Windows 10 Servicing Strategy and Deployment Procedures

Windows 10 and 11 have undergone significant changes in their update schedules and deployment processes, making it easier for users to manage and maintain their systems.

Annual Feature Updates for Windows as a Service (WaaS)

After version 21H2 (launched in November 2021), Microsoft committed to delivering feature updates annually in October or November for Windows 10. Windows 10 version 22H2 (November 2022) was announced as the last feature update for Windows 10[1]. Microsoft moved away from the earlier model of two Semi-Annual Channel (SAC) feature updates per year to a single feature update per year, simplifying servicing and update deferral policies. Users can defer updates from 30 to 90 days and pause updates for up to 35 days, with updates generally pushed automatically only for devices nearing end of servicing[1].

This annual update cadence continues in Windows 11, which follows a similar feature update model with major updates released around the second half of each calendar year (indicated by “24H2” for the 2024 Update, rolled out starting in October 2024)[5].

Monthly Cumulative Updates

Monthly cumulative updates, or LCUs, provide ongoing servicing and security fixes between major feature updates. These updates maintain system stability and ensure new features like AI components integrate smoothly by enforcing update synchronization of all OS and component layers[2]. Monthly cumulative updates are released typically on the second Tuesday of each month (“Patch Tuesday”), but feature updates are deferred to the annual Windows Feature Update.

Deployment Options

Deployment Rings

Deployment Rings are groups of PCs that are all on the same branch and have the same update settings, allowing for better control of the upgrade rollout process. Examples of Deployment Rings include Pre-Pilot, Pilot, Production, and Executive rings. Creating Deployment Rings should only need to occur once, but should be revisited from time to time to assure everything is still how you want it[4].

Windows 10 Servicing Dashboard and SCCM

The Windows 10 Servicing Dashboard is now available to deploy Windows 10 feature updates in SCCM. In the SCCM console, a servicing plan for the collection Windows 10 - Production can be created under Software Library -> Overview -> Windows 10 Servicing. Collections of computers representing the deployment rings must be created in SCCM to start the Windows 10 servicing process.

There are two ways to deploy Windows 10 feature updates with SCCM: using Windows 10 Servicing Plans or using a Task Sequence.

In-Place Upgrades

Deploying Windows 10 is easier than previous versions due to an in-place upgrade process from Windows 7 and 8 to Windows 10, preserving all apps, settings, and data[6]. The deployment package Windows 10 - Upgrades can be made available from specific Distribution Points.

Tools and Techniques

MBR2GPT.EXE

MBR2GPT.EXE is a tool used to convert a disk from the Master Boot Record (MBR) to the GUID Partition Table (GPT) partition style without modifying or deleting data on the disk. This tool is particularly useful for in-place upgrades from Windows 7 (BIOS) to Windows 10 (UEFI). MBR2GPT.EXE is designed to be run from Windows PE or from the full Windows 10 OS by using the /allowFullOS option[7].

GPT Disks

GPT disks support larger than 2 TB volumes where MBR cannot and support up to 128 partitions rather than the 4 primary partitions limited to MBR. GPT disks also support up to 18 exabytes in size and up to 128 partitions per disk, providing greater reliability due to replication and cyclical redundancy check (CRC) protection of the partition table[3].

In summary, Windows as a Service feature updates are scheduled annually, typically in the fall (October/November), supported by monthly cumulative updates throughout the year. This cadence applies to Windows 10 (until end of feature updates) and Windows 11. Deferral options also allow enterprises some flexibility within this model[1][2][3][5].

[1] https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/waas-overview [2] https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview [3] https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-quality-updates [4] https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-servicing-channels [5] https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-health/2024-update [6] https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/update/waas-overview-inplace [7] https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/devtest/mbr2gpt--exe

Windows 10 Servicing Strategy and Deployment Procedures