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What system will there be after windows 10. Will I have to pay for an update in the future? What is provided for people with disabilities

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Windows 10 servicing model (Windows-as-a-Service), formerly known as Windows Branching. This topic has caused a lot of confusion since the introduction of Windows as a Service.

In this article we will try to clarify and talk in detail about the updated Windows 10 service model and operating system release schedules.

Cumulative and feature updates for Windows 10

System administrators and IT professionals should become familiar with the Windows 10 maintenance schedule. However, before moving on to an overview of the current release schedule for new versions of the system, there are a few important terms to understand.

First of all, you need to clearly understand the difference between feature updates (Feature Upgrades) and cumulative updates (Quality Updates).

    Feature Upgrades. As the name suggests, feature updates bring the latest features, components, and enhancements to Windows 10 devices. Microsoft releases two feature updates per year, in March and September. Because feature updates contain a complete copy of the operating system, they can be used to install the latest version of Windows 10 on Windows 7 or Windows 8.1 computers, as well as on new bare-metal devices.

    Cumulative updates (Quality Updates). Cumulative updates are similar to the monthly security updates and patches that were used before Windows 10, but have a number of significant differences. Firstly, cumulative updates are intended for a specific version of Windows 10. Secondly, Microsoft plans to release as many cumulative updates as needed for supported versions of Windows 10. These updates are aimed at improving the quality of the OS.

Windows 10 Service Types

When Microsoft first introduced the servicing branch model (Windows 10 Branching Model), businesses could choose from four available branches. They differed in the availability of functional updates and the length of the support period:

  • Windows Insider Program (This program is primarily intended for consumers and system administrators who want to test the latest features and improvements before they become generally available).
  • Current Branch - the availability of a new version of Windows 10 immediately after the public release.
  • The Current Branch For Business (CBB), a version of Windows 10 prepared for enterprises, becomes available approximately 4 months after the public release.
  • Long-Term Servicing Branch (LTSB) - a branch with long-term technical support, designed for ATMs, production equipment and other critical specialized devices that do not require regular updates.

The updated Windows 10 servicing model was introduced in the spring of 2017. Currently, organizations can choose from three servicing options. Choose the option that best suits your requirements:

  • Windows Insider Program- Most large enterprises maintain a small staff of specialists who test preview versions of future updates to improve adoption and deployment and eliminate potential compatibility issues.
  • Semi-Annual Channel (SAC)- replaces the concepts “Current Branch” (CB) and “Current Branch for Business” (CBB). IT teams across organizations can now use the semi-annual channel in System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) for piloting and testing. The enterprise then decides when to move to a broader deployment.
  • Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC)- formerly known as the long-term service branch (LTSB). Suitable for organizations that are deploying Windows 10 for a long period of time and want to limit non-essential changes. Customers will receive regular security updates for as long as they use Windows 10—up to 10 years. This option is ideal for ATMs, manufacturing equipment and other mission critical applications.

In Microsoft articles, you may also see the terms “Semi-Annual Channel (Pilot)” and “Semi-Annual Channel (Wide)”. They correspond to “Current Branch” and “Current Branch for Business”. Now the terms Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted) and Semi-Annual Channel are used instead.

It is important to highlight one point that may cause confusion. After the initial release is published, enterprise-ready updates will not be released. For example, 4 months after the Fall Creators Update was released on October 17, 2017, the semi-annual Fall Creators Update channel will not be released. The initial update is the final update.

This section will focus on the Semi-Annual Channel service type for Windows 10 Enterprise and Education, because the long-term service channel does not receive functional updates, and Windows 10 Insider Preview versions precede public releases.


Schedule updated September 13, 2018.

As you can see in the graph above, Microsoft published the first release of Windows 10 for Current Branch in July 2015. Version “1507” indicates the release date in year/month (YYMM) format. With this version, Microsoft deviated a little from the plan. Windows 10 version 1507 was originally scheduled to end support on March 26, 2017, but the date was subsequently pushed back to May 9, 2017. Only the LTSC channel continues to receive updates at this time.

