05-22-2021 , 04:06 PM
Windows 10, version 21H1 is now available through Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Windows Update for Business, and can be downloaded today from Visual Studio Subscriptions, the Software Download Center (via Update Assistant or the Media Creation Tool), and the Volume Licensing Service Center[1]. Today also marks the start of the 18-month servicing timeline for this H1 (first half of the calendar year) Semi-Annual Channel release.
Windows 10, version 21H1 (also referred to as the Windows 10 May 2021 Update) offers a scoped set of improvements in the areas of security, remote access, and quality to ensure that your organization and your end users stay protected and productive. Just as we did for devices updating from Windows 10, version 2004 to version 20H2, we will be delivering Windows 10, version 21H1 via an enablement package to devices running version 2004 or version 20H2—resulting in a fast installation experience for users of those devices. For those updating to Windows 10, version 21H1 from Windows 10, version 1909 and earlier, the process will be similar to previous updates.
What is an enablement package?
Simply put, an enablement package is a great option for installing a scoped feature update like Windows 10, version 21H1 as it enables devices to update with a single restart, reducing downtime. This works because Windows 10, version 21H1 shares a common core operating system with an identical set of system files with versions 2004 and 20H2. As a result, the scoped set of features in version 21H1 were included in the May 2021 monthly quality updates for version 2004 and version 20H2, but were delivered in a disabled/dormant state. These features remain dormant until they are turned on with the Windows 10, version 21H1 enablement package—a small, quick to install “switch” that activates these features. Using an enablement package, installing the Windows 10, version 21H1 update should take approximately the same amount of time as a monthly quality update.
Which tools are being updated for version 21H1?
Windows 10, version 21H1 (also referred to as the Windows 10 May 2021 Update) offers a scoped set of improvements in the areas of security, remote access, and quality to ensure that your organization and your end users stay protected and productive. Just as we did for devices updating from Windows 10, version 2004 to version 20H2, we will be delivering Windows 10, version 21H1 via an enablement package to devices running version 2004 or version 20H2—resulting in a fast installation experience for users of those devices. For those updating to Windows 10, version 21H1 from Windows 10, version 1909 and earlier, the process will be similar to previous updates.
What is an enablement package?
Simply put, an enablement package is a great option for installing a scoped feature update like Windows 10, version 21H1 as it enables devices to update with a single restart, reducing downtime. This works because Windows 10, version 21H1 shares a common core operating system with an identical set of system files with versions 2004 and 20H2. As a result, the scoped set of features in version 21H1 were included in the May 2021 monthly quality updates for version 2004 and version 20H2, but were delivered in a disabled/dormant state. These features remain dormant until they are turned on with the Windows 10, version 21H1 enablement package—a small, quick to install “switch” that activates these features. Using an enablement package, installing the Windows 10, version 21H1 update should take approximately the same amount of time as a monthly quality update.
Which tools are being updated for version 21H1?
To support the release of Windows 10, version 21H1, we have released updated versions of the following tools:
- Security baseline (final) for Windows 10, version 21H1 – Microsoft-recommended configuration settings, including explanations of their security impact.
- Administrative Templates (.admx) for Windows 10, version 21H1 – While natively accessible via the [b]C:\Windows\PolicyDefinitions\[/b] folder in Windows, administrative template files can be downloaded separately and used to populate policy settings in the user interface of Group Policy tools, allowing you to manage registry-based policy settings.
- Group Policy settings reference spreadsheet for Windows 10, version 21H1 – List of the policy settings for computer and user configurations included in the ADMX files delivered for Windows 10, version 21H1.
- Windows 10 Enterprise Evaluation – Free 90-day evaluation of Windows 10, version 21H1 for IT professionals interested in trying Windows 10 Enterprise on behalf of their organization.