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Explore the phased rollout and our commitment to quality.
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Find out how the upgrade will be offered.
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Learn more about this new feature update.
Recent announcements
| Message | Date |
| Reminder: Significant changes coming to the Windows Diagnostic data processor configuration To enable efficiencies and help us implement our plan to store and process EU Data for European enterprise customers in the EU, we will be introducing a significant change for enterprise Windows devices that have diagnostic data turned on. We’ll stop using policies, such as the “Allow commercial data pipeline” policy, to configure the processor option. Instead, we’ll be introducing an organization-wide configuration based on Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) to determine Microsoft’s role in the data processing. This change is releasing to Windows devices enrolled in the Dev Channel of the Windows Insider program the week of July 24, 2022. Any Windows build on or after 25169 will contain the changes. For other Windows devices (not in the Dev Channel), additional details on supported versions of Windows 11 and Windows 10 will be announced at a later date. These changes will roll out no earlier than the last quarter of the calendar year 2022. For information on these changes and how to enable the Windows diagnostic data processor configuration option, refer to the Significant changes coming to the Windows diagnostic data processor configuration documentation topic. | 2022-07-27 14:00 PT |
| July 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for all supported versions of Windows The July 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for all supported versions of Windows. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. For instructions on how to install this update for your operating system, see the KB for your OS listed below:
| 2022-07-26 14:00 PT |
| Preview Unified Update Platform for on-premises update management Sign up for the private preview of the Unified Update Platform (UUP) for on-premises update management for commercial organizations. UUP on premises is an integration with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager, and it will be generally available in early 2023. This new capability simplifies Windows content management and streamlines the process for upgrading to Windows 11 for those who manage Windows devices with these update management platforms. For further background and details on how to sign up for the private preview, see Preview Unified Update Platform for on-premises update management. | 2022-07-22 17:00 PT |
| July 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for Windows 11 and Windows 10, version 1809 The July 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows 11, and Windows 10, version 1809. The preview update for other supported versions of Windows 10 will be available in the near term. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
| 2022-07-21 14:00 PT |
| Reminder: Removal of temporary mitigation in Windows updates will require compliant printing and scanning devices As previously announced, Microsoft released hardening changes for CVE-2021-33764 in Windows updates starting on July 13, 2021. When these updates are installed on a domain controller (DC), smart card (PIV) authentication might cause print and scan failures. A temporary mitigation, released in Windows Updates between July 29, 2021, and July 12, 2022, was made available for organizations that encountered this issue and couldn't bring devices into compliance as required for CVE-2021-33764. Starting on July 21, 2022, this temporary mitigation will not be usable in security updates. The Windows July 2022 preview update will remove the temporary mitigation and will require compliant printing and scanning devices. To learn more, see KB5005408: Smart card authentication might cause print and scan failures. | 2022-07-21 14:00 PT |
| Reminder: End of servicing for Windows Server, version 20H2 on August 9, 2022 On August 9, 2022, all editions of Windows Server, version 20H2 will reach end of servicing. The upcoming August 2022 security update, to be released on August 9, 2022, will be the last update available for this version. After that date, devices running this version will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates containing protection from the latest security threats. This will also be the retirement of Windows Server Semi-Annual Channel (SAC). There will be no future SAC releases of Windows Server. Windows Server is moving to the Long-Term Servicing Channel (LTSC) as the primary release channel. Customers using Windows Server SAC should move to Azure Stack HCI. Alternatively, customers may use the Long-Term Servicing Channel of Windows Server. For more information, see Windows Server Release Information. | 2022-07-20 17:00 PT |
| July 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for Windows Server 2022 The July 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows Server 2022. The preview update for Windows 11 and other supported versions of Windows 10 will be available in the near term. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows Server 2022 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. | 2022-07-19 14:00 PT |
