Windows 10 version history
Windows 10 marked a pivotal shift in how an operating system could evolve, moving from discrete major releases to an "OS as a service" model. This meant a continuous stream of updates, each bringing new features and refinements directly to users' devices. Exploring its version history reveals a dynamic journey of innovation, adaptation, and continuous improvement that shaped the digital lives of millions. Windows 10 pioneered the 'operating system as a service' model, delivering ongoing feature updates rather than distinct new versions. Each major update introduced significant enhancements, from new user interface elements and virtual assistants to advanced security and productivity tools. The evolution of Windows 10 showcases Microsoft's efforts to integrate emerging technologies and respond to user feedback, including adapting to modern computing trends like virtual reality and Linux compatibility.
AI Summary
Windows 10 marked a pivotal shift in how an operating system could evolve, moving from discrete major releases to an "OS as a service" model. This meant a continuous stream of updates, each bringing new features and refinements directly to users' devices. Exploring its version history reveals a dynamic journey of innovation, adaptation, and continuous improvement that shaped the digital lives of millions.
- Windows 10 pioneered the 'operating system as a service' model, delivering ongoing feature updates rather than distinct new versions.
- Each major update introduced significant enhancements, from new user interface elements and virtual assistants to advanced security and productivity tools.
- The evolution of Windows 10 showcases Microsoft's efforts to integrate emerging technologies and respond to user feedback, including adapting to modern computing trends like virtual reality and Linux compatibility.
Windows 10: An OS as a Service
When Windows 10 launched on July 29, 2015, it wasn't just another operating system release—it was a bold new paradigm. Microsoft declared it an "operating system as a service," promising continuous updates to features and functionality. This meant users would no longer wait years for a new version, but rather receive regular, incremental improvements.
For everyday users, this model delivered fresh capabilities much more frequently. For enterprise environments, it offered flexibility, allowing them to receive non-critical updates at a slower pace or opt for long-term support milestones, which primarily focused on crucial security patches over their five-year lifespan of mainstream support.
Navigating the Versions: Naming Conventions
Initially, mainstream builds of Windows 10 followed a straightforward naming convention: "YYMM." The first two digits indicated the year, and the last two represented the month of the planned release. For instance, version 1507 signified a build initially released in July 2015.
However, this naming system evolved over time. Starting with version 20H2, Microsoft transitioned to a year and half-year pattern, like "YYH1" or "YYH2." This adjustment provided more flexibility, allowing for releases that might not strictly align with a specific month.
Version 1507: The Original Release
The very first stable version of Windows 10, codenamed "Threshold 1," arrived in July 2015. Though Microsoft didn't officially designate a "release to manufacturing" (RTM) build, build 10.0.10240 was widely considered the launch version by the media. This foundational release laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
It introduced several groundbreaking features that redefined the Windows experience. A redesigned Start Menu made a triumphant return, blending classic functionality with modern live tiles. Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant, expanded its reach from mobile to the desktop, offering hands-free assistance.
Among its many innovations, the original release brought a fluid "Continuum" mode, letting devices switch effortlessly between desktop and tablet interfaces. The "Action Center" provided a centralized hub for notifications and quick settings, while Microsoft Edge Legacy debuted as a faster, more modern web browser.
Key features included: An updated Start Menu Cortana, the virtual assistant, on desktop "Continuum" mode for seamless desktop and tablet switching "Action Center" for notifications and quick settings Microsoft Edge Legacy, replacing Internet Explorer as the default browser Improved multitasking with virtual desktops Many updated built-in applications
This initial version reached Windows Insiders on July 15, 2015, before its broad public release just two weeks later. Its mainstream support ended on May 9, 2017, though specialized Enterprise LTSB editions received extended support until October 2025.
Version 1511: The November Update
Just a few months after its debut, Windows 10 received its first significant feature upgrade: version 1511, known as the November Update. Codenamed "Threshold 2," this build, 10.0.10586, was rolled out via Windows Update on November 12, 2015. It brought a host of refinements to the operating system's core and user interface.
Notable additions included pre-installed Skype apps for video, messaging, and phone calls, enhancing communication capabilities. Microsoft Edge received tab previews and syncing features, making browsing more efficient. Users also noticed visual and functional tweaks across the system, improving overall usability.
