In mid-October, Microsoft introduced the supply of Home windows 10 model 20H2, often known as the October 2020 Replace. However the launch of a serious Home windows 10 replace isn’t the top of a course of — it’s actually just the start. As quickly as one in every of Microsoft’s twice-yearly characteristic updates is launched, the corporate shortly will get to work on bettering it by fixing bugs, releasing safety patches, and sometimes including new options.
Right here we’ve summarized what you could learn about each Home windows 10 replace being launched to the general public. First come updates to model 20H2, with the latest updates on prime. Subsequent come updates to model 2004, often known as the Might 2020 Replace; then updates to model 1909, the November 2019 Replace; and so forth. For every construct, we’ve included the date of its preliminary launch and a hyperlink to Microsoft’s announcement about it.
Notice that Microsoft has not but begun actively pushing Home windows 10 20H2 to most customers, so that you might not be on it but. (To seek out out what model you are on, click on Begin > Settings (the gear icon) > System, and on the left facet on the backside, click on About.) You’ll be able to hunt down and set up the discharge in your PC, however why rush issues? In reality, we suggest holding 20H2 off your machine for now to keep away from any bugs which will crop up with the brand new launch.
In case you’re searching for details about Insider Program previews for upcoming characteristic releases of Home windows 10, see “Home windows 10 Insider Previews: A information to the builds.” And when you’re nonetheless utilizing an earlier model of Home windows, see the Microsoft help website for particulars about updates to Home windows 7, Home windows 8.1 and Home windows 10 model 1607 / Home windows Server 2016.
Updates to the October 2020 Replace (model 20H2)
KB4598242 (OS Construct 19042.746)
Launch date: January 12, 2021
This construct fixes a wide range of safety vulnerabilities, together with one with HTTPS-based intranet servers, and a safety bypass vulnerability in the way in which the Printer Distant Process Name (RPC) binding handles authentication for the distant Winspool interface.
There are additionally safety updates to Home windows App Platform and Frameworks, Home windows Media, Home windows Fundamentals, Home windows Kernel, Home windows Cryptography, Home windows Virtualization, Home windows Peripherals, and Home windows Hybrid Storage Companies. For particulars see the Microsoft Safety Replace Information.
There are two identified points on this replace, together with one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10, model 1809.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
(Get extra data about KB4598242.)
KB4592438 (OS Construct 19042.685)
Launch date: December 8, 2020
This replace fixes a safety vulnerability by stopping functions that run as a SYSTEM account from printing to “FILE:” ports. It additionally has safety updates for the legacy model of Microsoft Edge, the Microsoft Graphics Part, Home windows Media, Home windows Fundamentals, and Home windows Virtualization. For particulars see the Microsoft Safety Replace Information.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
(Get extra data about KB4592438.)
KB4586853 (OS Construct 19042.662) Preview
Launch date: November 30, 2020
This construct fixes all kinds of bugs, together with one which induced Narrator to cease responding after you unlock a tool if the app was in use earlier than you locked the system, and one other that made makes the contact keyboard unstable within the Mail app.
There are two identified points on this replace, one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10 model 1809 or later to a later model of Home windows 10, and one other through which customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Japanese or Chinese language languages may expertise points when trying numerous duties.
(Get extra data about KB4586853.)
KB4594440 (OS Construct 19042.631)
Launch date: November 19, 2020
This minor construct fixes points with Kerberos authentication associated to the PerformTicketSignature registry subkey worth in CVE-2020-17049, which was part of the November 10, 2020 Home windows replace.
There are two identified points on this replace, one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10, model 1809 or later to a later model of Home windows 10, and one other through which customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Japanese or Chinese language languages may expertise points when trying numerous duties.
(Get extra data about KB4594440.)
KB4586781 (OS Construct 19042.630)
Launch date: November 10, 2020
This construct updates the 2020 DST begin date for the Fiji Islands to December 20, 2020 and contains safety updates to the Microsoft Scripting Engine, Home windows Enter and Composition, Microsoft Graphics Part, the Home windows Pockets Service, Home windows Fundamentals, and the Home windows Kernel. For particulars see the launch notes for November 2020 Safety Updates.