| Hardening changes coming 07/2022: Smart card authentication might cause print and scan failures On July 13, 2021, Microsoft released hardening changes for Windows Key Distribution Center Information Disclosure Vulnerability, CVE-2021-33764. With these changes, smart card (PIV) authentication might cause print and scan failures when you install updates released on July 13, 2021, or later versions on a domain controller (DC). The affected devices are smart card authenticating printers, scanners, and multifunction devices that don’t support either Diffie-Hellman (DH) for key exchange during PKINIT Kerberos authentication or don’t advertise support for des-ede3-cbc ("triple DES”) during the Kerberos AS request. A temporary mitigation, released in Windows Updates between July 29, 2021, and July 12, 2022, was made available for organizations that encountered this issue and couldn't bring devices into compliance as required for CVE-2021-33764. However, starting in July 2022, this temporary mitigation will not be usable in security updates. The Windows July 2022 preview update will remove the temporary mitigation and will require compliant printing and scanning devices. As of July 19, 2022, there will be no further fallback option in later updates, and all non-compliant devices must be identified using the audit events starting in January 2022 and updated or replaced by the mitigation removal. To learn more, see KB5005408: Smart card authentication might cause print and scan failures. | 2022-07-13 14:00 PT |
| Take action: July 2022 security update available for all supported versions of Windows The July 2022 security update release, referred to as our "B" release, is now available for Windows 11 and all supported versions of Windows 10. We recommend that you install these updates promptly. For more information about the contents of this update, see the release notes, which are easily accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. For instructions on how to install this update on your home device, check the Update Windows article. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
Short on time? Watch our short monthly release notes video for a summary of this month’s Windows 11 update. | 2022-07-12 10:00 PT |
| June 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for all supported versions of Windows The June 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows 11 and all other supported versions of Windows. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. | 2022-06-28 14:00 PT |
| June 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for Windows 11 and some versions of Windows 10 The June 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows 11, Windows 10 version 1809. The preview update for other supported versions of Windows 10 will be available in the near term. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
| 2022-06-23 14:00 PT |
| New! Introducing the search highlights feature We’ll be introducing the search highlights feature to Windows 11 over the next several weeks. The search highlights feature presents notable and interesting moments of what’s special about each day, —like holidays, anniversaries, and other educational moments in time both globally and in your region. To see search highlights, click or tap on the search icon on your taskbar. For enterprise customers, search highlights will also feature the latest updates from your organization and suggest people, files, and more. For group configuration information, see Group configuration: search highlights in Windows. | 2022-06-23 14:00 PT |
| Take action: Out-of-band security update to address an issue with Azure Active Directory services on Arm-based devices Microsoft is releasing Out-of-band (OOB) security updates today, June 20, 2022, only for Arm-based Windows devices. This update addresses a known issue that only affects Windows Arm-based devices and might prevent you from signing in using Azure Active Directory (AAD). Apps and services that use AAD to sign in, such as VPN connections, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Outlook, might also be affected. Important This issue only affects Windows devices that use Arm processors. No other platforms will receive this out-of-band update. This OOB update is cumulative. We recommend that you install this OOB update instead of the June 14, 2022 security update for affected devices. All updates listed below are available on Windows Update, Windows Update for Business, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), and Microsoft Update Catalog. For instructions, see the release notes for your OS listed below. | 2022-06-20 14:00 PT |
| IE11 desktop application has retired and is out of support as of June 15, 2022 (non-LTSC, non-Server) As previously communicated, the Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) desktop application has retired and is out of support as of today, June 15, 2022. Following industry best practices, the IE11 desktop application will be progressively redirected to Microsoft Edge over the next few months and after will ultimately be permanently disabled via a future Windows Update, to help ensure a smooth retirement. If you have not set up IE mode in Microsoft Edge, we recommend doing so as soon as possible to help avoid business disruption. If you’ve already set up IE mode, follow these final steps. Note: The IE11 desktop application is not available on Windows 11. To continue using legacy IE-based sites and apps on Windows 11, IE mode in Microsoft Edge must be configured before deploying Windows 11. | 2022-06-15 06:00 PT |
| Reminder: Windows Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) hardening changes as of June 14, 2022 As previously announced, security requirements have increased for Windows devices that use the Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) or Remote Procedure Call (RPC) server technologies. Windows update releases starting June 2021 address a vulnerability in the DCOM remote protocol by progressively increasing security hardening in DCOM. Starting today, June 14, 2022, all DCOM clients attempting to establish connections to DCOM servers which have applied updates released June 14, 2022, or later, must either support an authentication level of RPC_C_AUTHN_LEVEL_PKT_INTEGRITY and higher or temporarily disable that enforcement by using the RequireIntegrityActivationAuthenticationLevel registry key in the DCOM server. Note: We recommend that you update your devices to the latest security update available to take advantage of the advanced protections from the latest security threats. Refer to the below timeline to understand the progressive hardening coming to DCOM.
