Windows 10 21H2 Build 19044 references found in KB5003214 Preview update

A few days ago, Microsoft released cumulative update KB5003214 Preview for Windows 10 versions 2004, 20H2 and 21H1, which brought a lot of changes and fixes. However, most interesting things were not announced and aren't visible after installing the patch. The CAB file contains references to the upcoming Windows 10, version 21H2.

If you manually apply the these bits, then Windows 10 version number changes to 21H2, and the build number will be 19044. This hints that by the fall Microsoft is preparing to release another small update based on the May 2020 Update codebase (version 2004). The similar updates are issued as October 2020 Update (20H2) and May 2021 Update (21H1).

At the same time, we all expect the major update to Windows 10, the Sun Valley project, is also scheduled for this fall, and work on it is being carried out in the co_release and co_refresh branches with build numbers 213XX and 216XX. Here's a question: Will we ever see Sun Valley this year or not?

Also, it is important to note that Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC will be released in the fall, that is, an enterprise Windows edition with an extended support period. Quite possible that the 21H2 update could receive this status. In this case, the global changes of Sun Valley, which will actually bring features of now-cancelled Windows 10X to traditional releases of the OS, may be not welcomed by the enterprise customers and postponed by Microsoft. If so, Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC (21H2) will have build number 19044 and won't include the Sun Valley UI.

We think that this won't affect consumer editions. Sun Valley is rumored to still be slated for this fall. It is more likely that corporate customers will receive build 19044 based on the May 2020 Update (version 2004/20H2/21H1), while consumers will be offered a full functional update with a new system design and new features.

Thanks to deskmodder.de.