There are two identified points on this replace, together with one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10 model 1809 or later to a later model of Home windows 10, and one other through which customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Japanese or Chinese language languages may expertise points when trying numerous duties.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
(Get extra data about KB4586781.)
KB4580364 (OS Construct 19042.610)
Launch date: October 29, 2020
This replace makes it simpler to connect with others in Skype, utilizing Meet Now from the taskbar. As well as, there are all kinds of bug fixes, together with for one which displayed the wrong CPU frequency for sure processors, one other that displayed nothing on the display for 5 minutes or extra throughout a Distant Desktop Protocol (RDP) session, and one other that induced the Docker pull operation to fail resulting from a Code Integrity (CI) Coverage that blocks the import of a Home windows container picture.
There are two identified points on this replace, together with one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10 model 1809 or later to a later model of Home windows 10, and one other through which customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Japanese or Chinese language languages may expertise points when trying numerous duties.
(Get extra data about KB4580364.)
Home windows 10 October 2020 Replace (model 20H2)
Launch date: October 20, 2020
Model 20H2, known as the Home windows 10 October 2020 Replace, is the latest replace to Home windows 10. This can be a comparatively minor replace however does have a number of new options.
Right here’s a fast abstract of what’s new in 20H2:
- The brand new Chromium-based model of the Microsoft Edge browser is now constructed immediately into Home windows 10.
- The System web page of Management Panel has been eliminated. These settings have been moved to the Settings app.
- The Begin menu’s tiled background will match your selection of Home windows themes. So the tiled background shall be gentle when you’re utilizing the Home windows 10 gentle theme and darkish when you’re utilizing the Home windows 10 darkish theme.
- While you use Alt-Tab, Edge will now show every tab in your browser in a unique Alt-Tab window. Beforehand, once you used Alt-Tab, Edge would get solely a single window. You’ll be able to change this new conduct by going to Settings > System > Multitasking.
- While you pin a website to the taskbar in Edge, you may click on or mouse over its icon to see all of your browser tabs which are open for that web site.
- While you detach a keyboard on a 2-in-1 system, the system will robotically swap to the tablet-based interface. Beforehand, you have been requested whether or not you wished to change. You’ll be able to change that setting by going to Settings > System > Pill.
- The Your Telephone app will get a wide range of new options for some Samsung gadgets. When utilizing one of many gadgets, you may work together with the Android apps in your telephone from the Your Telephone app on Home windows 10.
What IT must know: Home windows 10 model 20H2 additionally has a wide range of small modifications of notice for sysadmins and people in IT.
- IT professionals who administer a number of cellular gadgets get a brand new Trendy Gadget Administration (MDM) “Native Customers and Teams” settings coverage that mirrors choices accessible for gadgets which are managed by means of Group Coverage.
- Home windows Autopilot, used to arrange and configure gadgets in enterprises, has gained a wide range of small enhancement, together with higher deployment of HoloLens gadgets, the addition of co-management insurance policies, enhancements to Autopilot deployment reporting, and the power to reuse Configuration Supervisor process sequences to configure gadgets.
- Microsoft Defender Software Guard now helps Workplace. This enables untrusted Workplace paperwork from outdoors an enterprise to launch in an remoted container to cease probably malicious content material from compromising computer systems or exploiting private info discovered on them.
- Newest Cumulative Updates (LCUs) and Servicing Stack Updates (SSUs) have been mixed right into a single cumulative month-to-month replace, accessible through Microsoft Catalog or Home windows Server Replace Companies.
- Biometric sign-on has been made safer. Home windows Hi there now has help for virtualization-based safety for sure fingerprint and face sensors, which protects, isolates, and secures a person’s biometric authentication knowledge.
For extra particulars, see Microsoft’s “What’s new for IT professionals in Home windows 10, model 20H2.”
Updates to the Might 2020 Replace (model 2004)
KB4598242 (OS Construct 19041.746)
Launch date: January 12, 2021
This construct fixes a wide range of safety vulnerabilities, together with one with HTTPS-based intranet servers, and a safety bypass vulnerability in the way in which the Printer Distant Process Name (RPC) binding handles authentication for the distant Winspool interface.
