Updated: July 16, 2020 (August 7, 2017)
Analyst ReportWindows 10 Release and Servicing as of July 2017
In July 2017, Microsoft provided additional clarification on the Windows 10 release and servicing model transition from branches to channels. Organizations must still test each new Windows 10 version with their specific hardware devices and line-of-business applications, but without a specific milestone replacing the former current branch for business, each organization must determine for itself when to deploy a new version to all users. As each version will be supported for only 18 months, management of Windows 10 version testing and deployment will be an ongoing task.
The Original Release and Servicing Model
The original release and servicing model for Windows 10 called for periodic releases of new versions (feature updates) and monthly quality updates (security patches and bug fix updates). Under this model, each computer would receive new versions through one of several release tracks, called branches:
Windows Insider Preview (WIP) for early testing on nonproduction systems.
Current Branch (CB) for consumers and pilot users in businesses.
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