We recommend that IT administrators conduct testing by enabling hardening changes as soon as possible to confirm normal operations. To learn more, see KB5004442: Manage changes for Windows DCOM Server Security Feature Bypass (CVE-2021-26414) | 2022-06-14 16:00 PT |
| Take action: June 2022 security update available for all supported versions of Windows The June 2022 security update release, referred to as our "B" release, is now available for Windows 11 and all supported versions of Windows 10. We recommend that you install these updates promptly. For more information about the contents of this update, see the release notes, which are easily accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. For instructions on how to install this update on your home device, check the Update Windows article. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
Short on time? Watch our short monthly release notes video for a summary of this month’s Windows 11 update. | 2022-06-14 10:00 PT |
| Preview app and driver compatibility insights in Endpoint Manager Two new reports are now in public preview to assess app and driver compatibility for feature updates and Windows 11. Beginning June 8, 2022, eligible Microsoft Endpoint Manager users can proactively utilize the Windows feature update device readiness report and the Windows feature update compatibility risks report. Leverage these additional insights to proactively prepare for a Windows upgrade or update. The blog post, Preview app and driver compatibility insights in Endpoint Manager, offers a closer look at these reports, details on prerequisites, and relevant updates. | 2022-06-11 11:00 PT |
| Preview of Windows 11, version 22H2 now available Windows 11, version 22H2 is now available for commercial organizations to validate prior to its release later this year. Organizations enrolled in the Windows Insider Program for Business can access these builds through all standard channels, including Windows Update, Windows Update for Business, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), Windows Insider Preview Downloads page, and Azure Marketplace. Along with commercial pre-release availability, learn about free support offerings in the new blog Preview of Windows 11, version 22H2 now available and follow the Windows Insider Blog for further updates. | 2022-06-07 11:30 PT |
| May 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for all supported versions of Windows The May 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows 11 and all other supported versions of Windows. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. | 2022-06-02 14:00 PT |
| Ensuring a successful Windows quality update experience There are several different ways for you to evaluate updates before deploying them to your entire device population. Check out the new post on Ensuring a successful Windows quality update experience for a comprehensive collection of favorites from the Windows Servicing and Delivery team at Microsoft. It covers the strategies and opportunities to test updates early, venues to stay informed on the latest updates and issues, and tried and proven ways for you to share ideas and provide feedback. Bookmark the tools that are most relevant to your organization and partner with us through a variety of interactive opportunities. | 2022-05-31 14:00 PT |
| May 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for Windows 11 and some versions of Windows The May 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows 11, Windows 10 version 1809, and Windows Server 2022. The preview update for other supported versions of Windows 10 will be available in the near term. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2022 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
| 2022-05-24 14:00 PT |
| Final Notice: Microsoft "G1" Root Certificate removal - May 24, 2022 As was previously announced, the United States Federal PKI team formally requested the removal of the "Federal Common Policy" root certificate, also known as the "G1" root certificate, from the Microsoft Trusted Root Program. Beginning, May 24, 2022, the "G1" root certificate is being removed by an out-of-band update. Environments which use the "G1" certificate must replace it with the "G2" certificate in order to prevent issues with important scenarios including SSL connections, VPN connections, and secure internet Mail Extensions (S/MIME). For details on the changes taking place along with detailed migration instructions, see Removal of the U.S. Federal Common Policy CA certificate from the Microsoft trusted root, and Migrate to the Federal Common Policy CA G2. | 2022-05-24 14:00 PT |
| Take action: Out-of-band update to address issues after installing the May Windows update Microsoft is releasing Out-of-band updates today, May 19, 2022, for some versions of Windows. This update addresses a known issue that might cause authentication failures for some services and an issue that might cause Microsoft Store app installation issues. All versions are available only on the Microsoft Update Catalog and will not be offered through Windows Update. For instructions, see the release notes for your OS listed below. Cumulative updates:
Note: You do not need to apply any previous update before installing these cumulative updates. Standalone Updates:
Note: If you are using security only updates for these versions of Windows Server, you only need to install these standalone updates for the month of May 2022. Security only updates are not cumulative, and you will also need to install all previous Security only updates to be fully up to date. Monthly rollup updates are cumulative and include security and all quality updates. If you are using Monthly rollup updates, you will need to install both the standalone updates listed above to resolve this issue, and install the Monthly rollups released May 10, 2022 to receive the quality updates for May 2022. | 2022-05-19 14:00 PT |