There are additionally safety updates to Home windows App Platform and Frameworks, Home windows Media, Home windows Fundamentals, Home windows Kernel, Home windows Cryptography, Home windows Virtualization, Home windows Peripherals, and Home windows Hybrid Storage Companies. For particulars see the Microsoft Safety Replace Information.
There are two identified points on this replace, together with one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10, model 1809.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
(Get extra data about KB4598242.)
KB4592438 (OS Construct 19041.685)
Launch date: December 8, 2020
This replace fixes a safety vulnerability by stopping functions that run as a SYSTEM account from printing to “FILE:” ports. It additionally has safety updates for the legacy model of Microsoft Edge, the Microsoft Graphics Part, Home windows Media, Home windows Fundamentals, and Home windows Virtualization. For particulars see the Microsoft Safety Replace Information.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
(Get extra data about KB4592438.)
KB4586853 (OS Construct 19041.662) Preview
Launch date: November 30, 2020
This construct fixes all kinds of bugs, together with one which induced Narrator to cease responding after you unlock a tool if the app was in use earlier than you locked the system, and one other that made makes the contact keyboard unstable within the Mail app.
There are two identified points on this replace, one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10 model 1809 or later to a later model of Home windows 10, and one other through which customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Japanese or Chinese language languages may expertise points when trying numerous duties.
(Get extra data about KB4586853.)
KB4594440 (OS Construct 19041.631)
Launch date: November 19, 2020
This minor construct fixes points with Kerberos authentication associated to the PerformTicketSignature registry subkey worth in CVE-2020-17049, which was part of the November 10, 2020 Home windows replace.
There are two identified points on this replace, one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10, model 1809 or later to a later model of Home windows 10, and one other through which customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Japanese or Chinese language languages may expertise points when trying numerous duties.
(Get extra data about KB4594440.)
KB4586781 (OS Construct 19041.630)
Launch date: November 10, 2020
This construct updates the 2020 DST begin date for the Fiji Islands to December 20, 2020 and contains safety updates to the Microsoft Scripting Engine, Home windows Enter and Composition, Microsoft Graphics Part, the Home windows Pockets Service, Home windows Fundamentals, and the Home windows Kernel. For particulars see the launch notes for November 2020 Safety Updates.
There are two identified points on this replace, together with one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10 model 1809 or later to a later model of Home windows 10, and one other through which customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Japanese or Chinese language languages may expertise points when trying numerous duties.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
(Get extra data about KB4586781.)
KB4580364 (OS Construct 19041.610)
Launch date: October 29, 2020
This replace makes it simpler to connect with others in Skype, utilizing Meet Now from the taskbar. As well as, there are all kinds of bug fixes, together with for one which displayed the wrong CPU frequency for sure processors, one other that displayed nothing on the display for 5 minutes or extra throughout a Distant Desktop Protocol (RDP) session, and one other that induced the Docker pull operation to fail resulting from a Code Integrity (CI) Coverage that blocks the import of a Home windows container picture.
There are two identified points on this replace, together with one through which system and person certificates is likely to be misplaced when updating a tool from Home windows 10 model 1809 or later to a later model of Home windows 10, and one other through which customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Japanese or Chinese language languages may expertise points when trying numerous duties.
(Get extra data about KB4580364.)
KB4579311 (OS Construct 19041.572)
Launch date: October 13, 2020
This construct fixes a number of minor bugs and contains a wide range of safety updates. Among the many bugs mounted are a problem with creating null ports utilizing the person interface, and one other subject with a potential elevation of privilege in win32k.
Safety updates have been issued for Home windows App Platform and Frameworks, Microsoft Graphics Part, Home windows Media, Home windows Fundamentals, Home windows Authentication, Home windows Virtualization, and Home windows Kernel. For particulars, see the Launch Notes for October 2020 Safety Updates.
