14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 10 is said to be the last stand-alone version of the operating system, as it has evolved from a standard software solution to Windows as a Service, which allows Microsoft to deliver updates faster than before and to continue improving the core product with a major release every once in a while.
Microsoft has revealed that Windows 10 will receive an average of two or three feature upgrades every year, and servicing updates (which include bug fixes and security patches) as soon as they are needed in order to keep computers up to date.
Patch Tuesday will live on, and we already knew that, but Microsoft now seems very keen on delivering security fixes on the second Tuesday of each month even though it goes for a new approach with Windows 10 in terms of regular updates.
What are feature upgrades?
But the more interesting part is the one where Microsoft defines feature upgrades. Here's an excerpt from the document updated by the company today:
“Feature upgrades that install the latest new features, experiences, and capabilities on devices that are already running Windows 10. Because feature upgrades contain an entire copy of Windows, they are also what customers use to install Windows 10 on existing devices running Windows 7 or Windows 8.1, and on new devices where no operating system is installed.”
These updates will be released on an ongoing basis, the software giant adds, which is proof that the company is very keen on improving the core operating system in the coming months.
Windows 10 is projected to receive an important update in October or November, with a major release codenamed Redstone expected to debut in 2016. Redstone is likely to ship in two waves, one in the spring and another one in the fall, and bring significant improvements to the core product in order to keep it fresh and updated. The list of changes planned for Redmond isn't yet available, but expect major app updates and several new features.