| Windows release notes survey Do you use the Windows 11 and Windows 10 release notes? Would you like to help us shape the next generation of our update documentation experiences? If so, we would like to hear from you. We have created an anonymous survey for you to share your feedback. Visit https://aka.ms/Windows/RelNotesSurvey and help us invest in the improvements that matter most to you! | 2022-05-16 10:00 PT |
| Microsoft Evaluation Center availability has been resolved Updated May 20, 2022: The issue related to Microsoft Evaluation Center availability has been resolved. Please visit www.microsoft.com/EvalCenter to access trials and evaluations for Windows client, Windows Server, and other Microsoft products and kits. The Microsoft Evaluation Center enables organizations, and the IT professionals that support them, to download evaluation versions of Microsoft products. This experience is currently unavailable and work is underway to restore it. In the meantime, we have published an article with links to download the evaluation software for Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, and related kits. See Accessing trials and kits for Windows for more details. | 2022-05-11 16:00 PT |
| Take action: May 2022 security update available for all supported versions of Windows The May 2022 security update release, referred to as our "B" release, is now available for Windows 11 and all supported versions of Windows 10. We recommend that you install these updates promptly. For more information about the contents of this update, see the release notes, which are easily accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. For instructions on how to install this update on your home device, check the Update Windows article. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
Short on time? Watch our short monthly release notes video for a summary of this month’s Windows 11 updates. | 2022-05-10 10:00 PT |
| Windows 10, version 1909, and Windows 10, version 20H2 have reached end of servicing As of May 10, 2022, the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10, version 20H2, and all editions of Windows 10, version 1909 have reached end of servicing. The May 2022 security update, released on May 10, is the last update available for these versions. After that date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates containing protections from the latest security threats. To help keep you protected and productive, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 10 consumer devices and non-managed business devices that are at, or within several months of reaching end of servicing. This keeps your device supported and receiving monthly updates that are critical to security and ecosystem health. For these devices, you will be able to choose a convenient time for your device to restart and complete the update. For more information on end of servicing dates for currently supported versions of Windows 11 and Windows 10, see the Windows 10 Home and Pro Lifecycle page, Windows 10 Enterprise and Education Lifecycle page, and the Windows lifecycle FAQ. | 2022-05-10 10:00 PT |
| Reminder: Internet Explorer 11 desktop application retires on June 15, 2022 Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) provides legacy browser support within Microsoft Edge. Because of this, the IE11 desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022, on certain versions of Windows 10. This means that the IE11 desktop application will no longer be supported and will be progressively redirected to Microsoft Edge over the following months, and ultimately disabled via Windows Update. Note: The IE11 desktop application is not available on Windows 11. To continue using legacy IE-based sites and apps on Windows 11, IE mode in Microsoft Edge must be configured before deploying Windows 11. To prepare for Internet Explorer disablement and re-direction, we recommend that you retire IE before June 15, 2022, following the steps in Don’t wait for June 15th! Set your own IE retirement date. | 2022-05-10 10:00 PT |
| Action required: Microsoft Root Certificate removal taking place May 24 The Microsoft Root Certificate Program supports the distribution of root certificates, enabling customers to trust Windows products. As previously announced, the United States Federal PKI team formally requested the removal of the "Federal Common Policy" root certificate, also known as the "G1" root certificate, from the Microsoft Trusted Root Program. On May 24, the "G1" root certificate is being removed by an out-of-band update. It's important that system administrators implement the "G2" root certificate, which replaces the "G1" certificate, before this date. Applications and operations which depend on the "G1" root certificate will fail after the retirement of the certificate on this date. For details on the changes taking place and detailed migration instructions, see Removal of the U.S. Federal Common Policy CA certificate from the Microsoft trusted root. | 2022-05-09 12:30 PT |
| Reminder: Windows Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) Hardening changes coming June 14 As previously announced, security requirements will be increasing later this year for Windows devices which use the Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) or Remote Procedure Call (RPC) server technologies. Windows updates released starting September 2021 address a vulnerability in the DCOM remote protocol by progressively increasing security hardening in DCOM throughout 2022. This is a second reminder that some server environments might require action before June 14, 2022, to ensure normal operations. Refer to the below timeline to understand the progressive hardening coming to DCOM.
