Windows 10 Release and Servicing Plans Outlined

Both consumers and enterprise customers can expect new options for how updates, fixes, and new features will be delivered to devices running Windows 10, according to Jan. 2015 blog posts by the Windows team. The new models for delivering security and feature updates to Windows may fit businesses better than the approaches used for Windows 8 and 8.1, and while the new models will likely continue with future Windows releases, questions remain about the costs and limitations of the new options.

Windows 10 Feature Release and Servicing Cadences

Windows 10 will offer a range of options for how the OS is released and serviced (updated with security updates, new features, and major releases). Although consumers may qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 10, such free releases will get rapid, mandatory updates. Only businesses will receive long-duration support and the ability to leave mission-critical systems on the same build of Windows until the business is ready to upgrade their OS. (For more information on Windows 10 release plans, see the illustration “Windows Client Roadmap and Windows 10“.)