Starting with Windows 10, Microsoft introduced a new servicing model known as Windows as a Service (WaaS), which means that instead of getting a new version around every three years, you now receive incremental updates that speed up the integration of new features and simplify the process of keeping devices secure and supported. As a result of this new servicing model, you now have two types of updates: feature updates and quality updates. Both are equally important, but each one delivers a different set of improvements at different times.
What are Windows 10 Feature Updates?
On Windows 10 and Windows 11, features updates are technically new versions of the OS, which are available twice a year, during the spring and fall time frame. They are also known as "semi-annual" releases, and they're supported for 18 months. After the support cycle ends, you must upgrade to a supported version to continue getting security and non-security patches.
As part of the development process, Microsoft uses telemetry data and feedback from internal testing and participants of the Windows Insider Program to prepare the new version. Once the update passes the testing phases and proves to be reliable, the rollout begins to consumers and then to business customers through Windows Update as an optional update, which users have to install manually. However, devices with an installation nearing the end of service will receive the feature update automatically to maintain the system secure and supported.
Is Heimdal supporting these types of updates?
Yes, Heimdal is able to install automatically all the Windows Updates that are delivered via the Microsoft API through the regular delivery channel (like in the first snippet below) and through the optional channel (like in the second snippet below).
As described above, these Feature Updates, when they are first released, are optional and are delivered through the optional channel, which means that the HEIMDAL Agent will also detect them as optional updates. After a while, when the Feature Update is close to its end of life, Microsoft will start to deliver it via the regular channel, which means that HEIMDAL Agent will detect and install them as regular updates.
What are Windows 10 quality updates?
Quality updates (also referred to as cumulative updates or cumulative quality updates) are the mandatory updates that your computer downloads and installs automatically every month through Windows Update. Usually, every second Tuesday of every month (Patch Tuesday).
Unlike feature updates, these types of updates do not include new features, visual changes, or significant improvements. Instead, they are maintenance updates meant to fix bugs, and errors, patch security vulnerabilities and improve reliability with the current version of Windows 10.
Is Heimdal supporting these types of updates?
Yes, the Quality Updates or Cumulative Updates are automatically detected and installed by the HEIMDAL Agent.