We recommended that IT administrators conduct testing by manually enabling hardening changes as soon as possible to confirm normal operations. To learn more, see KB5004442: Manage changes for Windows DCOM Server Security Feature Bypass (CVE-2021-26414) | 2022-05-05 14:00 PT |
| Plan for change: Azure AD requirement for Update Compliance Current or new Update Compliance users: beginning October 15, 2022, your devices will need to be Azure AD joined (or hybrid Azure AD joined) to be included in Update Compliance reporting. To ensure continuity, we recommend that you start planning for this change by moving the remaining on-premises Active Directory devices to Azure AD or hybrid Azure AD join. For more information on these updated requirements, including steps to enroll in Update Compliance, see Azure AD required for Update Compliance after October 15, 2022. | 2022-05-04 09:00 PT |
| How to get the best of Windows on the Microsoft 365 admin center One year ago, we integrated Windows release health into the Microsoft 365 admin center, giving IT administrators the ability to find additional insights on known issues and view Windows-related notifications in the message center. In addition to setting up email notifications, IT admins can now leverage the service communications API in Microsoft Graph and enable custom workflows to review, assign, and triage communications about Windows from the message center. If you are an IT administrator, we encourage you to learn more about these new capabilities and how to customize your email preferences by visiting the Windows IT Pro Blog. | 2022-05-02 17:00 PT |
| Making Widgets content more dynamic Windows 11 is bringing you more dynamic content in an upcoming change, which will combine personalized widgets and news into the Widgets board. This change focuses on making widgets discoverable from the feed and helping you stay on top of what’s important with content from your favorite apps and services. To get this updated feature, you should update the Windows Web Experience Pack from the Microsoft Store. This occurs automatically for most devices. If you’ve already customized your Widgets board, all your pinned widgets will be exactly where you’d expect them to be. Existing customizations won’t be lost. Explore the new changes and how to try this experience in Stay up to date with widgets. Note: If you have the latest version of Windows but still don’t see all widgets features, it may be because some features are being rolled out over several weeks and aren't available to all customers at once. | 2022-04-29 14:00 PT |
| April 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for all supported versions of Windows The April 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows 11 and all other supported versions of Windows. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
| 2022-04-25 14:00 PT |
| April 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for Windows 10, version 1809 The April 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows 10, version 1809. The preview update for Windows 11 and other supported versions of Windows 10 will be available in the near term. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 10 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. | 2022-04-21 14:00 PT |
| Take action: April 2022 security update available for all supported versions of Windows The April 2022 security update release, referred to as our "B" release, is now available for Windows 11 and all supported versions of Windows 10. We recommend that you install these updates promptly. For more information about the contents of this update, see the release notes, which are easily accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. For instructions on how to install this update on your home device, check this article. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
Short on time? Watch our short monthly release notes video for a summary of this month’s Windows 11 updates. | 2022-04-12 10:00 PT |
| Reminder: End of servicing for Windows 10, version 1909, and Windows 10, version 20H2 - May 10, 2022 On May 10, 2022, the Home and Pro editions of Windows 10, version 20H2, and all editions of Windows 10, version 1909 will reach end of servicing. The May 2022 security update, released on May 10, is the last update available for these versions. After that date, devices running these editions will no longer receive monthly security and quality updates containing protections from the latest security threats. To help keep you protected and productive, Windows Update will automatically initiate a feature update for Windows 10 home and non-managed business devices that are at, or within several months of reaching end of servicing. This keeps your device supported and receiving monthly updates that are critical to security and ecosystem health. For these devices, you will be able to choose a convenient time for your device to restart and complete the update. As always, we recommend that you update your devices to the latest version of Windows 10, or upgrade eligible devices to Windows 11. For more information on end of servicing dates for currently supported versions of Windows 10, see the Windows 10 Home and Pro Lifecycle page, Windows 10 Enterprise and Education Lifecycle page, and Microsoft Lifecycle Policy search tool. | 2022-04-08 17:00 PT |