Interestingly, the November Update also marked its availability for existing Windows Phone 8.1 devices and the Xbox One. However, it experienced a brief setback, being temporarily pulled from distribution due to a bug that reset privacy settings. Microsoft quickly rectified the issue, re-instating the update a few days later.
New features: Pre-installed Skype apps Tab previews and syncing in Microsoft Edge Visual and functional tweaks Introduction of Windows Store for Business and Windows Update for Business
Version 1607: The Anniversary Update
Released on August 2, 2016, a little over a year after Windows 10's initial launch, came version 1607—the highly anticipated Anniversary Update. Codenamed "Redstone 1," this update was packed with innovative features that aimed to enhance creativity, security, and gaming.
One of its standout introductions was the Windows Ink platform, making stylus input a first-class citizen with a dedicated "Ink Workspace." Cortana became even more proactive, and a much-requested dark user interface theme mode was added. Gaming received a boost with Universal Windows Platform improvements and offline scanning via Windows Defender.
Perhaps one of the most significant technical advancements was the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), which allowed users to run Linux-compatible software directly within Windows—a true game-changer for developers. Security also tightened, with new installations requiring kernel-mode drivers to be digitally signed by Microsoft.
Key additions: Windows Ink platform and Ink Workspace Enhanced Cortana functionality Dark user interface theme mode New Skype for Universal Windows Platform Improved Universal Windows Platform for video games Offline scanning with Windows Defender Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)
Version 1703: The Creators Update
The spring of 2017 brought version 1703, the Creators Update, codenamed "Redstone 2." Released in April 2017, this update aimed squarely at content creators, productivity enthusiasts, and gamers, with a particular emphasis on 3D content, virtual, and augmented reality experiences.
It introduced a new virtual reality workspace, designed to work seamlessly with a range of new VR headsets. Paint 3D made its debut, simplifying 3D model creation for mainstream users. Gaming received new controls within the Settings app, a "Game Mode" to prioritize resources, and integration with the live streaming platform, Mixer.
Privacy also saw significant improvements, with clearer explanations of data collection and the removal of the "enhanced" telemetry level. User control over updates increased, allowing for pausing or extending "active hours." "Night Light" was added, shifting display colors to warmer tones to reduce eye strain in the evening.
Highlights of the Creators Update: Focus on 3D content, VR, and AR (HoloLens) New virtual reality workspace Paint 3D app "Game Mode" and Mixer integration More detailed privacy settings "Night Light" feature Windows Defender Security Center "Dynamic Lock" for automatic device locking
Version 1709: The Fall Creators Update
October 2017 saw the arrival of version 1709, the Fall Creators Update, codenamed "Redstone 3." This update built upon its predecessor, focusing on connectivity, security, and productivity, while introducing a few innovative social features.
The "My People" feature allowed users to pin important contacts to the taskbar, facilitating quick communication via Skype, email, or text. Files could even be dragged directly to a contact's picture for easy sharing. OneDrive's "Files-on-Demand" feature offered a smarter way to manage cloud storage.
Security was further bolstered with "controlled folder access," a feature designed to protect against file-encrypting ransomware by restricting unauthorized applications from accessing specific folders. This version also marked the introduction of DCH (Declarative, Componentized, Hardware Support App) drivers, streamlining driver management.
New features: "My People" feature for taskbar contacts OneDrive "Files-on-Demand" "Controlled folder access" for ransomware defense Introduction of DCH drivers
Version 1803: The April 2018 Update
Following a slight delay to fix a "Blue Screen of Death" bug, version 1803, the April 2018 Update, codenamed "Redstone 4," was released on April 30, 2018. Its flagship feature aimed to help users seamlessly pick up where they left off across multiple devices.
This was "Timeline," integrated into Task View. Timeline allowed users to revisit recently used documents and websites from supported applications, even synchronizing activities from Android and iOS devices if Microsoft data collection was enabled. This offered a powerful way to enhance cross-device productivity.