  • In November 2015, Microsoft released the first feature update (version 1511 or the so-called November Update) for Current Branch. This version became available for Current Branch for Business in March 2016.
  • On August 2, 2016, Microsoft released the Anniversary Update (version 1607), which was widely deployed to organizations.
  • On April 11, 2017, Windows 10 Creators Update (version 1703) became available for the Current Branch. On July 27, 2017, Microsoft released this update for the Current Branch for Business, and therefore it is considered ready for organizations.
  • The Fall Creators Update (version 1709) was originally scheduled for September, but released on October 17, 2017.
  • Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803) - originally Spring Creators Update - was scheduled for release on March 14, 2018, but was delayed until April 30, 2018 due to reported issues.
  • The next update, Windows 10 October 2018 Update (version 1809, codenamed Redstone 5) was initially released on October 2, 2018, but was then withdrawn once significant bugs were discovered that caused data loss. The final version of version 1809 was re-released on November 13, 2018.

Let us indicate the most important release and support dates for versions:

Windows 10 Initial Release 1507 RTM (OS Build: 10240.17236)

  • Release date for Current Branch: 07/29/2015
  • End of support for Current Branch: 05/09/2017 (official confirmation from Microsoft dated April 13, 2017)
  • Not available for semi-annual channel
  • Release date for Current Branch: 11/10/2015
  • Release date for Current Branch for Business: 04/08/2016
  • End of support: 04/10/2018 (Microsoft)
  • Release date for Semi-Annual Channel (Targeted): March-April 2019
  • End of support: September-October 2020 (earlier than two releases before)

* expected in line with extended support for Windows 10 announced by Microsoft on September 6, 2018.

Note: Sometimes it can be difficult to find out the system version number. To quickly find out the version number of Windows 10, type winver into the search bar, press Enter, and you will see a dialog box with information about the current OS version.

When will support end for my version of Windows 10?

Microsoft initially announced that it would support two versions of Current Branch for Business (for example, 1511 and 1607) simultaneously. This means that once the N+2 version is published to Current Branch for Business, the 60-day countdown will begin until the end of life of the N version.

For example, if you are using version 1511 of Current Branch for Business, then you will have 10 months from the launch of version 1703 for Current Branch (April 2017), i.e. you will be able to do this until January 2018. In extreme cases, organizations will be able to use the same version for a maximum of 16 months, and a constant update cycle will ensure that security measures are maintained.

However, in reality, exact deadlines may not be observed. Following this policy, support for version 1507 was supposed to end in January 2017, but it was extended until May 9.

New simplified release schedule

On April 20, 2017, Microsoft announced that Windows 10 functional updates would be released twice a year, synchronously with Office 365 ProPlus and Microsoft SCCM updates - in September and March. The duration of the support period will be 18 months.

However, in November 2017, Michael Niehaus, former director of product marketing at Microsoft, announced that the software giant would give businesses and schools currently running Windows 10 version 1511 an additional six months to fix “critical ” and “important” security vulnerabilities. And in February 2018, Microsoft announced that it would also provide a 6-month end of support (EoL) extension for Windows 10 versions 1607, 1703, and 1709.

Much of the initially simplified support periods have been revised to a new support model: Starting September 6, 2018, Microsoft extended the support window for all currently supported Windows 10 Enterprise and Education editions (versions 1607, 1703, 1709, and 1803) to 30 months. Additionally, starting with 1809, all fall updates will also receive extended support to 30 months, while all spring updates will only receive 18 months.

Skip updates

To make it easier to deploy cumulative security and feature updates, they are delivered in a cumulative form, i.e. include all previous improvements as well as new changes. This means that after installing the new version, your device will receive the most current version of the operating system.

If you're wondering whether you should install all the updates or whether you should skip some of them, remember that you can safely skip one or two feature updates. It's made even easier with Microsoft's new expanded support.

However, since new versions are available for a limited period of time, it is very important to install all patches and features on time. It is important to consider the end of support date for a specific version to ensure that your systems remain as secure as possible.

Conclusion

It is now clear that the sheer variety of management options and the forced nature of updates is forcing IT departments to quickly adapt to the new update culture that is part of Windows as a Service.

As older versions of Windows 10 approach end-of-life each month, organizations must prepare for the latest feature updates. In the future, this may lead to the depreciation of older system functions that may be used in some mission-critical applications in the enterprise.

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Windows users have always been worried about one question: will Microsoft release the Windows 11 operating system or not? Since the official announcement of Windows 10, it has been said that this is the last version of Windows. Despite this, users are excitedly awaiting the future arrival of Windows 11; there is a wish list of what I would like to see in it. A new format with several new applications and no software compatibility issues are the most requested wishes of Windows users.

About Windows 11


The tech world is waiting for news about Windows 11 and even minor information is causing a stir. The problem for Microsoft is that some users are not interested in the update strategy used in Windows 10, but instead want to see more global innovations in the form of a new version of Windows. Microsoft is not ready to announce a new big project in the development of Windows 10. By the way, an update called Redstone is expected to be released in the summer.

