Windows 10: Microsoft installs Windows 10 version 2004 on more devices automatically

The rollout of Windows 10 version 2004, the latest version of Microsoft's operating system at the time of writing, has reached a new phase as of July 22, 2020.

The company revealed that the number of devices running older versions of Windows 10 that will be upgraded automatically to the new version is increasing.

Microsoft released Windows 10 version 2004 at the end of May 2020 to the public. The release was plagued by a number of bugs and new bugs were confirmed in the weeks that followed the release. If you follow the advice that we give, to never install a new feature update right away but wait at least a month or two before the installation, you probably evaded most of the issues of Windows 10 version 2004.

Microsoft changed the way feature updates are offered to customer devices in recent time. Previously, users could hit the "check for updates" button in the Settings app to check for the new version. If offered, it would be installed right away. The change adds another layer of confirmation to the process so that admins need to click explicitly on "download and install" to upgrade the system to the new version.

The only exception to the rule is when systems reach end of support. Windows 10 versions installed on home devices are supported for 18 months by the company while Enterprise customers get 30 months of support of they install the second feature update of the year on devices, and even longer support if they choose the LTSC version of Windows 10.





What happens when systems reach end of support? Microsoft tries to push a newer version of the operating system on those devices automatically. The procedure is controversial. Proponents state that the forced installation of updates keeps devices secure as they will continue to receive security updates. Opponents on the other hand that Microsoft does not have the right to install anything by force on their devices.

The update on Windows 10 version 2004's release information page reveals the following information:

Current status as of July 22, 2020

Windows 10, version 2004 is available for users with devices running Windows 10, versions 1903 and 1909, who manually seek to “Check for updates” via Windows Update. We are now starting a new phase in our rollout. Using the machine learning-based (ML-based) training we have done so far, we are increasing the number of devices selected to update automatically to Windows 10, version 2004 that are approaching end of service. We will continue to train our machine learning through all phases to intelligently rollout new versions of Windows 10 and deliver a smooth update experience. The recommended servicing status is Semi-Annual Channel.
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In other words: Devices that are still running versions of Windows 10 that will reach end of support soon will be upgraded to Windows 10 version 2004 automatically in the coming weeks. The process has started already, and Microsoft will increase the number of devices selected for the update in the coming weeks.

Microsoft makes no mention of the versions of Windows 10 that will receive the update forcefully. Windows 10 version 1803 and 1809 run out of support in November 2020, and it is likely that devices running these versions will receive the new update via Windows Update.

Administrators who don't want their devices upgraded automatically need to block Windows Update functionality. It is also possible to install an earlier version of Windows 10, e.g. Windows 10 version 1909, on devices if that is preferred.

Now You: How do you handle operating system upgrades?

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Microsoft to push automatic Windows 10 upgrades in 2016

"Microsoft has announced that Windows 10 will be automatically rolled out next year to all users of its older operating systems who have selected to receive updates.

Until now, users of Windows 7 and 8 have needed to register to upgrade to Windows 10. But that's about to change: soon the OS will be listed as an 'Optional Update' and -- from 2016 -- a 'recommended' update that will automatically install itself, if users have opted to receive updates in that way.*Shadedshun :shadedshu:

You can opt out of automatic updates to avoid this, but Microsoftsays that "we strongly discourage this in today’s connected world because of the constant risk of internet threats". You can also change your Windows Update settings to install critical updates but not recommended ones. Although it's still going to be possible to avoid installation, Microsoft seems quite determined for everyone to be using Windows 10 in near future.


The roll-out of reserved updates was initially staggered but, according to Microsoft, now Windows "will automatically kick off the upgrade process once you have made a reservation".

As an intermediate stage, Microsoft says that it will "soon" publish Windows 10 as an optional update, not installed by default, but accessible to all users."

http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive...rade-to-be-rolled-out-automatically-next-year

 

Is it time for Windows 10 already?

Again, for those that want the update reservation and you meet the requirements ---> Upgrade to Windows 10 for Free

And, some info from the FAQ page:

Also, some interesting info from the Specifications page:

 

Known and Resolved issues for Windows 10 May 2020 Update version 2004

Issue with some Storage Spaces configurations after updating to Windows 10, version 2004 and Windows Server, version 2004 | Microsoft Support

Workaround and recovery steps for issue with some Parity Storage Spaces after updating to Windows 10, version 2004 and Windows Server, version 2004 | Microsoft Support

Issues using OneDrive Files On-Demand on some devices after updating to Windows 10, version 2004 | Microsoft Support