Windows 10: Microsoft starts to enforce feature updates on Windows 10 version 1809

Devices that run Windows 10 version 1809 will soon be upgraded to a newer version of Microsoft's operating system according to release information on Microsoft's Docs website.

Microsoft releases two feature updates per year and supports these for 18 months on consumer devices. Enterprise customers who install the second feature update of a year will receive 30 months of support but also only 18 months of support for the first feature update of any given year.

Windows 10 version 1809 support ends on November 10, 2020 and devices that still run that version of Windows 10 after the November 2020 Patch Tuesday will not receive any security updates anymore.

Microsoft started to push new feature updates to Windows 10 version 1809 devices in June 2020. The company plans to increase the forced roll-out of the updates in the coming weeks and months provided that updates are not blocked on these devices.

In June we will slowly restart initiating feature updates for devices running Windows 10, version 1809 (the October 2018 Update) Home and Pro editions, in advance of the delayed November 10, 2020 end of service date to provide adequate time for a closely monitored and smooth update process, to keep those devices supported and receiving the monthly updates that are critical to device security and ecosystem health.
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The selected feature update seems to be Windows 10 version 2004, the latest feature update for Windows 10 at the time of writing. While it may make sense on paper to upgrade users to the latest version, as it ensures that the next feature update does not need to be enforced in a couple of months, it is problematic because of all the issues of that particular version of Windows 10.

Alternatives


Windows administrators may run manual updates as well on devices running Windows 10 version 1809. An upgrade to Windows 10 version 1909 ensures support until May 2021 on home systems, and it may be the better choice if stability is of prime concern. Windows 10 version 2004, just for comparison's sake, is supported until December 2021.

The manual upgrade option is also the only option for devices that cannot be upgraded using Windows Update. If the feature update is not offered via Windows Update, administrators need to update manually by downloading an ISO image or using tools such as the Media Creation Tool to create installation media.

Now You: do you run Windows 10? If so, which version and why?

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Microsoft testing blue light reduction feature for Windows 10

"Microsoft is slowly revealing new features in its next major update to Windows 10, and it appears blue light reduction feature might be a future addition. The software giant released a new build of Windows 10 testers yesterday with very few visible additions, but Windows enthusiasts have already started picking it apart for clues on new features. Twitter user "Core"has discovered references to a "BlueLightReduction" setting deep within the next major update to Windows 10 (codenamed Redstone 2). It appears to be a setting that will be toggled from the Action Center (notification center) in the operating system.

F.lux has been the most popular option for Windows users looking to reduce blue light in the evenings, but Microsoft's own native toggle will bring this feature to every Windows 10 user. Apple has also integrated a similar feature in iOS 9, but it hasn't announced any plans to bring blue light reduction to Mac OS yet. Microsoft only appears to be testing the feature right now, so there's no guarantee it will ship in the update due early next year. If Microsoft does implement it fully then it will presumably be available on the mobile version of Windows 10, too."

Microsoft testing blue light reduction feature for Windows 10

 

Microsoft Windows 10 Fall Creators Update Available Today

Microsoft released Windows 10, code named "Threshold 1," a little over two years ago. As of May of this year, there were approximately 500 million Windows 10 devices worldwide. Originally, Microsoft predicted that Windows 10 would be installed on 1 billion devices by mid-2018. When released, Windows 10 gained huge adoption from those running Windows 7 from the "free-upgrade program" which lasted one year.

Since then however, installations have slowly declined and in July of last year, Microsoft admitted that they would miss their projected goal of 1 billion devices. Since its release, Windows 10 has had three major update releases with "Threshold 2," in 2015, "Anniversary Update," in 2016, "Creators Update" in April of this year and today marks the release of Microsoft's fourth major feature update to its operating system, dubbed "Fall Creators Update," version 1709.


Today's update brings about many new features including:

• OneDrive On demand (formerly known as OneDrive Placeholders introduced in WIndows 8.1) a way to keep track of your files stored on OneDrive from any of your devices without having to store them locally.
• 'My People' Hub Integration makes it easier to stay in touch with people right from the taskbar
• Story Remix gives you to the tools and the power to create content from your photos and videos to make memorable stories
• Windows Mixed Reality brings a new generation of augmented reality where the real world meets the digital one.
• Fluent Design System is Microsoft's new design that will take place over the next few years with each feature update. Microsoft intends to make all products and devices one user interface and it begins with the Fall Creators Update.

Furthermore, Microsoft has made changes and brings privacy enhancements with today's update. The Fall Creators Update gives users more control of what information is being collected. Users will be greeted with the Privacy Statement on the setup process to get an idea of what information that entails. Microsoft is also adding two game anti-cheating systems, called TruePlay and Game Monitor, to address the problem of cheating similarly to what VAC (Valve Anti-Cheating) does for Steam.

The Fall Creators Update is available today but will be rolled out in stages as usual. Newer devices most compatible with Windows 10 will receive the update first. The rollout will take several months before everyone is updated. However, if you don't see today's update you can use the Update Assistant Tool to manually update now, here.

Source: Microsoft

 

Microsoft to make Windows 10 updates mandatory

Well, at the moment at least, you can choose to defer upgrades. Under Settings > Windows Updates > Advanced options you need to check the box labeled "Defer upgrades". What does that do? Good question. The answer I've found might illuminate it to a degree.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/defer-upgrades-in-windows-10

I hear this only applies to Pro and Enterprise editions. But I can't verify that.