| Seamless update experience for organizations on Windows 11 Windows 11 will soon enable you to have an update experience more tailored to your organization and a more user-friendly experience. As part of Windows Insider Preview Build 21277 or later, you can take advantage of new capabilities in the native Windows Update experience and leverage the native update experience with Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. Whichever manager you use, on-premises or on the cloud, learn how to test out the upcoming Seamless update experience for organizations on Windows 11. | 2022-04-07 14:30 PT |
| Reminder: Windows Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) Hardening changes coming June 14 In 2021, CVE-2021-26414 was created to track a security vulnerability discovered in the Windows Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM) Remote Protocol. The Windows updates that were released in September 2021 and later address this vulnerability by including changes that will progressively increase security hardening in DCOM. We recommended that you verify if client or server applications that use DCOM or RPC work as expected with the hardening changes enabled. Some configurations might require action by June 14, 2022, to ensure normal operations. Refer to the below timeline to understand the progressive hardening coming to DCOM in 2022.
We recommended that IT administrators conduct testing by manually enabling hardening changes as soon as possible to confirm normal operations. To learn more, see KB5004442: Manage changes for Windows DCOM Server Security Feature Bypass (CVE-2021-26414) | 2022-04-07 10:00 PT |
| Join us April 7th for Tech Community Live: Windows edition Yesterday, Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella, and Windows Executive VP and Chief Product Officer Panos Panay—along with makers from the Windows engineering teams—revealed new and upcoming features in Windows that will help your organization (and IT team) support hybrid work across efficiently and securely. If you have questions about these capabilities—or about deploying, securing, and managing Windows in general—join us tomorrow, April 7th, for Tech Community Live! We're offering three Ask Microsoft Anything (AMA) sessions on productivity and collaboration, security, and management, each accompanied by a live stream panel of engineering and product experts. Can't attend live? Post your questions now in the Comments section of the AMA pages then check back after the event. We'll also publish a Q&A summary after the event for easy reference. | 2022-04-06 14:00 PT |
| .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, 4.6.1 will reach end of support in 2022 On April 26, 2022, the .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, and 4.6.1 will reach end of support, and after this date, Microsoft will no longer provide updates including security fixes and technical support for these versions. There is no change to the support timelines for any other .NET Framework version. If you are using .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, or 4.6.1, you will need to upgrade to a later version to stay supported. Microsoft is making this change because the .NET Framework was previously digitally signed using certificates that use the Secure Hash Algorithm 1 (SHA-1), and we are prioritizing support to newer digital certificates. To learn more, see the blog post .NET Framework 4.5.2, 4.6, and 4.6.1 will reach End of Support on Apr 26, 2022. | 2022-04-04 11:50 PT |
| The Windows Update policies you should set and why Different devices in different industries have unique characteristics and needs. Whether you manage an array of single-user devices, multi-user devices, education devices, kiosks and billboards, factory machines, or Microsoft Teams Room devices, this easy how-to guide is your go-to reference for setting Windows Update policies that balance security, compliance, and a good user experience. For more information on these policies and how to set them, read The Windows Update policies you should set and why. | 2022-04-01 14:30 PT |
| Retirement of older Windows Embedded Compact content Prepare for changes affecting older Windows Embedded Compact 2013 content. Beginning September 30, 2022, older updates for Windows Embedded Compact and Windows Embedded CE will retire. Learn how to update to the most recent, December 2021, update to be compliant with SHA256 or see additional guidance for manual continuation with the older content. See the Windows Embedded Blog for more information. | 2022-04-01 11:00 PT |