There are two identified points on this construct: In a single, customers of Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Chinese language and Japanese might need points with enter. Within the different, when putting in a third-party driver you may obtain the error “Home windows can’t confirm the writer of this driver software program.” You may also see the error “No signature was current within the topic” when trying to view the signature properties utilizing Home windows Explorer.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
(Get extra data about KB4579311.)
KB4577063 (OS Construct 19041.546) Preview
Launch date: October 1, 2020
This construct reduces distortions and aberrations in Home windows Blended Actuality head-mounted shows and fixes all kinds of bugs, together with one which induced random line breaks once you redirect PowerShell console error output, and one other that that prevented the Language Bar from showing when a person indicators in to a brand new session.
There may be one identified subject on this construct: Customers of Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Chinese language and Japanese might need points with enter.
(Get extra data about KB4577063.)
KB4571756 (OS Construct 19041.508)
Launch date: September 8, 2020
This construct contains safety updates for Home windows App Platform and Frameworks, Microsoft Graphics Part, Home windows Enter and Composition, Home windows Media, Home windows Shell, Home windows Cloud Infrastructure, Home windows Fundamentals, Home windows Administration, Home windows Kernel, Home windows Virtualization, Home windows Storage and Filesystems, the Microsoft Scripting Engine, and the Microsoft JET Database Engine.
For particulars, see the Launch Notes for September 2020 Safety Updates.
The construct additionally fixes a safety vulnerability subject with person proxies and HTTP-based intranet servers, and addresses a problem with a potential elevation of privileges in windowmanagement.dll.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
There may be one identified subject on this construct: Customers of Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Chinese language and Japanese might need points with enter.
(Get extra data about KB4571756.)
KB4571744 (OS Construct 19041.488)
Launch date: September 3, 2020
This construct fixes a laundry checklist of minor bugs, together with one which prevented apps from downloading an replace or opening in sure eventualities, one other that prevented customers from lowering the scale of home windows and one other that induced File Explorer to cease working once you browsed directories of RAW photos and different file varieties.
There may be one identified subject on this construct: Customers of Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Chinese language and Japanese might need points with enter.
(Get extra data about KB4571744.)
KB4566782 (OS Construct 19041.450)
Launch date: August 11, 2020
This construct contains safety updates for the Microsoft Scripting Engine, Web Explorer, Home windows Graphics, Microsoft Graphics Part, Home windows Kernel, Home windows Enter and Composition, Home windows Media, Home windows Shell, the Home windows Pockets Service, Microsoft Edge Legacy, Home windows Cloud Infrastructure, Home windows Authentication, the Home windows AI Platform, Home windows Fundamentals, Home windows Storage and Filesystems, Home windows Replace Stack, Home windows File Server and Clustering, Home windows Hybrid Storage Companies, Home windows App Platform and Frameworks, the Microsoft JET Database Engine, and Home windows SQL elements.
For particulars, see the Launch Notes for August 2020 Safety Updates.
The construct additionally fixes a problem in Common Home windows Platform (UWP) apps that enables single sign-on authentication when an app doesn’t have the Enterprise Authentication functionality.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
There may be one identified subject on this construct: When utilizing some apps, similar to Microsoft Excel, customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Chinese language and Japanese may obtain an error, or the app may cease responding or shut when trying to pull utilizing the mouse.
(Get extra data about KB4566782.)
KB4568831 (OS Construct 19041.423)
Launch date: July 31, 2020
This minor construct addresses all kinds of bugs and points, together with one which induced the Settings web page to shut unexpectedly, which prevented default functions from being arrange correctly, and one other that prevented some functions from printing to community printers.
There may be one identified subject on this construct, through which when utilizing some apps similar to Excel, customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Chinese language and Japanese may obtain an error, or the app may cease responding or shut when customers try to pull utilizing the mouse.
(Get extra data about KB4568831.)