While many don't mind seeing Windows 11 launch, Windows 10 has had a very successful launch. The reason for the success may be Microsoft's focus on developers, who are an important part of any platform. A full-fledged strategy was created that gave users reasons to download updates. In addition to the attractive appearance, many useful functions were presented, including with the aim of luring businesses to Windows 10.

Microsoft says no to Windows 11: why?

Official news coming from the Microsoft office says: Windows 10 will be the last Windows operating system, there will be no Windows 11. Since technical resources mentioned the release of Windows 11 in 2017-2018, Microsoft decided to dispel these rumors and announce that they are not going to release anything new after Windows 10.

"We're working on Windows 10 now because Windows 10 is the latest version of Windows," Microsoft's Jerry Nixon said at the Ignite conference.

Windows as a service

Microsoft adopted the "Last Windows" strategy. At the press conference, Nixon made a statement in which he said that Microsoft has no plans to release a new Windows after Windows 10, so Windows 10 will be the last version for users. But this does not mean that everything will end there and there will be no innovations. Microsoft will not release a new version of Windows, but Windows 10 will receive regular updates to improve the user experience. Nixon was not the only one to make such statements; Microsoft itself said the same thing, promising to regularly update Windows 10 instead of releasing a separate new version of Windows. This was said in Chicago at the Microsoft Ignite conference. Microsoft will apply a specific pattern of Windows 10 updates, using the Windows as a service method to serve its users. Microsoft believes that this method is more useful in fulfilling user requests.

Steve Kleynhans, a Microsoft spokesman, also confirmed there are no plans for a new Windows. Creating a new version takes a lot of time, exactly 2-3 years - during this period the product already becomes outdated.

“There will be no Windows 11,” says Kleinhans. "Every three years, Microsoft would sit down and create a 'big new version of the OS.' Third-party developers did not have access to it, and the product that the world wanted three years ago appeared.”

About the next Microsoft operating system update


Following the news that there will be no new Windows, several rumors have emerged that have caught the attention of the tech world. This was information that Microsoft would release something significant in the summer of 2016.

It was about the appearance of an operating system update codenamed Redstone. Many experts believed that the update would not be as significant, but would bring expanded support for Windows 10 on different devices, such as HoloLens. At the time of these rumors, it was not clear how much this update would affect Windows 10. Many wondered what the name Redstone meant. As it turns out, this is a popular object in the game Minecraft, used to create new technologies and improve items.

Release date for the next Windows update

Microsoft had a surprise in store that the company was not going to share ahead of time. The company promised to regularly release useful Windows 10 updates for its users. The summer Redstone update is coming, which will be the most significant since the release of the final version of Windows 10.

Some technology experts have written that Microsoft will create a new operating system not under the name Windows, but there is no evidence of this.

Conclusion

So, you might think that there is no need to wait for Windows 11, and you would be partly right. You just need to analyze everything wisely and understand that now there are other people at the helm, not Ballmer and Bill Gates. I do not rule out the fact that after Satya Nadella leaves, everything may return to normal. Moreover, progress still does not stand still. When the full-fledged 9th generation of consoles, DirectX 13 and new PC hardware are released, which may require new or well-modified software, then Windows 11 may be released, or whatever it will be called. Although, on the other hand, Microsoft wanted to completely abandon product numbering, as in Steam or Google Chrome, although there is essentially product numbering, it is not too obvious and intrusive.


Microsoft wanted to do this when it released Windows 8, but the product failed in sales and the system itself was associated with inconvenient crap and no Start menu, so Windows 10 was released, which, thanks to its arrogant obsession, made great sales and massive updates. Who knows, maybe Microsoft is deliberately avoiding the Windows 11 conversation in order to hide the true truth of the development of the new OS, or maybe we will have to come to terms with a new reality that we cannot escape.

Windows 10 is a PC system produced by Microsoft. After version 8, the system immediately received the number 10. From July twenty-ninth, users had the opportunity to update their OS to Windows 10. The developer decided to make the best operating system out there. Correct the main disadvantages and shortcomings of previous operating systems, combining all their advantages and disadvantages.

Judging by the reviews, Windows 10 turned out to be not 100% good, nevertheless, more than one hundred and twenty million people have installed this system. In any case, since the number of users is constantly increasing, this OS will certainly be brought up to the stated level over time. And owners of other versions of Windows will want to upgrade to ten. The interface features of this operating system, in fact, are at the stage of study by users, however, its strengths and weaknesses have already been identified. Should you upgrade to Windows 10 today?

