Unlike Windows 10 feature updates released every six months, Microsoft has announced that the new Windows 11 feature update will be released every 12 months.
As I hinted above, you may be aware that Windows 10 feature update is released twice a year. The release cycle is what Microsoft calls a Semi-annual channel.
If you have been following Windows 10 Feature updates, it is usually released around May and October.
Why Should I Care About This Change?
If you’re a Windows fan, you will want to keep a tab on Windows feature updates. Moreover, feature updates also include major changes, including removing features.
Most importantly, now that Windows 11 feature update will happen once every 12 months, it means that Windows will receive a major “overhaul” once a year.
This reduces the frequency of major roll-outs especially for organizations with thousands of Windows 10 PCs. Even for individuals, it means that you will only install a major feature update once in 12 months. This is kind of a big deal.
It is also a big time saver!
What is the Difference Between Quality and Feature Updates?
Microsoft releases two types of updates: Quality Updates and Feature Updates.
A Windows quality update focuses on bug fixes and features improvements. Also, Quality Updates may fix security issues.
On the contrary, a Windows Feature Update contains new features. Additionally, a Feature Update may contain all Quality updates released since the last Feature Update.
Why is this information important?
Well, it helps you know whether you are installing a major update with new features or a minor quality update.
This knowledge is also useful if you need to uninstall the update. It makes it easy to uninstall if you know whether you recently installed a Quality or Feature update.
When Should I Expect the Next Windows 11 Feature Update?
The current Windows 11 Insider Preview is labeled version 21H2.
This is also the name for the next Windows 10 Feature Update. Windows 10 21H2 is due to be released sometime in October 2021.
With this in mind, if the current Windows 11 is released around the same time, it means that the next Windows 11 Feature Update will be available around October 2022.
However, this projection is based on the assumption that Windows 11 21H2 will be released around the same time as the same Windows 10 feature update.
The reason for this is simple: we already know that Windows 11 Feature Update is released every 12 months.
So, once the first version of Windows 11 is released, simply add 12 months to the release date. Then, you’ll have the release date for the next Feature Update.
How Do I Install the Windows 11 Update Update?
When the Windows 11 feature update is released, you can install it via Windows update. To install any update via Windows update, open Settings > Windows Update.
Then, click Check for Updates.
Alternatively, you can install Windows 11 Feature Updates manually. When Microsoft releases any Feature update, we normally write an article with steps to install the update manually.
To find the guide, search “Windows 11 update” (without the quotes) on itechguides.com.
Conclusion
The focus of this article is to inform readers of the changes to the way Microsoft releases feature updates in Windows 11 vs Windows 10.
I hope you found the information helpful. Let me know by responding to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.
Finally, to read more articles like this one, visit our Windows page. You may also find our Windows 11 page helpful.
