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Software updates have become the norm, regardless of the gadget. While the pop-up ads asking for updates can be a nuisance, these updates are integral in keeping your cyber security. Microsoft has made a habit of forcing users to update at least twice a year, but recently the company has decided to shift its business by quelling users’ frustrations with the updates.
Last month, Microsoft released their latest operating system, Windows 11. Shortly after the release, the company announced that Windows will be releasing one annual update to Windows 10, removing the need to update twice a year. Windows 11 will also be following a similar schedule.
The company’s decision to halve the number of updates falls in line with the industry standard. Apple releases one new version of MacOS annually while the iOS also gets an annual update. Google’s Android operating system also follows a similar framework to a lesser degree, issuing full updates to Chrome OS roughly every four weeks.
Throughout the years, Windows has been an integral part of Microsoft, generating over 13% of the company’s revenue. Research firm Gartner recorded that Windows contributed to 83% market share by unit shipments while Google Chrome OS and Apple Mac OS only generated 10% and 7% respectively in 2020.
Windows 10 was released in 2015 and has required an update twice a year, causing a nuisance to users who have been vocal about their disdain towards the additional configuration work. Four years later, Microsoft changed its framework, rolling out one significant update a year with new features while smaller updates focus on performance and reliability.
With the latest operating system, Microsoft has finally listened to customer input, scrapping the double update annually. Users who are not yet ready to upgrade their system are free to use Windows 10; however, the company has announced that the system will only be available until October 2025. Earlier this week, Microsoft released a Windows 10 update called version 21H2.
John Cable, vice president of program management for Windows servicing and delivery addressed the change, writing in a blog post: “We continue to listen to customer feedback to adapt Windows to meet your needs as part of our ongoing support Windows 10, and have scoped the November 2021 Update to focus on productivity, management, and security.”
The Windows 11 release has been progressing faster than the company initially anticipated, and Cable followed up on his post by sharing updates that the company is making the Windows 11 upgrade more broadly available to eligible Windows 10 devices.
The Windows 11 update will include several upgrade features, including stronger security to protect devices from attacks while connecting to Wi-Fi networks. The upgraded Universal Print feature in Windows 10 Enterprise will be able to handle print jobs that can handle over one gigabyte. Users also have access to utilize the Azure Virtual Desktop service to provision apps to cloud-based Windows 10. Additionally, users can check the availability now by opening the settings app and navigating to Update & Security, where the Windows Update icon can be found. They can check for updates, and if the device is ready, a Download and Install button will be available.
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