| March 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for all supported versions of Windows The March 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows 11 and other supported versions of Windows. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
| 2022-03-28 21:00 PT |
| Gradual rollouts with the Windows Update for Business deployment service Zoom in on one of the new features in the Windows Update for Business deployment service: gradual rollouts. Learn how you can gradually deploy Windows feature updates in intelligently configured waves, allowing for greater monitoring, control, and security of the entire device population in addition to higher productivity for end users. | 2022-03-22 17:00 PT |
| March 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available for all supported versions of Windows 10 The March 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for all supported versions of Windows 10. The preview update for Windows 11 will be available in the near term. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 10 update history pages. Please note: Release notes might be published up to one hour after the updates are available for download. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. | 2022-03-22 14:00 PT |
| Internet Explorer 11 desktop app retires June 15, 2022 As previously announced, the future of Internet Explorer on Windows is in Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer mode (IE mode) provides legacy browser support within Microsoft Edge. Because of this, the Internet Explorer 11 (IE11) desktop application will be retired on June 15, 2022, for certain versions of Windows 10. This means that the IE11 desktop application will no longer be supported and afterward will redirect to Microsoft Edge if a user tries to access it. | 2022-03-16 10:00 PT |
| Windows Office Hours: March 17, 2022 If you have questions about updating devices in your organization, optimizing the way you manage Windows across onsite and remote workers, or moving to Windows 11, join us for our monthly Windows Office Hours session at 8:00 AM Pacific Time this Thursday, March 17th on the Windows Tech Community. Add it to your calendar or visit https://aka.ms/Windows/OfficeHours to learn more. | 2022-03-15 00:00 PT |
| Announcing search highlights in Windows 11 Search highlights are coming to Windows 10 and 11, providing a more convenient way to search for content across Microsoft 365 in the Windows search box. | 2022-03-11 19:00 PT |
| Take action: March 2022 security update available for all supported versions of Windows The March 2022 security update release, referred to as our "B" release, is now available for Windows 11 and all supported versions of Windows 10. We recommend that you install these updates promptly. For more information about the contents of this update, see the release notes, which are easily accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages (Note: Release notes might be published up to one hour after the updates are available for download). For instructions on how to install this update on your home device, check this article. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
Short on time? Watch our quick monthly release notes video for a summary of this month’s Windows 11 updates. | 2022-03-08 10:00 PT |
| Take action: Microsoft Root Certificate changes starting March 22 The Microsoft Root Certificate Program supports the distribution of root certificates, enabling customers to trust Windows products. The United States Federal PKI team formally requested the removal of the "G1" root certificate from the Microsoft Trusted Root Program. Administrators should implement the "G2" root certificate before the "G1" root certificate is removed by a future out-of-band root certificate update. Applications and operations that depend on the "G1" root certificate will fail after they receive the certificate update, which is scheduled to be released on the third Tuesday of one of the months between March 22, 2022 and August 23, 2022. For details on the changes taking place and detailed migration instructions, see Removal of the U.S. Federal Common Policy CA certificate from the Microsoft trusted root. | 2022-03-04 15:00 PT |
| Reminder: Our Windows 11 application compatibility promise Whether you are a large enterprise or a small business, App Assure can provide application compatibility assistance and help you feel confident upgrading your devices to Windows 11. As part of Microsoft’s commitment to app compatibility, the goal is that all of your apps simply work after the upgrade to Windows 11, with no changes required. If you do encounter a compatibility issue on Windows 11, though, App Assure engineers will work with you to help resolve the issue in addition to working with engineering teams to find and fix the root cause. The best part, there is no cost to use this program! To learn more, visit https://aka.ms/AppAssure and see Mike Adams’ post on the Windows IT Pro Blog. | 2022-03-01 14:00 PT |