The OS is free, which is new for Microsoft owners. Owners of a licensed version of Windows 7 or 8, 8.1 will be able to install it on their PC for free.
- This version contains constant updates. Since the company decided that it would work constantly releasing updates. Therefore, there are no plans to release Windows 11. Updates are installed “without asking”.
- Multifaceted interface - in this version, the developers met the users halfway, taking into account opinions and recommendations. Thanks to this, the system turned out to be convenient for a wide range of users, because it combines a futuristic, intuitive, visual interface, as well as the familiar “Seven” desktop - there are “Start” buttons. The user, at his own discretion, creates a panel with tiles, adding those that interest him or, conversely, removing unnecessary ones from the menu.


- The manufacturer promised that this OS will be more productive than previous versions. Now the owner will be able to evaluate the performance and energy consumption of the battery, disable especially “gluttonous” programs to increase the speed of the processor.
- Windows 10 has become simpler and more comfortable to use. This system has introduced a lot of new things for convenient use of the system. Now it’s easy to switch between open applications, and the desktop will be able to comfortably place the windows of 4 programs at once, while the windows themselves will choose the most desired size.
- New browser on OS 10 - Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer is also present. They did a great job on the new browser. We removed the old options and introduced many new features, including voice control.
- Cortana, known for its Windows smartphones, has become present here too. With its help, the user can easily cope with many questions that arise: it will inform you about the current weather forecast, play your favorite musical compositions, open the necessary application, or a file from your hard drive. The only inconvenience is that for now it only works in English.
- The security system has been improved, in addition to the usual password, there is fingerprint recognition, or retinal scanning, face recognition.
- It is possible to purchase programs, literary works, films and much more from the Windows Store. At the same time, on other devices you only need to enter your account information, since now all devices on the top ten are perfectly synchronized and become one.

Office has also become free.

Any innovation has its drawbacks, and this OS is not spared either.

The manufacturer will work steadily to update the OS without notifying the owner.
- Not everyone will get an operating system for free. If you are the owner of Vista, XP, then you will have to pay for it.
- You won’t find the usual Media Player in the top ten. Despite the fact that users are accustomed to using it, the manufacturer considered it necessary to exclude it, deciding that the player was losing its relevance.
- Often in everything new, unknown, and in Windows 10, when you start using it, errors may appear that will be isolated in the future. Therefore, many decided to wait a little and install it later.
- The Cortana assistant, as previously stated, although it has great potential, works only in English.
- In terms of security, not everything is clear. Not every user will be able to use it (a camera for scanning the retina or a fingerprint scanner is required).
- The good old “seven” and “eight” will function well until 2020 and 2023; the possibility of choice prevents the ten from becoming a leader.

Many questions arose after Microsoft installed a new one in the services category and, moreover, the corporation stated that the OS with the index “10” is the last. The giant Microsoft plans to release only updates for it in the future. This raised a number of logical questions, for example, about payment for all this stuff (everyone knows that services are usually not free).

How do Microsoft representatives themselves answer this pressing question?

The head of the department of innovative projects at Microsoft Corporation, Jerry Nixon, said that after Windows 10 there will definitely be no further versions of the OS.

After Win 10, the company's programmers will begin to develop a completely different operating system. According to D. Nixon, Microsoft has not yet approved the new name of the operating system, but it will be a full-fledged replacement for Windows, according to a BBC source.

The corporation's specialists specifically omitted the number "Nine" for use in the name of the new system, and immediately assigned the name "Windows 10", focusing attention on "break with the past". Before this, new operating systems appeared to replace each other at intervals of approximately three years.

By developing the “lifecycle fact sheet”, Microsoft has already given an answer to the burning question in practice. For a specific user of the “Tenth” OS, there is no difference whether it will be called services or something else. It is important that the 10th operating system, by analogy with old operating systems, will have a certain period of its life cycle. This means that there will also be a time period during which the OS is supported and at this time “upgrades” will be free.

What will happen next?

Since the operating system is announced as the latest, it is not clear what will happen when the support period for Windows 10 ends? Most likely, OSs will appear with the addition of indexes in the name, for example, Windows 10.1 or Windows 10 2018 edition, which will also have a certain life cycle time.

Main version: “After Windows 10 there will be Windows 365 immediately”

Most experts believed that, by analogy with the name “Office 365”, the new shell would be called “Windows 365”. However, the management of the enterprise was inclined to choose a name with the index “10”.