Version 1809: The October 2018 Update
The October 2018 Update, version 1809 (Redstone 5), arrived with a flourish on October 2, 2018, bringing with it several quality-of-life improvements. These included updates to the clipboard, now supporting history and syncing across devices, and the SwiftKey virtual keyboard.
File Explorer finally supported the dark color scheme, a welcome addition for many. A small but significant change was the default external storage removal policy shifting from "better performance" to "quick removal," meaning users could safely eject USB drives without needing to click the "Safely Remove Hardware" icon.
Highlights: Clipboard history and syncing SwiftKey virtual keyboard Snip & Sketch tool File Explorer dark mode support Default external storage removal policy changed to "quick removal"
However, this update became infamous for a critical bug that caused some users to lose files from their directories. Microsoft swiftly pulled the update on October 6, 2018, and re-released it on November 13, after identifying and fixing the issue related to OneDrive's Known Folder Redirection function. This event led to Microsoft adopting a much slower, more cautious rollout process for future updates.
Version 1903: The May 2019 Update
The eighth stable build, version 1903 (codenamed "19H1"), arrived on May 21, 2019, with a more deliberate rollout process—a direct result of lessons learned from the 1809 debacle. This update brought a refreshing new look and enhanced control for users.
A redesigned search tool, now separate from Cortana, focused purely on textual queries. A new "Light" theme, with a crisp white taskbar and dark icons, became the default for Windows 10 Home. Users gained the ability to pause system updates for up to 35 days, a highly requested feature for greater control over their devices.
For advanced users, Windows Sandbox offered a secure, isolated Hyper-V environment to run untrusted applications without affecting the main system. The Game Bar also received a significant overhaul, becoming a larger overlay with performance displays, an Xbox friends list, and integrated audio and streaming settings.
Notable changes: A new "Light theme" Separation of Search and Cortana Windows Sandbox (Pro, Education, Enterprise) Ability to pause updates for up to 35 days New default wallpaper Recommended troubleshooting Revamped Game Bar with performance display and social features
Version 1909: The November 2019 Update
Unlike its predecessors, version 1909, the November 2019 Update (codenamed "19H2"), was a relatively minor service update. Released on November 12, 2019, it focused on refinements and performance improvements rather than introducing a plethora of new features, making it a smoother, more stable experience.
It brought several subtle yet impactful enhancements, such as the ability to create calendar events directly from the taskbar fly-out. Notification management improved with visual thumbnails and easier access to per-application settings. The Start Menu's navigation sidebar icons now expanded with text labels when hovered over, improving clarity.
Key refinements: Ability to create events from Calendar fly-out Improved notification management with thumbnails Start menu navigation sidebar icons expand on hover Support for third-party digital assistants from the lock screen OneDrive integration with File Explorer's search
Article
Windows 10 version history
Windows 10 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. Microsoft described Windows 10 as an "operating system as a service" that would receive ongoing updates to its features and functionality, augmented with the ability for enterprise environments to receive non-critical updates at a slower pace or use long-term support milestones that will only receive critical updates, such as security patches, over their five-year lifespan of mainstream support. It was released on July 29, 2015.
Releases
Windows 10 version history
Mainstream builds of Windows 10 are labeled "YYMM", with YY representing the two-digit year and MM representing the month of planned release (for example, version 1507 refers to builds which initially released in July 2015). Starting with version 20H2, Windows 10 release nomenclature changed from the year and month pattern to a year and half-year pattern (YYH1, YYH2).
Version 1507 (original release)
The original version of Windows 10 (also retroactively named version 1507 and codenamed "Threshold 1") was released in July 2015. It carries the build number 10.0.10240; while Microsoft has stated that there was no designated release to manufacturing (RTM) build of Windows 10, build 10240 was described as an RTM build by various media outlets. It was retroactively named "version 1507" by Microsoft per its naming conventions that have the last 2 digits of the year and the month number for future stable releases of the operating system.
• An updated start menu • The introduction of Cortana, a virtual assistant, to the desktop version of Windows • A "Continuum" mode that allows users to switch between desktop mode and tablet mode • "Action Center", which includes notifications and quick access to settings • A new web browser, Microsoft Edge Legacy, that replaces Internet Explorer as the default browser in Windows • Improved multitasking, including virtual desktops • Many updated built-in apps
The final release was made available to Windows Insiders on July 15, 2015, followed by a public release on July 29, 2015.
