Windows 10 Servicing and Support

Windows 10 shipped to consumers July 29 and in volume licensing Aug. 1. Windows 10 delivers a more flexible user interface that restores some popular features, such as the Start menu. It also delivers security, deployment, and management improvements. The OS includes a new Edge browser that is more compatible with browsers from other vendors, although Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) will continue to be available. Windows 10 brings a new set of release and servicing processes that deliver Feature Upgrades more frequently. Feature Upgrades are entire releases of Windows that deliver new functionality to existing instances of the OS.

Customers running Enterprise edition can opt for a Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) release model that includes long-term support similar to the Mainstream and Extended support periods offered with earlier versions of Windows and allows Feature Upgrades to be deferred for the supported duration of that release.

The Current Branch for Business allows organizations running Windows 10 Pro, and Windows 10 Enterprise with Software Assurance, a way to defer Feature Upgrades for up to four months and retain support of that install (deferring additional Feature Upgrades) for a minimum of eight months.