Windows 10 20H1 will be released this December following Azure’s schedule

Enthusiasts who follow Microsoft Windows closely may remember that Windows development was moved to the Azure group some months ago. It has come to our knowledge that Windows 10 will now get releases in December and June. This means that Windows 10 '20H1' will be the first OS version released under the new cadence this December, several months ahead of its anticipated date. At least, it is expected to be finalized at that time and general availability may follow later.

Azure's development schedule is a 'semester'-based cycle. Previously, Windows 10 was receiving major releases (feature updates) in March and September since 2017. The new timing moves the releases to December and June. Despite the changed dates, Microsoft will still continue with biannual releases, working on each version for 6 months.

Windows 10, 19H2 and 20H1

The change allows Azure and Windows development teams to align their schedules. As a result of this change, Microsoft had to 'skip' a feature update for Windows 10. The company is releasing version 1909 '19H2', also known as the November 2019 Update, as a relatively minor update with minimal changes. It is coming in the form of a cumulative update.

This also means that Windows 10 20H1 development is almost done. It was marked as feature-complete in August 2019. So, Microsoft is now focused on fixing bugs and polishing features which is customary before the final release build is signed off in December 2019. These days, Microsoft postpones the actual general availability of Windows 10 releases by three months, which means they are pushed to the production branch quite late, first going through the Slow and Release Preview Insider rings.

Windows 10 20H2 and Windows 10X

Microsoft is already internally working on Windows 10 20H2, the next feature update that would come after 20H1. The company is expected to start shipping 20H2 builds in a couple of weeks to Insiders.

Moreover, Windows 10X, a version of Windows 10 designed for foldable devices, is also expected to be released in June 2020, using 20H2 as its base. It comes with new icons and Win32 apps running in Containers isolated from the file system.

You might be interested in reading the following articles:

• What’s New in Windows 10 Version 1909 (19H2)
• Windows 10 Version 1909 System Requirements
• Windows 10 version 1909 is November 2019 Update
• Microsoft Store is no longer pinned to the taskbar in 1909
• Install Windows 10 Version 1909 With Local Account
• Delay Windows 10 Version 1909 And Block It From Installing
• Install Windows 10 Version 1909 With Local Account
• Windows 10 version 1909 ISOs are now available on MSDN
• Official ISO Images for Windows 10 Version 1909 hit the RP Ring

Thanks to Zac Bowden.

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