The update has reached end of service on May 9, 2017 in the Current Branch and Current Branch for Business. The Enterprise LTSB edition has reached end of service on October 14, 2025.
Version 1511 (November Update)
The second stable build of Windows 10 is version 1511 (build number 10586), known as the November Update. It was codenamed "Threshold 2" (TH2) during development. This version was distributed via Windows Update on November 12, 2015. It contains various improvements to the operating system, its user interface, bundled services, as well as the introduction of Skype-based universal messaging apps, and the Windows Store for Business and Windows Update for Business features.
New features in this version of Windows 10 include:
• Pre-installed Skype video, messaging, and phone apps • Tab previews and syncing in Microsoft Edge • Visual and functional tweaks
The first preview was released on August 18, 2015. The final release was made available to Windows Insiders on November 3, 2015, followed by a public release on November 12, 2015. Unlike the initial release of Windows, this branch was also made available to existing Windows Phone 8.1 devices and the Xbox One and as a preview release to Windows Server 2016, and was pre-installed on new Windows 10 Mobile devices.
On November 21, 2015, the November Update was temporarily pulled from public distribution. The upgrade was re-instated on November 24, 2015, with Microsoft stating that the removal was due to a bug that caused privacy and data collection settings to be reset to defaults when installing the upgrade.
The update has reached end of service on October 10, 2017 in the Current Branch and Current Branch for Business. Supplemental servicing for the Enterprise and Education editions was available until April 10, 2018.
Version 1607 (Anniversary Update)
The third stable build of Windows 10 is called version 1607, known as the Anniversary Update. It was codenamed "Redstone 1" (RS1) during development. This version was released on August 2, 2016, a little over one year after the first stable release of Windows 10. The Anniversary Update was originally thought to have been set aside for two feature updates, both for release in 2016. However, the second release was moved into 2017 to occur during that year's wave of Microsoft first-party devices.
The Anniversary Update introduces new features such as the Windows Ink platform, which eases the ability to add stylus input support to Universal Windows Platform apps and provides a new "Ink Workspace" area with links to pen-oriented apps and features, enhancements to Cortana's proactive functionality, a dark user interface theme mode, a new version of Skype designed to work with the Universal Windows Platform, improvements to Universal Windows Platform intended for video games, and offline scanning using Windows Defender. The Anniversary Update also supports Windows Subsystem for Linux, a new component that provides an environment for running Linux-compatible binary software in an Ubuntu-based user mode environment. This release also includes several visual changes, such as the Action center being moved to the edge of the taskbar.
On new installations of Windows 10 on systems with Secure Boot enabled, all kernel-mode drivers issued after July 29, 2015, must be digitally signed with an Extended Validation Certificate issued by Microsoft.
This version is the basis for "LTSB 2016", the first upgrade to the LTSB since Windows 10's release. The first LTSB release, based on the original release of Windows 10 (version 1507), has been retroactively named "LTSB 2015".
The update has reached end of service on April 10, 2018 in the Semi-Annual Channel. The Enterprise, IoT Enterprise and Education editions have reached end of service on April 9, 2019. Support of this update for systems based on Intel Clover Trail chipset was available until January 10, 2023. The Enterprise LTSB and IoT Enterprise LTSB editions will reach end of service on October 13, 2026.
Version 1703 (Creators Update)
The fourth stable build of Windows 10 is called version 1703, known as the Creators Update. It was codenamed "Redstone 2" (RS2) during development. This version was announced on October 26, 2016, and was released for general availability on April 11, 2017, and for manual installation via Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant and Media Creation Tool tools on April 5, 2017. This update primarily focuses on content creation, productivity, and gaming features—with a particular focus on virtual and augmented reality (including HoloLens and virtual reality headsets) and on aiding the generation of three-dimensional content.
It supports a new virtual reality workspace designed for use with headsets; Microsoft announced that several OEMs planned to release VR headsets designed for use with the Creators Update.