Currently, experts call the “Ten” a passing version, after which a more refined model will appear. Of course, it is impossible to radically rework the “Axis” into something completely new at once, in one “swoop”, because It will require huge investments, and most importantly, a lot of time. It is still possible to quickly change the type of positioning of the system on the market, but this will not immediately make the operating system cloud-based.

There is already information on the Internet about the registration of a version of the operating system called “Windows 365” on January 29, 2016. This circumstance clearly indicates that Windows will eventually be cloud-based and access to it will be provided only through subscriptions. The name of the widely implemented operating system has now already been approved - “Windows 10”, which means that with the greatest degree of probability the name of the subsequent OS will be “Windows 365”.

Will I have to pay for an upgrade in the future?

Thanks to strong competitors with free operating systems Android and iOS, the Microsoft giant will be forced to improve and update programs for Windows from developers, and ordinary PC owners on the window platform will be encouraged to use Microsoft products similar to Apple "

Today there are PCs, phones and tablets with the Windows operating system. A gadget for Xbox games was developed and released. Athletes use "Fitness bracelet". All accessories work perfectly with Microsoft services. Some predict the speedy release of watches with Windows 10. Thus, the situation is leaning towards the formation closed IT system.

Microsoft has released the so-called Windows lifecycle fact sheet, which shows the deadlines for basic and extended support for Windows operating systems.

Mainstream support or main support- This is support when Microsoft releases security updates, operating system functionality, or adds new functionality.

Extended or extended support– this is support during which Microsoft releases only security updates to the operating system, or provides paid support, as a rule, to the corporate segment.

Transferring your new one to the category of services raised a lot of questions among users, especially considering that Windows 10 should be the latest OS with further updates. Questions mainly arose about payment for such a service, because services are paid, as a rule, for a certain period. Or, if Windows 10 is completely free (with a one-time fee), will it be bogged down with advertising?

With the release of the lifecycle fact sheet, Microsoft partially answered the questions raised. From the point of view of using the Windows 10 operating system, there is absolutely no difference whether it is a service or not. Windows 10, like all previous versions of Windows, has a life cycle with a period of standard support and extended support. And for this period there will be no subscription fee.

A logical question is, if Windows 10 is the latest, then what will happen after its support ends?

Everything here is quite predictable. There will be other versions of Windows 10 (for example, Windows 10 2018 edition or Windows 10.1, it doesn’t matter at all) with their own life cycle. For example, now the life cycle of Windows 7 and Windows 7 Service Pack 1 is different, and the same will happen with Windows 10.

Will there be a cost for the update?

Perhaps, but most likely not, competitors Google and Apple provide their OS for free as part of a common information system, in addition, free Unix alternatives do not stand still. All these factors will most likely encourage Microsoft to develop and support the creation of applications for Windows from developers, and simply hook ordinary users on Microsoft technologies, creating a closed system based on the Apple principle.

Judge for yourself, now it is possible to use a personal computer with Windows, a tablet, or a smartphone. For relaxation there is an Xbox game console, and for sports there is a fitness bracelet, and all this works well together with services from Microsoft. In the future, you can predict the appearance of watches from Microsoft with Windows 10 on board, of course, you need to calculate everything and take into account many factors, but the external situation and the trend in the development of software and services from Microsoft indicate that the formation of a closed IT system is a priority for Americans from Redmond .

How will the new OS be updated?

The footnote to Windows 10 on the Windows lifecycle fact sheet states that updates will be cumulative and support requires a current update to be installed, and new features added to the system may not be supported on all devices. Accordingly, users must independently ensure that the hardware is up-to-date, although given the extremely new OS, this is unlikely to be a problem, and support for some, at the moment, is not decisive.

The updates themselves will be installed in at least two ways: the first - for small ones, when the update is downloaded and installed in the background, the user only needs to restart the computer to complete the installation, and the second - for large-scale ones, which is more reminiscent of the process of reinstalling the operating system system on the computer, during such an update the system is not available for operation.

We could see this type of update when Windows 8 was updated to version 8.1, as well as recent updates. In this case, you can see the Windows.old folder on the disk, which is created if you install a new Windows over the old one, and contains files and programs of the old operating system.

As a result, we can say that we already had the first experience of “Windows as a service”, during the update of Windows 8 to 8.1, from 10 there will be the same small and large updates, and when the time comes, there will be ABOUT A very major update with a new life cycle and support period.

The main thing is that the new OS becomes better than the previous one, because in Windows 8 there was no launch, but in Windows 10 there is :)