

September 7, 2016: Initial Publish Date

December 1, 2016: Revised article to better reflect Microsoft’s N+2 model servicing of Windows Updates; Added Additional Information section and link

December 8,  2016:  Revised content; added new content, multiple line items, and improved explanation regarding the March 2017 end-of-support date for Windows 10 Version 1507(per Microsoft’s Michael Niehaus’ TechNet Blog comments) 

Windows 10 November Update Released

Summary:

• Windows 10 first major operating system update ‘November Update(aka Fall Update) was released on November 12, 2015
• Version Number and Build number as released – Version 1511 Build 10586.3

Comments:

• Available via Windows Update or the Media Creation Tool^[1,2]
• Staged Rollout via Windows Update(not all systems will be offered the update at the same time)
• Most notable feature changes
  • Faster Boot Time
  • Start Menu has improved context menus
  • More tile resizing options
  • Number of tile columns increased from 3 to 4
  • Better integration of Cortana with Edge (Editor Note: Still needs work)
• New ability to upgrade directly from Windows 7/8.0/8.1 to 1511 bypassing RTM version(1507)
• Ability to directly clean install and activate Windows 10 using Windows 7/8.0/8.1 Product Keys(i.e. no need to perform an upgrade install followed by, if desired, a clean install)
• Notes:
  • (a) November Update may not be available through Windows Update if the device was upgraded(from 7/8x to 10) in the last 31 days.  After 31 days have passed the update will become available in Windows Update, the only other option if impacted is to use the Media Creation Tool to perform the 1511 installation.
  • (b) After installing Windows 10 1511, Windows Update’s *Update History* will be reset and start anew thus any update installed prior to 1511 will no longer be present in *Update History*

Additional Information:

• First Major Update for Windows 10 Available Today (Microsoft blog article)

Revisions:

November 13, 2015:  Original Draft and Publish Date

November 22, 2015: [Footnote [1] Media Creation Tool temporarily unavailable due to not retaining user settings

November 24, 2015:  Footnote [2] Media Creation Tool available, fixes settings issue and includes Build 10586.11

November 30, 2015:  Added Notes (a) and (b) in Comments section

Windows 10 – Free Upgrade Information

Summary:

Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 upgrade options for Windows 10

Comments:

Upgrade options:

• Reserve a free upgrade for Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 Update devices via the ‘Get Windows 10’ upgrade app icon in the lower right side of the Windows Task Bar.
• Buy a new Windows 8.1 device and upgrade it for free to Windows 10
• Note: Windows 7 SP1 and Windows 8.1 users have until July 29, 2016 to take advantage of the free Windows 10 Upgrade offer
• Get Windows 10 Upgrade app (graphic)

Additional Information:

1.  Upgrade to Windows 10 For Free

– https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-upgrade

2.  Windows 10 Questions and Answers (FAQ’s – Frequently Asked Questions)

– https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/windows-10-faq

3. Windows 10 upgrade via Windows Update is expected to be a download about 3 GB in size.

4.  Reserving Windows 10 via the ‘ Get Windows 10’ app will generate a compatibility report for devices and applications indicating if the device and installed applications are compatible with Windows 10

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/what-compatiblity-report-means

5. The ‘Get Windows 10 app’ will place an icon in the lower right of the Windows Task Bar

6.  Reserving will place your device in a Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade queue for later download and install.

Revisions:

June 1, 2015: Original Draft and Publish Date

June 9, 2015: Added link for ‘What Compatibility Report Means’

Windows 10 – Windows Updates Deployment

Summary:

Windows Updates in Windows 10 will have different deployment/distribution methods for Consumers, Business, Enterprise and Phone customers on personal and business devices

Comments:

1.  The different distribution methods are:

• Current Branch – Consumers will will regularly receive all new features, security updates and other fixes to the operating system. No choice will be available as to which updates they wish to receive or don’t receive. All updates will be deployed via Windows Updates but not on any given day (i.e. no Patch Tuesday). This method is also applicable to all Windows 10 Mobile devices personal and business.
• Long Term Servicing Branch – Enterprise Customers will have an option to received security updates only without new features. The pace of the updates will be able to be controlled using existing mechanisms (e.g. WSUS, System Configuration Manager, Enterprise Mobility Suite)
• Windows Update for Business – End users not running mission critical devices will be able to receive new features, security updates, and other fixes at a measured pace (Distribution Rings, Maintenance Windows, Peer to Peer Delivery, and Integration with existing System Management tools) for Windows 10 Pro and Windows 10 Enterprise devices. 

Additional Information:

2.  Windows Updates in Windows 10 was presented during Microsoft Ignite – Microsoft’s show for IT professionals.

3.  A video containing Windows 10 Update Approach can be viewed/downloaded on:

     http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Ignite/2015/KEY01

  NOTE:

• The Windows 10 Windows Update presentation starts at the 2 hour, 20 minute 20 sec. mark (2:20:20)
• The presenter is Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President of Operating Systems, Microsoft Corporation.

 

4.  Windows 10 Windows Update ‘Approach’ and ‘Windows Update for Business’ slides from the Ignite show

 

5.  Windows Update for Business will be free for Windows Pro and Windows Enterprise

6.  Microsoft Windows Blog – Announcing Windows Update for Business

   http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/05/04/announcing-windows-update-for-business/

Revisions:

May 6, 2015: Original Draft Date

May 12, 2015: Original Publish Date

May 13, 2015:  Added ‘Additional Information, Item #6