Windows 10 version history

<section begin=Lede/>Windows 10 is a major release of the Windows NT operating system developed by Microsoft. Microsoft described Windows 10 as an "operating system as a service" that would receive ongoing updates to its features and functionality, augmented with the ability for enterprise environments to receive non-critical updates at a slower pace or use long-term support milestones that will only receive critical updates, such as security patches, over their five-year lifespan of mainstream support. It was released on July 29, 2015. <section end=Lede/>

Overview

Releases

Mainstream builds of Windows 10 are labeled "YYMM", with YY representing the two-digit year and MM representing the month of planned release (for example, version 1507 refers to builds which initially released in July 2015). Starting with version 20H2, Windows 10 release nomenclature changed from the year and month pattern to a year and half-year pattern (YYH1, YYH2).[1]

Version 1507 (original release)

The original version of Windows 10 (also retroactively named version 1507[2] and codenamed "Threshold 1") was released in July 2015. It carries the build number 10.0.10240; while Microsoft has stated that there was no designated release to manufacturing (RTM) build of Windows 10, build 10240 was described as an RTM build by various media outlets.[3][4][5]

External links

References

What's new in Windows 10, version 20H2 for IT Pros Microsoft, October 21, 2020, retrieved June 25, 2020^
Windows 10, version 1507 learn.microsoft.com, retrieved 12 November 2022^
Windows 10 Build 10240 is the RTM version, but Microsoft wishes you'd stop calling it that – ExtremeTech

Version 1607 (Anniversary Update)

The third stable build of Windows 10 is called version 1607, known as the Anniversary Update. It was codenamed "Redstone 1" (RS1) during development. This version was released on August 2, 2016, a little over one year after the first stable release of Windows 10.[25][26][27][28] The Anniversary Update was originally thought to have been set aside for two feature updates. While both were originally to be released in 2016, the second was moved into 2017 so that it would be released in concert with that year's wave of Microsoft first-party devices.[29][30][26]

The Anniversary Update introduces new features such as the Windows Ink platform, which eases the ability to add stylus input support to Universal Windows Platform apps and provides a new "Ink Workspace" area with links to pen-oriented apps and features,[31][26] enhancements to Cortana's proactive functionality,[32] a dark user interface theme mode, a new version of Skype designed to work with the Universal Windows Platform, improvements to Universal Windows Platform intended for video games,[25] and offline scanning using Windows Defender.[33] The Anniversary Update also supports Windows Subsystem for Linux, a new component that provides an environment for running Linux-compatible binary software in an Ubuntu-based user mode environment.[34]

On new installations of Windows 10 on systems with Secure Boot enabled, all kernel-mode drivers issued after July 29, 2015, must be digitally signed with an Extended Validation Certificate issued by Microsoft.[35]

This version is the basis for "LTSB 2016", the first upgrade to the LTSB since Windows 10's release. The first LTSB release, based on the original release of Windows 10 (version 1507), has been retroactively named "LTSB 2015".

The update has reached end of service on April 10, 2018 in the Semi-Annual Channel.[36] The Enterprise, IoT Enterprise and Education editions have reached end of service on April 9, 2019.[37] Support of this update for systems based on Intel Clover Trail chipset was available until January 10, 2023.[38][39][40] The Enterprise LTSB and IoT Enterprise LTSB editions will reach end of service on October 13, 2026.[41]

Version 1703 (Creators Update)

The fourth stable build of Windows 10 is called version 1703, known as the Creators Update. It was codenamed "Redstone 2" (RS2) during development. This version was announced on October 26, 2016,[42][43] and was released for general availability on April 11, 2017,[44][45] and for manual installation via Windows 10 Upgrade Assistant and Media Creation Tool tools on April 5, 2017.[46] This update primarily focuses on content creation, productivity, and gaming features—with a particular focus on virtual and augmented reality (including HoloLens and virtual reality headsets) and on aiding the generation of three-dimensional content.

It supports a new virtual reality workspace designed for use with headsets; Microsoft announced that several OEMs planned to release VR headsets designed for use with the Creators Update.[45][44][47]

Controls for the Game Bar and Game DVR feature have moved to the Settings app, while a new "Game Mode" option allows resources to be prioritized towards games.[48] Integration with Microsoft acquisition Mixer (formerly Beam)[49] was added for live streaming.[48] The themes manager moved to Settings app, and custom accent colors are now possible.[48] The new app Paint 3D allows users to produce artwork using 3D models; the app is designed to make 3D creation more accessible to mainstream users.[50]

Windows 10's privacy settings have more detailed explanations of data that the operating system may collect. Additionally, the "enhanced" level of telemetry collection was removed.[48] Windows Update notifications may now be "snoozed" for a period of time, the "active hours" during which Windows will not try to install updates may now extend up to 18 hours in length, and updates may be paused for up to seven days.[48] Windows Defender has been replaced by the universal app Windows Defender Security Center.[48] Devices may optionally be configured to prevent use of software from outside of Microsoft Store, or warn before installation of apps from outside of Microsoft Store.[51] "Dynamic Lock" allows a device to automatically lock if it is outside of the proximity of a designated Bluetooth device, such as a smartphone.[52] A "Night Light" feature was added, which allows the user to change the color temperature of the display to the red part of the spectrum at specific times of day (similarly to the third-party software f.lux).[53]

The update has reached end of service on October 9, 2018 in the Semi-Annual Channel.[54] The Enterprise and Education editions have reached end of service on October 8, 2019.[55][56] The Team edition on Surface Hub devices has reached end of service on March 16, 2021.[57]

Windows 10 version history

Overview

Releases

Version 1507 (original release)

See also

External links

References

Version 1511 (November Update)

Version 1607 (Anniversary Update)

Version 1703 (Creators Update)

Version 1709 (Fall Creators Update)

Version 1803 (April 2018 Update)

Version 1809 (October 2018 Update)

Version 1903 (May 2019 Update)

Version 1909 (November 2019 Update)

Version 2004 (May 2020 Update)

Version 20H2 (October 2020 Update)

Version 21H1 (May 2021 Update)

Version 21H2 (November 2021 Update)

Version 22H2 (2022 Update)