Buzz
Upon the unveiling of Windows 11, Microsoft made a significant turnaround by stating that Windows 10 would be the last version. With 11 in the picture, it sets the stage for versions 12, 13, and so on, questioning the vitality of Microsoft's Windows-as-a-Service (WaaS) model. It's highly possible that the company might revert to the old model - treating Windows as pure software, and there are numerous reasons leading to this decision.
Windows is no longer a service
Before the debut of Windows 10 six years ago, Microsoft harbored a bold ambition: to create an enduring, robust operating system that evolves over time. In a Microsoft support document:
'Prior to Windows 10, Microsoft released new versions of Windows every few years. This traditional release schedule posed a burden of training for users due to significant feature changes. It also meant waiting for new feature updates for an extended period - a scenario no longer suitable in today's rapidly changing world, where security, management, and deployment capabilities are crucial to address challenges. Windows as a service will provide feature updates twice a year, around March and September, to tackle these challenges.'
However, with the introduction of Windows 11, Microsoft is also returning to the cadence of major updates or yearly innovations, similar to macOS, Android, and iOS on mobile devices. Apple and Google don't label this as a service, so fundamentally, Windows 11 is no longer a service either.
'Feature Updates will be released in the latter half of the year and come with 24 months of support for Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations, and Pro Education. Education and Enterprise editions will receive 36 months of support, providing businesses and organizations with additional time and flexibility for validation and deployment. The shift from biannual to annual updates, with a longer cycle compared to Windows 10, is based on user feedback and our overall update approach,' Microsoft states.Update MatrixFrom the outset, the update model of Windows 10 faced challenges. The more frequent updates for Windows 10 were a significant shift for most business users. Microsoft also no longer granted them control over updates as it did in the days of Windows 7 and 8.
Windows 10 initially received individual bug and security fixes, then Microsoft consolidated all updates into a package called Quality Update (Cumulative Update). This cumulative update includes all previously released updates that the device lacks, released every second Tuesday of the month. In addition to monthly updates, Microsoft releases major updates known as Features Updates (such as the recent Windows 10 20H1 and upcoming 20H2 in 2020) on a yearly schedule, twice a year, as a comprehensive package containing new features along with previous bug fixes and security updates.Due to bundling into a package, the option to install individual fixes is no longer available. Users also lack the choice to skip updates, including bug fixes and security updates.For end-users, Microsoft decides when and in what order updates occur. Ensuring that every Windows computer is patched and security updated is a top priority, contributing to a healthier Windows ecosystem. Unpatched machines may be exploited by cybercriminals to attack other devices or distribute malicious software.However, for business users, error patches, security updates, and feature updates always require thorough testing before mass deployment. The inability to test each individual patch puts them in a situation where they cannot ensure that the update meets compatibility, stability, and system error-free requirements.
With Windows 11, Microsoft states that they are focusing on improving the overall update process to ensure high reliability and a simpler update experience. Windows 11 retains the monthly release of cumulative security updates (Cumulative Update packages), but they will be smaller by 40%. They still contain all previous updates to keep devices protected and operating efficiently. Meanwhile, if users want to test optional updates, Microsoft offers the Preview program for users registered in the Windows Insider Program or Windows Insider Program for Business.Microsoft claims that Windows 11 will ensure the highest app compatibility with a rate of over 99.7%. In situations with compatibility issues or if businesses want to ensure applications run smoothly on Windows 11 from the start, Microsoft has two programs: App Assure and Test Base for Microsoft 365. These tools help assess and validate enterprise applications. With Test Base for Microsoft 365, this service allows IT teams to test enterprise applications on multiple virtual machines with various Windows updates.