| Bringing you closer to what you love with new experiences in Windows 11 Today, we announced that new experiences for Windows 11 are starting to become available, designed to empower you to learn, play, work, and connect in new ways. These features include an Amazon Appstore Preview with Android™ apps and games available in the US, redesigned Media Player and Notepad apps, and taskbar improvements. To learn more about these new features and how to get them, read Panos Panay's blog post, Bringing you closer to what you love with new experiences in Windows 11 | 2022-02-15 10:00 PT |
| February 2022 Windows non-security preview "C" release available all supported versions of Windows The February 2022 non-security preview release, referred to as our "C" release, is now available for Windows 11 and other supported versions of Windows. Information about the contents of this update is available from the release notes, which are accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages. (Note: Release notes might be published up to one hour after the updates are available for download). To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
| 2022-02-15 10:00 PT |
| Come to our Windows Office Hours: February 17, 2022 If you have questions about managing the Windows devices used by remote, onsite, and hybrid workers across your organization, make sure to join our monthly Windows Office Hours on the Microsoft Tech Community. Get tips on rolling out Windows 11 across your organization and keeping devices up to date effectively. Obtain the answers you need to confidently move to Windows 11 or from on-premises management to the cloud. Our product teams and engineers will be standing by in chat to help. Visit https://aka.ms/Windows/OfficeHours for details about this monthly series and click here to add our upcoming session to your calendar. | 2022-02-11 11:00 PT |
| Take action: February 2022 security update available for all supported versions of Windows The February 2022 security update release, referred to as our "B" release, is now available for Windows 11 and all supported versions of Windows 10. We recommend that you install these updates promptly. For more information about the contents of this update, see the release notes, which are easily accessible from the Windows 11 and Windows 10 update history pages (Note: Release notes may be published up to one hour after the updates are available for download). For instructions on how to install this update on your home device, check this article. To learn more about the different types of monthly quality updates, see our Windows quality updates primer. To be informed about the latest updates and releases, follow us on Twitter @WindowsUpdate. Highlights for the Windows 11 update:
Short on time? Watch our quick monthly release notes video for a summary of this month’s Windows 11 updates. | 2022-02-08 10:00 PT |
| Take action: .NET Framework Out-of-band update to address issues after installing the January Windows update Microsoft is releasing Out-of-band (OOB) updates for .NET Framework. These updates address issues related to Microsoft .NET Framework encountering errors or failing while handling Active Directory Forest Trust Information. Affected apps use the System.DirectoryServices API. This update is not available from Windows Update. To get the standalone package, search for the KB number for your version of Windows and .NET Framework in the Microsoft Update Catalog. You can manually import these updates into Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Microsoft Endpoint Configuration Manager. For WSUS instructions, see WSUS and the Catalog Site. For Configuration Manger instructions, see Import updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog. For instructions on how to install this update for your operating system, see the KB articles listed below. Windows Server 2022:
Windows Server 2019: Windows Server 2016: Windows Server 2012 R2:
Windows Server 2012: | 2022-02-07 15:00 PT |
| Disabling the MSIX ms-appinstaller protocol handler The ms-appinstaller protocol handler was introduced to enable users to seamlessly install an application by clicking a link on a website instead of first downloading an entire MSIX package. We were notified that the ms-appinstaller protocol for MSIX can be used in a malicious way and have disabled the protocol. Please read this blog post for more information, including recommended actions for those utilizing this protocol on their websites. | 2022-02-04 16:00 PT |
| Tools to support Windows 11 deployment With Windows 11 generally available, you can now begin to upgrade eligible Windows 10 devices in your organization, procure new devices with Windows 11 pre-installed, and empower your end users with signature experiences tuned for hybrid work. Take note of the tools available to support Windows 11 deployment in your organization so you can start taking advantage of chip to cloud protection, enhanced productivity, and streamlined collaboration capabilities today. Looking for more information on the rollout? Visit the Windows 11 known issues and notifications page. | 2021-10-04 13:00 PT |