Controls for the Game Bar and Game DVR feature have moved to the Settings app, while a new "Game Mode" option allows resources to be prioritized towards games. Integration with Microsoft acquisition Mixer (formerly Beam) was added for live streaming. The themes manager moved to Settings app, and custom accent colors are now possible. The new app Paint 3D allows users to produce artwork using 3D models; the app is designed to make 3D creation more accessible to mainstream users.
Windows 10's privacy settings have more detailed explanations of data that the operating system may collect. Additionally, the "enhanced" level of telemetry collection was removed. Windows Update notifications may now be "snoozed" for a period of time, the "active hours" during which Windows will not try to install updates may now extend up to 18 hours in length, and updates may be paused for up to seven days. Windows Defender has been replaced by the universal app Windows Defender Security Center. Devices may optionally be configured to prevent use of software from outside of Microsoft Store, or warn before installation of apps from outside of Microsoft Store. "Dynamic Lock" allows a device to automatically lock if it is outside of the proximity of a designated Bluetooth device, such as a smartphone. A "Night Light" feature was added, which allows the user to change the color temperature of the display to the red part of the spectrum at specific times of day (similarly to the third-party software f.lux).
The update has reached end of service on October 9, 2018 in the Semi-Annual Channel. The Enterprise and Education editions have reached end of service on October 8, 2019. The Team edition on Surface Hub devices has reached end of service on March 16, 2021.
Version 1709 (Fall Creators Update)
The fifth stable build of Windows 10 is called version 1709, known as the Fall Creators Update. It was codenamed "Redstone 3" (RS3) during development. This version was released on October 17, 2017. Version 1709 introduces a new feature known as "My People", where shortcuts to "important" contacts can be displayed on the taskbar. Notifications involving these contacts appear above their respective pictures, and users can communicate with the contact via either Skype, e-mail, or text messaging (integrating with Android and Windows 10 Mobile devices). Support for additional services, including Xbox, Skype for Business, and third-party integration, are to be added in the future. Files can also be dragged directly to the contact's picture to share them. My People was originally announced for Creators Update, but was ultimately held over to the next release, and made its first public appearance in Build 16184 in late April 2017. A new "Files-on-Demand" feature for OneDrive serves as a partial replacement for the previous "placeholders" function.
It also introduces a new security feature known as "controlled folder access", which can restrict the applications allowed to access specific folders. This feature is designed mainly to defend against file-encrypting ransomware. This is also the first release that introduces DCH drivers.
The update has reached end of service on April 9, 2019 for Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations, and IoT Core editions. The Enterprise and Education editions would have originally reached end of service on April 14, 2020, but this was postponed to October 13 of the same year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Version 1803 (April 2018 Update)
The sixth stable build of Windows 10 is called version 1803, known as the April 2018 Update. It was codenamed "Redstone 4" (RS4) during development. This version was released as a manual download on April 30, 2018, with a broad rollout on May 8, 2018. This update was originally meant to be released on April 10, but was delayed because of a bug which could increase chances of a "Blue Screen of Death" (Stop error).
The most significant feature of this build is Timeline, which is displayed within Task View. It allows users to view a list of recently used documents and websites from supported applications ("activities"). When users consent to Microsoft data collection via Microsoft Graph, activities can also be synchronized from supported Android and iOS devices.
The update has reached end of service on November 12, 2019 for Home, Pro, Pro for Workstations and IoT Core editions. The Enterprise, IoT Enterprise and Education editions would have originally reached end of service on November 10, 2020, but this was postponed to May 11, 2021 due to the "global health crisis", in reference to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Version 1809 (October 2018 Update)
The seventh stable build of Windows 10 is called version 1809, known as the October 2018 Update. It was codenamed "Redstone 5" (RS5) during development. This version was released on October 2, 2018. Highlighted features on this build include updates to the clipboard function (including support for clipboard history and syncing with other devices), SwiftKey virtual keyboard, Snip & Sketch, and File Explorer supporting the dark color scheme mode. Also, with this version the default removal policy of external storage devices was changed from better performance to quick removal, thereby allowing safe device removal without clicking the Safely Remove Hardware menu to eject an external device.
On October 6, 2018, the build was pulled by Microsoft following isolated reports of the update process deleting files from user directories. It was re-released to Windows Insider channel on October 9, with Microsoft citing a bug in OneDrive's Known Folder Redirection function as the culprit.