KB4565503 (OS Construct 19041.388)
Launch date: July 14, 2020
This construct fixes a number of bugs, together with one which may stop you from connecting to OneDrive utilizing the OneDrive app. It additionally has safety updates for the Microsoft Scripting Engine, Home windows App Platform and Frameworks, the Microsoft Retailer, Home windows Graphics, Home windows Enter and Composition, Home windows Media, Home windows Shell, Home windows Fundamentals, Home windows Administration, Home windows Kernel, Home windows Hybrid Cloud Networking, Home windows Storage and Filesystems, Home windows Replace Stack, Home windows MSXML, Home windows File Server and Clustering, Home windows Distant Desktop, Web Explorer, Microsoft Edge Legacy, and the Microsoft JET Database Engine. For particulars, see the Launch notes for the July 2020 Safety Updates.
There may be one identified subject on this construct, through which when utilizing some apps, similar to Microsoft Excel, customers of the Microsoft Enter Technique Editor (IME) for Chinese language and Japanese may obtain an error, or the app may cease responding or shut when trying to pull utilizing the mouse.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
(Get extra data about KB4565503.)
KB4567523 (OS Construct 19041.331)
Launch date: June 18, 2020
This minor construct fixes a single subject, through which sure printers couldn’t print, generated print errors, or induced apps and print spoolers to shut unexpectedly.
There may be one identified subject on this construct, which impacts the ImeMode property to manage the Enter Technique Editor (IME) mode for particular person textual content entry fields to extend typing effectivity. Some IMEs on this construct might need points utilizing the ImeMode property with sure apps, for instance the enter mode won’t swap robotically to Kanji or Hiragana.
(Get extra data about KB4567523.)
KB4557957 (OS Construct 19041.329)
Launch date: June 9, 2020
This construct improves the reliability of voice assistants that use key phrases and has safety updates for the Microsoft Scripting Engine, Microsoft Edge, Web Explorer, Home windows App Platform and Frameworks, Home windows Media, Home windows Kernel, Microsoft Graphics Part, Home windows Enter and Composition, Home windows Shell, Home windows Silicon Platform, Microsoft Xbox, the Microsoft Retailer, Home windows Cloud Infrastructure, Home windows Fundamentals, Home windows Administration, Home windows Authentication, Home windows Cryptography, Microsoft HoloLens, Home windows Virtualization, Home windows Peripherals, Home windows Storage and Filesystems, Home windows File Server and Clustering, Home windows Hybrid Storage Companies, the Microsoft JET Database Engine, and the Home windows Replace Stack. For particulars, see the Launch Notes for June 2020 Safety Updates.
There are not any identified points on this construct.
What IT must know: As a result of it is a safety replace, it must be utilized comparatively quickly. Over the subsequent few weeks, examine for reviews about problematic points, and if all appears effectively, apply the replace.
(Get extra data about KB4557957.)
Home windows 10 Might 2020 Replace (model 2004)
Launch date: Might 27, 2020
Model 2004, known as the Home windows 10 Might 2020 Replace, is the latest replace to Home windows 10. This can be a comparatively minor replace however does have a wide range of new options for each customers and system directors. For extra particulars, see: “Evaluate: Home windows 10 Might 2020 Replace delivers little tweaks that add as much as… effectively, not quite a bit.”
Right here’s a fast abstract of what’s new in 2004:
- Cortana now runs as a standalone app in a resizable window. It additionally loses a wide range of capabilities, similar to taking part in music, controlling residence gadgets, and dealing on the lock display.
- Process Supervisor now shows new info, together with the temperature of your GPU and your disk sort.
- Settings will get many small tweaks, together with including a header with account info, and a redone community standing web page that mixes info that was discovered on a number of pages, similar to your IP handle, present connection properties and knowledge utilization.
- The Home windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) will get extra options. It now makes use of an actual Linux kernel, and is quicker than beforehand.
- IT can now benefit from Home windows Hi there biometrics logins quite than passwords, by setting that up because the default on enterprise gadgets.
- Putting in and establishing Home windows for others has been made simpler because of new controls added to Dynamic Replace, which may result in much less downtime throughout set up for customers.
- Quite a lot of new instructions have been given to PowerShell for Supply Optimization, a Home windows networking service that reduces bandwidth consumption by sharing the work of downloading replace and improve packages amongst a number of gadgets in enterprise deployments.
- The safety of the Chromium model of Edge has been improved, because of porting Software Guard to it.