On November 13, 2018, Microsoft resumed the rollout of 1809 for a small percentage of users.
The long term servicing release, Windows 10 Enterprise 2019 LTSC, is based on this version and is equivalent in terms of features.
The update has reached end of service on November 10, 2020 for Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations and IoT Core editions. The Enterprise, IoT Enterprise and Education editions have reached end of service on May 11, 2021. The Enterprise LTSC, IoT Enterprise LTSC and IoT Core LTSC editions will reach end of service on January 9, 2029.
Version 1903 (May 2019 Update)
The eighth stable build of Windows 10, version 1903, codenamed "19H1", was released for general availability on May 21, 2019, after being on the Insider Release Preview branch since April 8, 2019. Because of new practices introduced after the problems affecting the 1809 update, Microsoft used an intentionally slower Windows Update rollout process.
New features in the update include a redesigned search tool—separated from Cortana and oriented towards textual queries, a new "Light" theme (set as default on Windows 10 Home) using a white-colored taskbar with dark icons, the addition of symbols and kaomoji to the emoji input menu, the ability to "pause" system updates, automated "Recommended troubleshooting", integration with Google Chrome on Timeline via an extension, support for SMS-based authentication on accounts linked to Microsoft accounts, and the ability to run Windows desktop applications within the Windows Mixed Reality environment (previously restricted to universal apps and SteamVR only). A new feature on Pro, Education, and Enterprise known as Windows Sandbox allows users to run applications within a secured Hyper-V environment. Notable changes in the May 2019 Update include:
• A new "light theme" • Separation of Search and Cortana in the taskbar • Windows Sandbox (not available in Windows 10 Home) • Ability to pause updates for 35 days or under (incl. Windows 10 Home) • New default wallpaper • Recommended troubleshooting • Notifications hidden while in full-screen • DirectML • A revamped version of Game Bar with a larger overlay with a performance display, Xbox friends list and social functionality, and audio and streaming settings
The update has reached the end of service on December 8, 2020.
Version 1909 (November 2019 Update)
The ninth stable build of Windows 10, version 1909, codenamed "19H2", was released to the public on November 12, 2019, after being on the Insider Release Preview branch since August 26, 2019. Unlike previous updates, this one was released as a minor service update without major new features. Notable changes in the November 2019 Update include:
• Ability to create events from the Calendar fly-out on the taskbar • Improvements to notification management, including thumbnails demonstrating notification banners and the Action Center in application notification settings, and the ability to access per-application notification settings from their displays in Action Center • The Start menu's navigation sidebar icons expand into a drawer with text labels when the cursor is hovered over them • Support for using third-party digital assistants from the lock screen • OneDrive integration with File Explorer's search
The update has reached end of service on May 11, 2021 for Home, Pro, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations editions. The Enterprise, IoT Enterprise and Education editions have reached end of service on May 10, 2022.
Version 2004 (May 2020 Update)
The tenth stable build of Windows 10, version 2004, codenamed "20H1", was released to the public on May 27, 2020, after being on the Insider Release Preview branch since April 16, 2020. New features included faster and easier access to Bluetooth settings and pairing, improved Kaomojis, renamable virtual desktops, DirectX 12 Ultimate, a chat-based UI for Cortana, greater integration with Android phones on the Your Phone app, Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2; WSL 2 includes a custom Linux kernel, unlike its predecessor), the ability to use Windows Hello without the need for a password, improved Windows Search with integration with File Explorer, a cloud download option to reset Windows, accessibility improvements, and the ability to view disk drive type and discrete graphics card temperatures in Task Manager. It's also the final version of Windows 10 to come bundled with Microsoft Edge Legacy. Notable changes in the May 2020 Update include:
• Faster and easier access to Bluetooth settings and pairing • Improved Kaomojis • Virtual Desktops are now renamable • DirectX 12 Ultimate • Introducing a chat-based UI for Cortana • Greater integration with Android smartphones on the Your Phone app • Windows Subsystem for Linux 2 (WSL 2) • Ability to use Windows Hello without the need for a password • Ability to use Windows Hello PIN while in safe mode • Cloud download option to reset Windows • Accessibility improvements • Support Storage Firmware Update that allow updates SSD firmware through Windows Update • Task Manager can display disk type (HDD or SSD) in the Performance tab
The update has reached end of service on December 14, 2021.
Version 20H2 (October 2020 Update)
The eleventh stable build of Windows 10, version 20H2, was released to the public on October 20, 2020, after being on the Beta Channel since June 16, 2020. New features include new theme-aware tiles in the Start Menu, new features and improvements to Microsoft Edge (such as a price comparison tool, Alt+Tab ↹ integration for tab switching, and easy access to pinned tabs), a new out-of-box experience with more personalization for the taskbar, notifications improvements, improvements to tablet mode, improvements to Modern Device Management, and the move of the System tab in Control Panel to the About page in Settings. This is the first version of Windows 10 to include the new Chromium-based Edge browser by default.
The update has reached end of service on May 10, 2022 for Home, Pro, Pro Education, Pro for Workstations and Team (for Surface Hub devices) editions. The Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session, IoT Enterprise and Education editions have reached end of service on May 9, 2023.
Version 21H1 (May 2021 Update)
The twelfth stable build of Windows 10, version 21H1, was released to the public on May 18, 2021, after being on the Beta Channel since February 17, 2021. This update included multi-camera support for Windows Hello, a "News and Interests" feature on the taskbar, and performance improvements to Windows Defender Application Guard and WMI Group Policy Service. Notable changes in the May 2021 Update include:
• Added multi-camera support for Windows Hello • New "News and Interests" feature on the taskbar • Performance improvements to Windows Defender Application Guard and WMI Group Policy Service
The update has reached end of service on December 13, 2022.
Version 21H2 (November 2021 Update)
The thirteenth and penultimate stable build of Windows 10, version 21H2, was released to the public on November 16, 2021, after being on the Beta Channel since July 15, 2021. This update included GPU compute support in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Azure IoT Edge for Linux on Windows (EFLOW) deployments, a new simplified passwordless deployment models for Windows Hello for Business, support for WPA3 Hash-to-Element (H2E) standards and a new highlights feature for Search on the taskbar. Notable changes in the November 2021 Update include:
• GPU compute support in the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) and Azure IoT Edge for Linux on Windows (EFLOW) deployments • New simplified passwordless deployment models for Windows Hello for Business • Support for WPA3 Hash-to-Element (H2E) standards • Support for DirectStorage • Support for NVMe 2.0 • Limited support for Alder Lake Thread Director • New highlights feature for Search on the taskbar
The update has reached end of service on June 13, 2023 for Home, Pro, Pro Education and Pro for Workstations editions. The Enterprise, Enterprise multi-session, IoT Enterprise and Education editions have reached end of service on June 11, 2024. The Enterprise LTSC and IoT Enterprise LTSC editions will reach end of service on January 12, 2027 and January 13, 2032, respectively.
Version 22H2 (2022 Update)
The fourteenth and final stable build of Windows 10, version 22H2, was released to the public on October 18, 2022, after being on the Release Preview Channel since July 28, 2022. This update re-introduced the search box on the taskbar and included Copilot in Windows, richer weather experience on the lock screen, additional quick status (such as sports, traffic and finance) on lock screen and a new Windows Spotlight desktop theme and new account manager experience on the Start menu. Notable changes introduced after the initial public release of the 2022 Update include:
• Re-introduction of the search box on the taskbar • The availability of Copilot in Windows • Richer weather experience on the lock screen • Additional quick status (such as sports, traffic, and finance) on lock screen • New Windows Spotlight desktop theme • New account manager experience on the Start menu • New top cards with key hardware specifications of device in the Settings app • Included Outlook progressive web app
The update would have originally reached end of service on May 14, 2024 for Home and Pro editions and May 13, 2025 for Education and Enterprise editions, but this was postponed to October 14, 2025 for all editions, following Microsoft's confirmation that it will no longer release Windows 10 builds annually.
Windows 10, version 22H2 is the only Windows 10 version to be eligible for the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which offers continued security updates until October 12, 2027 for consumers, and October 10, 2028 for businesses and schools.